Most of us love animals. In some way or another pets, for example, have touched our lives. Whether it is fond childhood memories, a current pet that we love or both, humanity’s pets have enriched and added a great deal to our lives.

A very strong argument can be made that without mankind’s relationship with dogs, the road to society would have been a much more difficult one. One of the key components to the formation of society was humanity’s partnership with dogs. In prehistoric times, dogs served as an extension of mankind. Thanks to dogs, mankind was able to have a biological early warning system that alerted our ancestors to approaching hostile animals both of the two-legged and four-legged variety.

The simple fact, one that is routinely overlooked in a rather dramatic fashion, is that we owe the animals that we share the planet with, especially our fellow mammals. In addition to dogs, many other mammals helped mankind build our society. Sheep provided not just milk and cheese, but also wool to help us keep warm. Even birds have gotten into the act, for example, homing pigeons which proved remarkably reliable throughout history. In short, animals have played a key role in shaping our history, our society and our culture.

Let’s take a glimpse at five of the top ways that we humans can give back to our animal friends:

Tip #1-Pet Adoption

It would be impossible not to include pet adoption when creating a list of ways that people can help animals. There are plenty of animals out there that need homes. A trip to virtually any pet adoption shelter quickly makes this fact clear.

The world is awash in homeless dogs and cats. Keep in mind that through the last several thousand years that humanity has essentially genetically engineered an animal that wants to hang out with us and be our friend. The animal in question is, of course, the dog. Our pet shelters have plenty of options. Likewise, there are plenty of cats at pet adoption centers.

Medical science has proven that owning a cat can help lower stress levels. Having a pet has been proven to combat loneliness and may even impact longevity and boost one’s immune system. So when you are helping a pet in need, you and your family will likely benefit as well!

Tip #2-Eat Less Meat

No doubt the recommendation to eat less meat will not bring a smile to the faces of several industries, but the bottom line is that meat consumption will invariably drop in the long run. Climate change will simply not allow for meat consumption to increase, at least not for long. In the end, meat consumption will decrease.

Currently, the race is on to find a meat substitute, and millions of dollars are being invested towards the creation of a meat substitute that consumers love. At this moment, there are several meat substitutes that are tasty and work to demonstrate the potential of meat substitutes.

Meat production comes with a massive carbon footprint. Once again, just as with pet adoption, we see that consuming less meat equates with helping the planet and, in the process, helping mankind.

Tip #3-Buy Quality Pet Food

If you are a pet lover or will soon be adopting an animal friend, then take some time to consider your pet food options. Not all pet food is created equally.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of pet food is made from very low quality ingredients –these are ingredients that include additives that can harm your pet’s overall health and well-being. In our quest to help animals, it is important to think about your pet’s diet and opt for healthy foods that can prolong your pets’ lifespan and quality of life even if it costs a bit more.

Tip #4-Cleaning Supplies and Your Pet

Your pet spends a good deal of time on the ground and may be more susceptible to the toxic compounds frequently found in cleaning products. Green cleaning products, based on natural substances, are safer for you, your family, your children and, of course, your pets.

As a huge added benefit, switching to green cleaning products helps to keep harmful pollutants out of our water, which helps protect both the health of humans and our animal friends.

Tip #5-Support Worthwhile Pet Oriented Charities

There are of course no shortage of deserving and worthwhile charities. One of the best ways to help animals is to look for charities whose purpose is to find ways to help animals. Donating to a local pet shelter is a good idea in that you’ll have a better idea as to how your funds are being used. And you can go visit in person and give a hug to a furry friend.

Also it’s essential to carefully select products not tested on animals. Animal testing causes millions of animals including rabbits, cats, dogs rodents, and even primates to be locked away inside cages. They experience painful and cruel tests that go into the creation of cosmetics, drugs and food for people. But many of these tests and experiments are simply unnecessary and, in other situations, animal testing could take place in a much more humane manner.

Why Do We Owe Animals So Much?

When it comes to helping pets, perhaps the greatest step that any of us can take is to respect animals. Throughout history, animals have made unimaginable sacrifices in the process of helping humanity create civilization. Horses helped humanity spread across the world, oxen and other beast of burden helped us plow our fields and dogs guarded both our livestock and our very lives.

Like so much in life, we take our animals for granted. But the inescapable truth is that life for humanity would have been much, much more difficult without the animals with which we share the world. Simply stated, we owe them. Our technology has now advanced to the point that we can in fact begin to replace this millennial old debt.