Sustainability behind the scenes at Pet Refuge

SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND THE SCENES AT PET REFUGE

Caring for hundreds of pets means plenty of washing, cleaning, water, energy and supplies.

At our purpose-built shelter, we look for practical ways to conserve resources, reduce waste and make more sustainable choices — while always putting the health, safety and wellbeing of the pets in our care first.

Here are some of the ways sustainability is built into everyday life at Pet Refuge.

USING WATER AND ENERGY WISELY

Tank water allows us to capture and use rainwater for appropriate activities around the shelter, helping reduce our reliance on mains supply.

Energy-efficient LED lighting and appliances — including our hard-working washing machines and dryers — help reduce the energy required for everyday shelter operations.

GIVING DONATED GOODS A LONGER LIFE

Goods donated by our wonderful supporters can be put to good use at the shelter, helping extend the lifecycle of items that may no longer be needed in another home.

Blankets and towels provide bedding, comfort and support for everyday pet care. Donated toys can become part of our enrichment programmes, while cat towers provide places to climb, scratch, explore and relax.

Where items are safe and suitable, we aim to get as much life from them as possible.

TURNING EVERYDAY MATERIALS INTO ENRICHMENT

Enrichment doesn't always need to come from something brand new.

Our Shelter Team can turn cardboard offcuts, boxes, paper, cardboard tubes and old towels into activities that encourage pets to sniff, search, forage, explore and problem-solve.

For dogs, that might be treats rolled inside an old towel, cardboard treat puzzles or boxes filled with scrunched paper and hidden treats.

For cats, boxes can become hideaways and tunnels, while cardboard, paper and egg cartons can become simple scratching, foraging and treat-search activities.

It's a great way to give everyday materials another uses before they eventually make their way to the recycling bin.

REDUCING WASTE AROUND THE SHELTER

We recycle waste across the shelter and, where appropriate, use biodegradable cleaning products while maintaining the high hygiene standards required in a shelter environment.

We also compost suitable farm pet waste for use in our gardens and incorporate native planting throughout the property.

Together, these everyday practices help us make thoughtful use of our resources while continuing to provide the high standard of care every pet at Pet Refuge deserves.

A SHARED COMMITMENT TO MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICES

We're proud to have Elanco as an Official Partner of Pet Refuge and to work alongside an organisation also looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact.

One example is the Seresto™ NEW more sustainable pack.

The NEW more sustainable pack delivers the same trusted, 8-month flea and tick protection for cats and dogs, in a more sustainable pack. 

More sustainable pack: There’s a 70% reduction in carbon footprint (kg CO2) compared to the previous tin. *

Key features of the Seresto™ NEW more sustainable pack

• The moulded fibre box is made from renewable sources, produced in Europe and is recyclable1.
• The banderole wraps around the box, helping it to stand upright on shelf to provide increased visibility of product information and pack claims. It is recyclable1.
• The collar packaging remains unchanged in a plastic sleeve to keep the collar protected.

To find out more visit: Seresto™ flea and tick collar for dogs and cats | NZ

The recyclable packaging change for the Seresto™ NEW more sustainable pack advances Elanco’s commitment to minimising its environmental footprint through the “Go Beyond for Society” initiative.

For more information: visit www.elanco.com/us/impact

From the choices we make around our shelter to changes in the products and packaging we use, there are lots of ways to make sustainability part of everyday life.

*70% less CO2 compared to previous Seresto™ tin packaging. Kiwa GmbH Lifecycle Assessment Comparison, 2023. This relates only to packaging impact and does not cover any other aspect of the product lifecycle (e.g. manufacturing environmental impacts).

 1. Ministry for the Environment. 2023. Standard materials for kerbside collections: Guidance. Wellington: Ministry for the Environment.
Accessed: https://environment.govt.nz/publications/standard-materials-for-kerbside-collections-guidance-for-territorial-authorities/