We love to spoil our dogs, cats, parakeets, and hamsters. In fact, Americans spend $45 billion annually on pets! Instead of dumping our dollars into any retailer hocking a cute chew toy, with a little conscious consumerism, our purchases can support retailers that contribute to animal welfare. Score pet-safe products, treats, and toys for your furballs while supporting these five companies that give back.

West Paw Design

This eco-chic pet retailer carries a range of toys, apparel, and beds for dogs and cats. They regularly donate products to charities to raffle off in fundraisers. Nominate your favorite shelter or charity to receive one of their monthly donations.

Planet Dog

While this manufacturer develops pet-friendly dog products, they also run their own 501(c)(3) foundation, Planet Dog Foundation. The company donates two percent of every purchase to the foundation, which “funds programs that train, place and support working dogs helping people in need.”

Zukes

Zukes makes healthy, natural treats for both dogs and cats. The responsible retailer donates a portion of every sale to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund. The company also pays their employees to bike or scooter to work!

EFA Artists Helping Animals

Etsy for Animals (EFA) Artists Helping Animals “is a group of more than 500 independent artists, independent craftspeople, independent vintage suppliers, and independent art and craft suppliers that combine their efforts to provide charitable relief to animals.” You can locate individual retailers on their site or by searching “team efa” in Etsy’s search bar.

Earthdog

This conservation-driven company manufactures leashes, collars, beds, and chew toys, all made from hemp. In addition to creating cute, sustainable products, 10 percent of Earthdog profits go to kody’s fund, a 501(c)(3) organization that funds spay and neuter programs.

They also donate products to animal rescues!

Image: Bowi The Boxer

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Now that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is underway, footie fever is spreading fast. While the World Cup isn’t looking so green, some partners are trying to do their part – Nike’s World Cup jerseys are made from recycled PET water bottles – and you and your dog can get in on the recycling action with Planet Dog’s Orbee Tuff Soccer Ball.

Even though David Beckham is stuck on the bench this World Cup, England’s injured star was recently spotted playing fetch with his bulldog Coco in a Beverly Hills dog park using the Planet Dog soccer ball. Too bad one green dog toy can’t help Beckhams’ monstrous carbon footprint!

The ball is made out of non-toxic materials so you don’t have to worry about chemicals like phthalates and BPA. It also scores by being made in the USA and is recyclable. The 5-inch diameter soccer ball is great for strong chewers who destroy your average tennis ball in minutes.

Image: Muffet

The post EcoSalon-Approved Soccer Ball for Fido’s World Cup Fever appeared first on EcoSalon.