The greening of America has made it to our pets.

From dog collars that were once inner tubes and cat toys made from soda bottles, to pet-safe organic bug sprays and holistic foods made with only human grade ingredients, our pets are lessening their carbon paw prints.

Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, said the strongest trend has been a move to organic or healthier foods. He said the change was noticed even before the frightening pet food recalls of 2007, and has continued growing strong.

"If it's a strong human trend, then it's going to pop up on the pet side, too," he said.

One of the companies making a high-end, natural food is Pet Promise. Co-founder Dave Carter said companies like his don't use the byproducts and rendered meal found in most pet foods.

"Conventional pet foods are about buying the cheapest cuts and adding to that," Carter said. In contrast, companies like Pet Promise buy hormone and antibiotic free foods from small farms and ranches.

Barbara Haumann, with the Organic Trade Association, said some companies selling organic pet foods have seen sales jump up to 500 percent. In the most recent statistics available, Haumann said sales of organic pet food were $30 million in 2005, but increased to $41 million in 2006. And the group anticipates growth of 33 percent a year through 2010.

"With organics, there's traceability," Haumann said. "People can know the source of the ingredients."

And it's not just foods that are getting the green touch. A number of companies are turning to more earth-friendly pet products as well. Tropiclean, a line of natural dog shampoos, now is packaging its 20-ounce line in a bottle made of corn instead of petroleum-based plastics.

"People aren't demanding eco-friendly packaging yet, but we expect they will," said Derrik Kassebaum, director of sales for Cosmos, the company that owns the line.

Spencer Williams, owner of West Paw Design in Montana, said his company worked with a fabric mill to make a fabric from recycled soda bottles.

"It's a little hard to know what a ton of carbon looks like, but people can visualize what five plastic soda bottles look like," said Williams.

People also are concerned about what's being used around their pets. HoMedics now has an air revitalizer, the brethe, that uses only natural botanical extracts and water to neutralize odors.

"A lot of room deodorizers are chemically based or synthetic," said Barb Westfield for HoMedics. "We really wanted to have everything as natural as possible."

Getting away from chemicals was also the impetus behind EcoSmart, an insecticide that uses organic plant oils, so it's safe around pets and children.

"Ten years ago, when I first went to talk to professional pest control companies and major stores like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, they all said there wasn't a demand for our product," said Steve Bessett, owner of the Alpharetta-based company. "Now they're calling us and saying they need a green program."

Recycled pet products also are taking off, like the dog and cat toys made from recycled soda bottles. The American Kennel Club has a new line of toys and accessories that uses 100 percent recycled polyester stuffing and 80 percent recycled packaging. And Booda has a fun line of dog toys out called Crinkle Critters that are a material sleeve people can put over a used water bottle. When one bottle is destroyed, it can be replaced with another.

"So many people now think of their pets as family members," said the APPMA's Vetere. "People want healthier products for themselves and they also want them for their pets."

For tips from the book "Eco Dog: Healthy Living For Your Pet," go to ajcpets.com.

B&B getaway.

Adopt a cat from Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends, and you could end up spending a weekend at an Ashville bed and breakfast. The owners of the Chestnut Street Inn B&B are donating a two-night stay in honor of Mr. Pumpkin Pie, their newly adopted cat who likes to greet their guests. Anyone who adopts a cat by July 7 is eligible to win. For more information go to www.aarfatlanta.org or call 678-318-1886.

Rummage sale.

Do a bit of shopping and help the homeless animals of Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter Auxiliary is holding a rummage sale at the shelter from 1 to 4 p.m. June 29. There also will be animals available for adoption. 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Information: 770-345-7270, www.cchumanesociety.org.

Canine Cocktails.

Hotel Indigo-Atlanta has restarted its Canine Cocktails on Tuesday evenings, and now it's added live music. Dogs enjoy the complimentary treat and water bars, owners can sample cocktails and casual fare from the hotel's Golden Bean restaurant. Pets with credit cards also can order from the doggie menu. There will be photo ops and adoptable dogs each week. 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 26, 683 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-874-9200.

PET TIP

July Fourth can be terrifying for pets. Talk to your vet for ways to make it easier on your furry friend.