Cosy season care for pets and planet

As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, autumn brings new routines for pets, owners, and horse yards alike. It’s a season of muddy paws, darker walks, and chilly stables, and with a few simple, sustainable swaps, we can keep our pets comfortable while reducing our impact on the planet.

A man with his dog out outside - Agria Pet Insurance

At Agria, we believe every choice matters. From greener energy use to safer, more sustainable products, autumn is a chance to put our pets’ wellbeing first. There are many things we can do, at home, in our yards, and through our daily routines.

Keeping the lights on

With shorter days here, many of us find ourselves out with the dogs before sunrise or heading to the yard after dark. Good lighting is essential for safety and peace of mind, but traditional options can be energy-hungry. Switching to LED bulbs or solar-powered yard lights gives you the same brightness with a fraction of the energy use, saving money as well as emissions.

Don’t forget the simple fixes too. If your stables or barns have windows or skylights, give them a thorough clean. It’s amazing how much natural light can be restored by removing dust and grime, helping you make the most of every bit of daylight before reaching for the switch.

When out walking your dog or riding in the darker evenings, rechargeable LED collars and clip-on lights keep everyone safe without the waste of disposable batteries. Reflective rugs, coats and strips can also be very effective and make you much more visible.

Keeping cosy

As temperatures drop, heating costs and energy use rise. In horse yards, insulation and draught-proofing stables can help retain warmth without relying on energy-intensive heaters. Where extra heat is needed, infrared lamps or thermostatically controlled systems use less power than older alternatives.

At home, making sure beds and kennels are raised off cold floors, or lining sleeping areas with old blankets, helps pets stay cosy without cranking up the thermostat and cuddling up together will keep both of you warm and happy!

Autumn feeding and food waste

Colder weather may mean the need for extra calories, especially active dogs or horses in work. But balancing this carefully is key: overfeeding not only risks their health but also leads to more food waste, a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Consider buying food in larger, recyclable packs, or using refill stations where available. For horses, bulk feed in paper sacks or reusable tubs cuts down on plastic. And measuring feeds precisely means healthier animals and less waste for bins and budgets.

Seasonal swaps for play and care

Autumn is a great time to refresh toys, rugs, and accessories, but it doesn’t have to mean buying new. Repairing, reusing, or swapping within local groups (like horse tack exchanges and marketplaces) extends the life of products and reduces the demand for virgin materials. When replacements are needed, look for items made from recycled or natural fibres.

Even small changes, like choosing washable cloths instead of disposables, add up over the season.

Caring for pets = caring for the planet

This autumn, think of sustainability as another layer of care. Just as we protect our pets from the cold and dark, we can also protect the environment they depend on by making choices that reduce waste, save energy, and keep them safe.

At Agria, we’ve made changes too, from cutting single-use plastics in our offices to supporting charities and projects that restore nature and biodiversity. Because every action, big or small, makes a difference.

For more hints, tips, and to follow our sustainability journey, visit: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/sustainability/