Pet Supplies

Key Procurement Guidelines and Considerations

  1. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a non-profit organization that is committed to advancing sustainability in the non-medical pet supplies.

The pet industry is booming! An estimated 103.6 billion dollars was spent in the U.S. pet market in 2020 and this is expected to grow1. In 1988, the first year that the American Pet Products Association conducted its National Pet Owners Survey, 56% of U.S. households owned a pet1. In 2021 the number of U.S. household with pets increased to 70%1.

With so many pets come a plethora of pet supplies.  Although beyond the scope of this clinically focused guide, there is an excellent resource to help one navigate the vast pet supply industry.

 

The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a non-profit organization whose mission statement strives to “advance business through profitable environmental and social practices”2. They are focused on collaboration with all levels of procurement from manufacturers to retailers in hopes of creating a positive impact for the communities and environments in which they do business. They offer memberships, resources, and accreditation to businesses that are committed to transparency and real sustainable change. They are a resource to consider for sustainability in pet supplies.

 

Buyer Beware

Although eco-labels can be helpful, they can also lead one astray through vague buzzwords, e.g. “environmentally friendly,” “eco safe” and “green”. This is an example of greenwashing.

References

  1. Pet Industry Market Size, Trends, & Ownership Statistics. American Pet Products Association. Retrieved from https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp. (2021)
  2. About PSC. Pet Sustainability Coalition. Retrieved from https://petsustainability.org/about-psc-2/#core-values. (2022) 

License

SAVE Veterinary Procurement Guide Copyright © 2022 by Malea McGimsey; Caroline Kern-Allely; Tiera McAdam; Val Cortes; Colleen Duncan; and Maddi Funk. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book