Backyard Habitat
Pets and Your Backyard Habitat
Pets can be an important part of any family home, but pets and their waste can have a tremendous impact on wildlife and water quality.
How to be a Responsible Pet Owner
Keep cats indoors: Cats that are allowed outdoors kill millions of birds and other small animals every year. Outdoor cats are often killed by cars or attacked by other animals and also run the risk of contracting diseases or parasites (such as fleas and ticks). For more information, including tips for transitioning your cat to indoor living, see American Bird Conservancy’s campaign on Cats Indoors!
- Don’t flush kitty litter: Cat waste can have a parasite in it that causes toxoplasmosis, which harms marine mammals, including sea otters. When kitty litter is flushed, these parasites can survive the sewage treatment plant and end up in open water.
- Scoop dog poop: Pick up after your dog in the yard, street, or park. The bacteria in dog poop can make people and animals sick. Leaving dog waste allows that bacteria to seep into waterways. The best way to properly dispose of dog poop is to bag it and throw it in the garbage (not your yard waste or compost bin!). For more information, see City of Seattle’s tips on Pet Waste Disposal.
Smart Pet Choices
Do you need help choosing a pet that won’t harm local wildlife and habitats? Check out the NW Zoo & Aquarium Alliance’s Smart Pet Choices website, where you can get information on choosing appropriate pets as well as download a Smart Pet Choices pocket card.
Next up: Observing and Living with Wildlife
