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 This study suggests it may be working, with more than 300 discriminatory breed-specific laws repealed since 2012.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

Jun 21 2016 | Faunalytics

Dogs, Testing, And Psychological Well-Being

This older article addresses the psychological well-being of dogs used in experiments, including an apparent divide between scientists and veterinarians. READ MORE

Jun 20 2016 | Faunalytics

Young Children, Dogs, And Behavior Interpretation

Research shows that children misinterpret fear in dogs as being "happy," which is dangerous and may be a major cause of dog bites. READ MORE

Jun 7 2016 | Faunalytics

Assistance Dogs And Military PTSD Treatment

Canine assistance is a "promising" form of PTSD treatment for veterans, but more study is needed to address costs and animal welfare barriers. READ MORE

Jun 1 2016 | Faunalytics

Cats, Novel Environments, And Stress

Cats with certain personalities are more vulnerable to stress in confinement, but stress can be mitigated through various enrichment techniques. READ MORE

May 23 2016 | Faunalytics

Measuring Therapy Dogs’ Welfare

New research indicates that dogs used in Animal Assisted Therapy may experience no difference in stress than "normal" companion dogs. READ MORE

May 19 2016 | Faunalytics

Feline Parvovirus: What Advocates Should Know

Feline Parvovirus is a devastating disease that can affect cats in homes and shelters. This review provides useful information for advocates and veterinarians. READ MORE