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 This study suggests it may be working, with more than 300 discriminatory breed-specific laws repealed since 2012.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

Oct 21 2019 | Sara Streeter

What Do We Do About Parrots In The Wild?

At least 25 species of parrots now make their homes in the U.S. This study brings some of the unintended consequences of the exotic pet trade home to roost. READ MORE

Oct 18 2019 | Lukas Jasiunas

Dogs, Jealousy, And Welfare

Researchers find that dogs exhibit jealousy-like emotional states when their guardians interact with other dogs. What does this mean for their welfare? READ MORE

Oct 16 2019 | Jo Anderson

Faunalytics’ Research Priorities For 2020 And Beyond

As the end of 2019 draws near, the Faunalytics research team turns our attention to what is needed next. In this post, our Research Director describes our research priorities and selection process for 2020 and beyond. READ MORE

Oct 8 2019 | Carolin Graszmann

Animal Sentience: A Welfare-Aligned Perspective

This paper broadly summarizes our scientific knowledge about the sentience of animals, particularly from a "welfare-aligned" perspective. READ MORE

Sep 27 2019 | Julia Morrissey

Can The General Public Spot A ‘Dangerous Dog’?

A study evaluating the public's ability to identify banned dog types in the U.K. finds that they have difficulty accurately identifying breeds, particularly Pit Bull Terrier types. READ MORE

Sep 25 2019 | karol orzechowski

The Importance Of TNVR And Citizen Engagement

An in-depth interview with Peter J. Wolf and Dan Spehar about the importance and effectiveness of TNVR, and how regular people can get involved in helping community cats. READ MORE

Sep 18 2019 | Lukas Jasiunas

Exotic Companion Animals: Demand, Release, And Invasiveness

There are many issues with keeping exotic companion animals, but it's often unclear what we should do to reduce demand for them. This blog looks at the issue in depth from different advocacy perspectives. READ MORE

Sep 9 2019 | Rebekah Corbett

Short-Term Fostering Programs Reduce Stress For Shelter Dogs

Temporary breaks from the shelter are beneficial for dogs’ welfare, but making shelter life less stressful could yield even more benefits for dogs. READ MORE

Sep 3 2019 | Owen Rogers

Canine Chemotherapy: The Ethics Behind Hard Decisions

Companion animal cancer affects animals, guardians, and veterinarians, and absolute transparency is needed regarding treatments’ side effects and likelihood of success. READ MORE

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