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 This study suggests it may be working, with more than 300 discriminatory breed-specific laws repealed since 2012.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 2020 | Casey Bond

Animal Advocates & COVID-19: Resources To Help You Weather The Storm

In the wake of COVID-19, the animal protection movement is experiencing unprecedented challenges and potential opportunities to enact positive change for animals. READ MORE

Apr 28 2020 | Sara Streeter

Let Me Lead: Perspectives From Guide Dog Handlers

Guide dogs are some of the most highly trained canines around. Yet, guide dog assessments still don’t capture the full range of behaviors that affect the dog-handler partnership. READ MORE

Apr 22 2020 | Brooke Haggerty

Fundraising In The Midst Of A Global Crisis

Faunalytics’ Executive Director Brooke Haggerty looks at how data can guide advocates through the ebb and flow of philanthropy in tumultuous times. READ MORE

Apr 20 2020 | Trent Davidson

How To Build Better Dog-Human Companionship

This study looked at the factors that make a “very satisfactory” relationship between humans and their canine companions. While both dog and human behavior play important roles, there were some surprises. READ MORE

Apr 15 2020 | karol orzechowski

COVID-19 & Animals: Cutting Through The Noise

We look at some myths and facts about the COVID-19 pandemic, and discuss what role animal advocates can play in cutting through the noise — for ourselves, for our audience, and for the animals. READ MORE

Apr 14 2020 | Celine Icard-Stoll

Dispelling Myths About Mutts: A Literature Review

A research review from The National Canine Research Council reveals how unreliable data has created misconceptions related to how dog breeds are perceived. READ MORE

Apr 9 2020 | karol orzechowski

The Animal Rights Movement: History And Facts About Animal Rights

This blog explores the history of the animal rights movement, and looks at why animal rights are an important aspect of social justice. READ MORE

Mar 30 2020 | Faunalytics

Setting Guidelines For The Welfare Of Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support animal (or ESA) can help people suffering from poor mental health. However, we need to make sure that the ESA system works for everyone involved, both human and nonhuman. READ MORE

Mar 12 2020 | Sara Streeter

Therapy Dogs: Love, Laughter, And A Dark Side

Dogs can bring joy and laughter to seniors and the infirmed. But they can also transmit disease and suffer stress — or worse — from improper handling. READ MORE

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