(PRESS RELEASE) CHARLOTTE, NC — Pet care professionals seeking proven, real-world solutions to improve animal wellbeing, staff experience, environmental outcomes, and financial performance now have a definitive new resource. “Sustainability in Pet Care: Lessons in Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability from the Frontlines of Pet Care,” written by Alex McKinnon, is the first and only book written specifically for pet professionals that addresses pets, people, planet, and profits simultaneously. As part of its commitment to driving real, measurable progress across the pet industry, the Pet Sustainability Coalition is proud to spotlight this new resource from member company Kinn Inc.
Unlike general business or environmental texts, Sustainability in Pet Care delivers industry-specific guidance rooted in McKinnon’s 4 P’s Framework: Pets, People, Planet, and Profits. The book provides practical strategies spanning facility design and architecture, daily workflows, staff training, resource use, and leadership systems, all with the goal of creating healthier animals, stronger teams, and more resilient businesses.
Grounded in Expertise and Frontline Experience
Drawing from more than 30 years of executive leadership and interviews with over 20 of the country’s top pet care experts, McKinnon translates complex challenges into actionable solutions pet professionals can implement immediately.
Inside the book, readers will explore how to:
- Design facilities that support animal health, reduce stress, and lower operational risk
- Improve outcomes for pets through enrichment, training, safe cleaning practices, and personalized care
- Support staff through leadership, inclusion, and education that improves retention and care quality
- Make informed decisions about water, energy, materials, and waste that reduce unnecessary consumption while maintaining sanitation and safety
- Streamline workflows and apply technology to reclaim staff time for hands-on animal care
Rather than relying on broad or ambiguous environmental claims, each recommendation is clearly explained in terms of its impact on animal wellbeing, staff efficiency, facility performance, and resource use.
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A Striking Insight from the Book
One example of the book’s practical, evidence-based approach to animal wellbeing:
“For dogs, enrichment and training are essential tools for improving welfare. Because a dog’s strongest sense is smell, just 10 minutes of scent-based enrichment can have a similar calming and confidence-building effect as approximately 40 minutes of walking.”
This type of insight reflects the book’s focus on outcomes-driven care, not trends or buzzwords.
Why This Book Matters Now
Pet care professionals face increasing pressure from labor shortages, rising costs, and growing expectations around transparency and care standards. What makes Sustainability in Pet Care unique is that it does not ask facilities to choose between compassion and performance.
This is the only book in the pet industry that provides specific, practical solutions to simultaneously improve outcomes for pets, people, the environment, and financial performance. With this book, facilities build long-term resilience rather than short-term fixes.
Author Availability & Industry Engagement
Alex McKinnon is available for:
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- Conference keynote and breakout sessions
- Virtual and in-person speaking engagements
- Panel discussions and industry webinars
- Media interviews and expert commentary
Purchase the book and find more information at sustainabilityinpetcare.com.
About Alex McKinnon
Alex McKinnon is the Founder and CEO of Kinn Inc., a Pet Sustainability Coalition member company recognized as a Top 20 Sustainable Pet Brand. Before launching Kinn in 2011, McKinnon led multi-million-dollar businesses across the U.S. and Europe at Gillette, Braun, Bell Sports, and Sara Lee. His work centers on helping pet care professionals improve animal health outcomes, support staff, manage resources responsibly, and build stronger businesses through practical, measurable change.
About Kinn Inc.
Kinn Inc. partners with pet care professionals to improve animal wellbeing, strengthen staff performance, and support responsible use of resources across facilities. Through thoughtfully designed products, education, and its 4 P’s Framework: Pets, People, Planet, and Profits. Kinn helps facilities implement practical improvements that benefit daily operations, animal care, and long-term resilience. Founded in 2011, Kinn is committed to progress that is measurable, transparent, and grounded in real-world application. Learn more at kinninc.com.
About the Pet Sustainability Coalition
The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that advances business in the pet industry through collaboration, education, and innovation. Founded in 2013 by eight companies, PSC now serves more than 200 member companies across the pet industry, helping them to progress on their sustainability practices, set and strive for ambitious goals, and report on their achievements. Additionally, PSC leads retailers, distributors, manufacturers, brands, and suppliers in pursuing collaborative solutions to some of the largest industry-wide issues, such as sustainable packaging and protein sourcing. Connect with them on LinkedIn and YouTube. Learn more at www.petsustainability.org. As a convener of diverse perspectives in the pet industry, PSC shares member-generated resources to foster dialogue and progress. Content does not necessarily reflect PSC’s official positions.
