Supporting animal welfare organizations usually takes time and money. Unfortunately, not many of us have the time required to commit to volunteering. The extra money to make donations isn't in everyone's budgets either. Now, it’s easier than ever to contribute to animal welfare organizations, as many manufacturers are donating portions of their proceeds from certain products to charity.
One of these manufacturers is Lucy Pet Products. They are a family owned and operated business located in Thousand Oaks, California. Company founder and president, Joey Herrick, also founded a registered nonprofit animal charity called The Lucy Pet Foundation. The organization’s mission is to reduce pet overpopulation and euthanasia of dogs and cats in the United States.
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Inspiration for the foundation came from Lucy, as you may have guessed. Lucy is a Chihuahua mix who had been a stray for quite some time when she was finally found. Covered in dirt, with toenails curling around her paws and tire marks on her back, Lucy was rescued and nursed back to health. A few weeks after she was adopted she gave birth to a litter of puppies. Now Lucy lives with Joey Herrick and his family.
Lucy Pet Products recently launched a new line of luxury dog shampoos and leave-in conditioning sprays called ‘Products with a Cause.’ These grooming products are made with natural ingredients, and of course they are cruelty free. All net profits, after taxes and expenses, go to support the Lucy Pet Foundation.
The company’s dedication to animals and the environment really shows in their products. You will not find parabens, sulfates, phosphates or any other harsh chemical ingredients in any of their products. Each shampoo and conditioning spray has specific benefits for your dog’s coat and skin, and all their products come in metal bottles that are 100 percent recyclable. Their products are even manufactured in a 100 percent solar powered production facility.
According to Herrick:
“We’re committed and proud to be a sustainable, ethical company with a cause to help animals in local communities around the country. Supporting animal welfare is at the heart of what we do.”
You can find Lucy Pet Products shampoos and conditioning sprays at Petco stores and pet specialty stores all over the country. They also export their products worldwide, and you can purchase their grooming product lines through their website and other online retailers as well.
It’s not uncommon to hear about companies that were inspired by the owners’ pets. Many of these pets are often rescues, and they typically have some type of issue that requires the owner to buy some kind of specialty product. Whether it’s a skin condition, anxiety problem or behavior issue, sometimes pet owners cannot find the product they need. That’s when pet parents with an entrepreneurial spirit usually take matters into their own hands.
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Not all products that donate a portion of their proceeds are made with quality ingredients. It’s definitely not worth jeopardizing your pet’s health just to donate a few dollars to animal welfare. After all, you have to worry about your dog’s welfare too. Remember that just because a manufacturer donates to charity, doesn’t mean they are a reputable company.
No matter what product you’re purchasing, take a few minutes to do a little research. Most of us have smartphones now, and that gives us the power of the internet in the palm of our hands. Do a quick search of the product to make sure it’s made with quality ingredients and check to make sure that it is cruelty free. It doesn’t make much sense to buy a product that donates to an animal welfare group but tests its products on animals. Making smart purchasing decisions will not only benefit you and your pet, but it could also help animals in need around the world.
