Pets
/Home & Leisure

Shopping for a condo? Emotional support pets differ from service animals under the law
Q: My daughter lives in a large apartment building in a western suburb of Chicago. She is allowed to have her emotional support animal as long as she has documentation from her doctor.
Now she is shopping around for a condominium. There is a unit that she really likes; however, the owner told her that no pets are allowed. We told her it is an ...Read more

Human, bird or dog waste? Scientists parsing poop to aid DC's forgotten river
WASHINGTON -- On a bright October day, high schoolers from Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus piled into a boat on the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. Most had never been on the water before.
Their guide, Trey Sherard of the Anacostia Riverkeeper, started the tour with a well-rehearsed safety talk. The nonprofit advocates for the ...Read more

How microchips help keep your pet safe
The closure of national pet microchip company Save This Life has left many pet owners worried and scrambling. Since collars can be removed and collar tags can fall off, microchips are a crucial part of reuniting a lost or stolen pet with their owner. In fact, pets with microchips are three times more likely to be reunited with their families. ...Read more

Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed
For many people, pets provide unconditional love, companionship and a sense of security. But not all human-pet relationships are beneficial, and some may contribute to stress and anxiety rather than relief.
Psychologists have been studying attachment theory for decades. This framework explains how people form emotional bonds, seek ...Read more

What to Do if You Find a Stray Cat and How to Introduce It to Your Household
Finding a stray cat can be both a heartwarming and challenging experience. Whether the cat is lost, abandoned or feral, taking the right steps ensures its safety while preventing potential issues for your household and other pets.
The first step is to determine whether the cat is truly a stray or belongs to someone. A well-fed, friendly cat may...Read more

AKC tips for introducing your dog to your new baby
The time spent preparing to welcome a baby home is all-consuming. Even though it’s a busy time, it’s important to remember that your dog will also need time to adjust to this big change, especially if this is your first child.
Your dog is used to being the center of attention, and it can be difficult for your canine to give up that spot....Read more

Prevent food guarding: The AKC shares tips to avoid defensive behavior
The urge for dogs to guard their food is natural. If you notice your dog is defensive of their toys or bed, it is important to take action to keep it from progressing.
To prevent your dog from food guarding, the American Kennel Club suggests the following tips:
Give your dog space during mealtime. Refrain from interacting with your pup ...Read more

House cats with bird flu could pose a risk to public health
More than 80 domestic cats, among many other types of mammals, have been confirmed to have had bird flu since 2022 — generally barn cats that lived on dairy farms, as well as feral cats and pets that spend time outdoors and likely caught it by hunting diseased rodents or wild birds.
Now, a small but growing number of house cats have gotten ...Read more

The AKC offers tips on how to keep your dog safe around Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is coming up and many homes will be filled with chocolates and flowers. Most dog owners are aware of the danger of giving chocolate to dogs, but accidents do happen and every year thousands of dogs are still seen at veterinary emergency rooms for chocolate ingestion.
Here are some tips to identify, prevent and treat ...Read more

Fair-weather pets: These states have seen the biggest change in cats surrendered to shelters
The year has started fairly positively for the shelters and rescue facilities caring for homeless kitties. In most parts of the country, shelters recorded notably lower rates of cat surrenders in 2024 than in 2023 and 2022, with around 340,000 cats surrendered to shelters by December of last year, according to Shelter Animals Count's intake ...Read more

Tips to keep your dog from accidentally starting a fire
During the winter months, everyone is trying to keep the heat in and the cold out. The use of heating devices and candles, while effective, can be a serious fire hazard. Especially with a four-legged friend running around.
The American Kennel Club offers these tips to help prevent home fires and keep your pets safe:
Install smoke detectors...Read more
Detroit council approves ban on selling dogs, cats at pet shops in city
DETROIT — Detroit is banning the sale of dogs and cats at retail pet stores in the city, under a new ordinance the city council approved Tuesday.
In a unanimous vote, the council approved the measure, which still allows breeders to still sell dogs and cats directly to the public. Pet stores also could work with animal adoption groups to sell ...Read more

Does your feline think she's a tiger? 'Cats: Predators to Pets' exhibit shows she has a point
CHICAGO -- The Field Museum’s lakefront building isn’t original to the “White City” constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, but its collection began as a permanent home for many of the items exhibited at that famous fair. One of these 19th century specimens, a taxidermy tiger, is now prominently displayed in an array of ...Read more

The Chihuahua: A Small Dog with a Big Personality
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, yet it carries itself with the confidence and charisma of a much larger dog. Known for their larger-than-life personalities and strong bond with their owners, Chihuahuas have become a beloved breed for many pet enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the ...Read more

The AKC offers socialization tips for your puppy
Socializing your pup is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Making sure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved around others is critical and should start early on in their training. It is key to start exposing your puppy to new people, places and situations as soon as you can for them to feel happy and confident throughout ...Read more

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Separation anxiety is a common behavioral condition in dogs that can lead to significant stress for both pets and their owners. It occurs when a dog becomes overly attached to their human companion and experiences extreme distress when left alone. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and practical treatment strategies for managing ...Read more

Paris Hilton's foster dog is 'sliving her best life'
Paris Hilton's foster dog is "sliving her best life" after she rescued the pooch amid the Los Angeles wildfires.
The 43-year-old socialite opened up her home to Chihuahua mix Zuzu, who was being cared for at the Pasadena Humane Society after her owners lost their homes in the devastating blazes and she fitted in so well to their household, she'...Read more

Dogs paired with providers at hospitals help ease staff and patient stress
DENVER — Outside HCA HealthONE Rose medical center, the snow is flying. Inside, on the third floor, there’s a flurry of activity within the labor and delivery unit.
“There’s a lot of action up here. It can be very stressful at times,” said Kristina Fraser, an OB-GYN in blue scrubs.
Nurses wheel a very pregnant mom past.
“We’re ...Read more
Saving Beloved Pets Caught in Los Angeles Wildfires
I knew it was a big ask when I reached out to Los Angeles area veterinarian Dr. Annie Harvilicz to see if she could talk to me. She's known by most as "Dr. Annie," and when a friend shared her social media posts showing her efforts to save animals caught in the raging fires, I knew people outside of greater Los Angeles had to know about her work...Read more

Tips on how to have a pet-friendly party
Dog owners need to make sure their pups are cared for during get-togethers with friends and family.
Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club to make sure your dog and your guests have an enjoyable and safe party experience.
Let your guests know. When setting up your celebration, make sure you remind all your guests that your dog ...Read more
Popular Stories
- Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed
- Human, bird or dog waste? Scientists parsing poop to aid DC's forgotten river
- When people are under economic stress, their pets suffer too – we found parts of Detroit that are animal welfare deserts
- How microchips help keep your pet safe
- Kitty hot-stone massages and canine acupuncture: Specialty vet teaches old dogs new tricks