Did pets raise well-being during COVID? Maybe not

Although pet owners report pets improving their lives, there isn't a reliable link between pet ownership and well-being during COVID, a study finds.

Michigan State • futurity
Nov. 7, 2023 • ~4 min

Your dog probably prefers food to toys

It may not come as a big surprise, but dogs would rather have food than a toy.

Eric Hamilton-Florida • futurity
Oct. 17, 2023 • ~3 min

There's a thriving global market in turtles, and much of that trade is illegal

More than half of the world’s turtle species are endangered or threatened, and overhunting of wild species is a major cause.

Jennifer Sevin, Visiting Lecturer in Biology, University of Richmond • conversation
Oct. 2, 2023 • ~10 min

What's the carbon footprint of owning pet fish? An expert explains

New research reveals the environmental impact of keeping tropical fish as household pets – but there are ways to reduce it.

William Perry, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University • conversation
Sept. 26, 2023 • ~7 min

Vet students pick up iffy beliefs about dog breeds and pain

Veterinary students pick up on cultural attitudes about dog breeds and pain—attitudes that aren't always in line with research findings.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
Sept. 13, 2023 • ~6 min

Chimpanzees are not pets, no matter what social media tells you

Why wild chimpanzees end up as pets and how we can keep them in the wild.

Jake Brooker, Research Associate in the Department of Psychology, Durham University • conversation
Sept. 7, 2023 • ~7 min

Nearly half of dog owners are hesitant to vaccinate their pups

Hesitancy towards COVID vaccines extends to pet vaccinations, as well—and at worrying levels, researchers report.

Jillian McKoy-Boston U. • futurity
Sept. 1, 2023 • ~7 min

Want to help Maui's animals after the wildfires? Send cash, not kibble

Animal shelters and other organizations that support pets and their owners after disasters will still need help months after the media has moved on.

Sarah DeYoung, Disaster Researcher and Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware • conversation
Aug. 21, 2023 • ~10 min

The evolutionary reasons humans love pets – and nine benefits of having one

It’s not just cats and dogs – we often feel a deep emotional bond with small animals like rabbits and guinea-pigs too.

Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine, University of Lincoln • conversation
Aug. 8, 2023 • ~6 min

Cats first finagled their way into human hearts and homes thousands of years ago – here's how

Natural selection changed just 13 genes to separate your Felix and Fluffy from their African wildcat ancestor.

Jonathan Losos, William H. Danforth Distinguished University Professor, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Aug. 3, 2023 • ~10 min

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