Cats in the Crosshairs: How to Confront the Problem of Feral Felines
Conservationists can never perfectly manage an ecosystem, but this is a problem that's creating an obvious ecological imbalance and should—and can—be addressed.
Pets
Are Pets Really Good for Us?
One of his peers calls him a curmudgeon, but human-animal interaction expert Harold Herzog believes the perceived consensus that pets are good for you is overhyped.
Your Neighbor's Chickens Are Grosser Than You Think
Backyard chickens may be dirtier than you think.
The Loss of a Dog and the Importance of Support
Research confirms that losing a pet dog is a stressful life event.
Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work?
A new study finds that a dog might be just what the doctor ordered.
What Encourages People to Walk Their Dog?
And is dog walking a good way to persuade people to get more exercise?
What Do Young Children Learn From Pets?
Is a better understanding of biology something your child can pick up from being around dogs and cats?
The Surprising History of Veterinary Medicine
And the "dangerous" woman who played a vital role.
The Beneficial Effects of Watching Fish
Spending time observing an aquarium leads to improvements in mood and reductions in heart rate.
All of Those Cat Photos on the Internet Are Actually Doing Some Good
A study looks at how Petfinder profiles influence adoption rates.
My Demons and My Dog and This Anxiety and That Noise
Anxiety is clearest when it’s loud—and most dangerous when it’s quiet.
Pets Help Us to Build Communities One Friend at a Time
Even indoor pets help us get to know other people, according to new research in four cities across the U.S. and Australia.
Man's Best—and Oldest—Friend
New research opens up the possibility that the bond between humans and dogs is much older than previously thought.
Do You and Your Dog Need Couples Counseling?
Humans may not be the only ones with attachment disorders.
Can We Blame Obesity on Mom and Dad? Consult the Dog
New research looks at intriguing parallels between human parenting styles and styles of pet ownership.
The Beethoven Effect: Movies Drive Our Preference for Different Dog Breeds
Recent research compared American Kennel Club registrations with the release date of 100 movies that have prominent dog characters.
How Did Pets and Farm Animals Get So Cute and Friendly?
Reductions in certain stem cells that account for requisite levels of fear and stress also code for cute morphologies.
One Woman's Battle Against Pet Fads
Humans are hardwired to go jelly-kneed around creatures with kinderschema—infant traits like big eyes, big head, and small body. Can we resist it?
What Do People Look for When Adopting a Dog?
A study of over 2,000 shelter animals investigates, with some surprising results, the physical and behavioral characteristics that help dogs find new homes.
The Tragedy of America's Dog: The Vilification of the Pit Bull
A brief history of the vilification of the pit bull.
A Tale of 2 Dog Shows: Inside the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
What America’s most prestigious dog show tells us about our relationship with our canine companions.
Why Pets Should Be Included in Sociological Inquiries
A new paper argues that academics have been missing important connections.
Superhero Love and Increasing Social Security Payouts
Updates to past Pacific Standard print stories.