Companion Animals

Research relating to cats, dogs, birds, and other companion animals including rescue, sheltering, adoptions, and population.

grey pit bull-type dog sticking tongue out staring off into distance

Goodbye, BSL: The Public Is Changing Its Mind About Pit Bulls

Aug 11 2026 Alyssa Hanes

Pit bulls are hounded by a bad reputation in the U.S., and advocates have fought hard to rehabilitate their image. This study suggests it may be working, with more than 300 discriminatory breed-specific laws repealed since 2012. READ MORE

Goodbye, BSL: The Public Is Changing Its Mind About Pit Bulls

Aug 11 2026 Alyssa Hanes

In the Spotlight

May 5 2022 | Casey Bond

Why Do People Keep Reptiles?

Despite their popularity, little is known about the needs of reptiles kept as companion animals. A new survey explores why people seek reptiles as companions and how they perceive their animals. READ MORE

May 4 2022 | Faunalytics

Faunalytics Index – May 2022

This month's Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about ornamental fishes, companion animal food security, Domino's Pizza's failing animal welfare grades, and more. READ MORE

Apr 26 2022 | Casey Bond

Coping With Companion Animal Food Insecurity

For animal guardians experiencing poverty, feeding their non-human family members often becomes challenging. This article explores companion animal food insecurity and how guardians cope. READ MORE

Apr 19 2022 | Mona Zahir

Putting Ornamental Fish Welfare On Display

Ornamental fishes are housed in aquariums as a hobby or for display. This chapter explores the unique welfare harms facing ornamental fishes throughout their lives. READ MORE

Apr 8 2022 | Trent Davidson

Animal-Assisted Therapy From A Dog’s Perspective

Therapy dogs play an important role in improving the lives of many people, yet few studies explore the welfare of the dogs. This survey of handlers explored the dimensions of their dogs’ well-being. READ MORE

Apr 6 2022 | Faunalytics

Faunalytics Index – April 2022

This month's Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about food waste in the United States, mammals used in folk medicine, the growth of global aquaculture, barn fires, and more. READ MORE

Mar 28 2022 | Rowan Lund

Are Dog Films Giving Us Unrealistic Expectations Of Our Companions?

Stories about dogs who save the day can cause the demand for specific breeds to increase. However, on-screen portrayals don’t always translate to real-world companionship. READ MORE

Mar 16 2022 | Jenna Riedi

22 Species To Celebrate 22 Years

Join us as we feature 22 species we’ve covered to celebrate 22 Years of Faunalytics! READ MORE

Mar 15 2022 | Susan Gabriel

How Routine Changes Can Impact Dog Behavior: Lessons From COVID-19

Pandemic restrictions allowed dog guardians to spend more time at home with their companion animals. But can too much of a good thing be harmful? READ MORE

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