Your pets may not understand fashion, but they understand patterns.

They notice the sound of your footsteps, the way you move through the house and whether you are preparing to leave. Shoes can mean a walk, a car ride or a long day away from home. Bare feet often mean something simpler: You are staying close.

For dogs and cats, that relaxed ...Read more

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 77-year-old Florida woman and U.S. Postal Service employee has been arrested after officials found nearly 100 cats and dogs being hoarded in her home.

Gail Giustino is facing misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty and confinement of animals without sufficient exercise, according to a Facebook post Tuesday from the Martin ...Read more

CHICAGO — Mike Russell regularly checks the weather before work. He’s the co-owner of J&M Dog Walking, so weather plays an important role in deciding how much time his clients spend outdoors.

When Russell saw the advisory for poor air quality Thursday morning, he “didn’t know what to expect,” he said. Still, he told walkers to take ...Read more

NEW YORK — New Yorkers aren’t the only ones facing a housing crisis. More and more pets need a place to stay, too.

The city’s largest animal shelter is running out of space, and is so close to capacity that it is making cuddly cats and dogs available for just $25.

For the price of an Uber Eats order, pet lovers can bring home a new ...Read more

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Elizabeth Kobliha knows her one-eyed cat Likho has more friends than she does. So much so that on his 15th birthday last Saturday , the sidewalk outside her downtown Long Beach store where he spends most of his time transformed into a makeshift fair.

There were vendors selling peach cobbler, watches, hot dogs and offering ...Read more

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Elizabeth Kobliha knows her one-eyed cat Likho has more friends than she does. So much so that on his 15th birthday last Saturday , the sidewalk outside her downtown Long Beach store where he spends most of his time transformed into a makeshift fair.

There were vendors selling peach cobbler, watches, hot dogs and offering ...Read more

It’s pretty commonly known, and not very startling, that free-ranging cats eat birds and small rodents. But the degree to which they eat insects might surprise you.

We are biologists who for many years have been trying to figure out what feral or outdoor-roaming pet cats eat outside.

When domesticated cats – Felis catus �...Read more

Cats are graceful, agile and capable of leaping onto a narrow shelf without disturbing a single object. Yet many of those same cats appear completely unable to walk through a kitchen without weaving directly between a person’s ankles.

The behavior can feel especially dangerous on stairs, in dark hallways or while someone is carrying hot food....Read more

Hounds have a special way of winning people over. They often arrive with long ears, soulful eyes, big personalities and an almost comical determination to follow their noses wherever those noses lead.

They can be affectionate, gentle and deeply loyal companions. Many are relaxed in the house, patient with family members and content to spend ...Read more

A dog growls when a visitor reaches toward him. Another snaps when awakened from a nap. A third barks and lunges at unfamiliar dogs during walks but plays peacefully with dogs she knows.

To a worried owner, these behaviors may look like aggression. But aggression is not a personality type or a moral failing. It is behavior, and that behavior ...Read more

Dogs do not experience a walk the way people do. For us, the point may be exercise, a bit of fresh air and a chance to get around the block before dinner. For a dog, the walk is also a newspaper, a social network, a neighborhood bulletin board and a mystery novel written in scent.

That is why one of the simplest ways to make your dog happier is...Read more

Dalmatians are among the most recognizable dogs in the world, but the spotted coat can distract from the realities of living with one. They are athletic, clever, sensitive dogs with a long working history and a few breed-specific health concerns that prospective owners should understand before bringing one home.

Here are seven things to know ...Read more

Ear mites are tiny parasites, but the discomfort they cause can be big. They are most often associated with cats, especially kittens and outdoor cats, but dogs, ferrets and other animals can get them, too. The usual culprit is Otodectes cynotis, a surface mite that commonly lives in the ear canal and spreads through close contact with an ...Read more

Poodles have a reputation problem, and it is not entirely their fault.

To some people, the word “poodle” still brings to mind a fussy show dog with a fancy haircut and an attitude. In reality, poodles are athletic, highly intelligent, people-focused dogs with working-dog roots and a surprising amount of versatility.

They can be wonderful ...Read more

Adopting an anxious or abused dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions a person makes, but it requires patience, humility and realistic expectations.

A dog with a hard past may not understand that a new home is safe. He may flinch at raised hands, hide from visitors, guard food, freeze on walks, panic when left alone or seem shut down for...Read more

Taking your cat for a walk can sound like a punchline until you meet the right cat.

Some cats are perfectly happy watching the world from a windowsill and would consider a walk an act of betrayal. Others are curious, confident and eager to sniff the breeze, investigate leaves and patrol the front yard like tiny lions with mortgage ...Read more

The house is quiet, the windows have gone dark, and my cat is asleep in the kind of curled, perfect circle that seems older than civilization. Her paws twitch. One whisker gives a tiny shiver. Somewhere deep in that small, warm body, something is happening.

Perhaps she is chasing a moth across the kitchen floor. Perhaps she is remembering the ...Read more

As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to be prepared for any unexpected accidents or emergencies that may arise. Just like humans, pets can experience injuries or illnesses that require immediate attention. Having a well-stocked pet first aid kit on hand can make all the difference in providing prompt care and ensuring your furry friend's ...Read more

Creating an indoor garden is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of nature into your home. However, for pet owners, it's crucial to ensure that the plants you choose are safe for your furry companions. Many common household plants can be toxic to pets if ingested, leading to harmful consequences. To strike the perfect balance between greenery...Read more

Some dogs throw themselves into affection. They leap, wiggle, lick, whine, wag and collapse into their favorite person’s lap as if every reunion is a homecoming parade.

Other dogs are more reserved. They follow quietly. They sleep nearby. They accept a scratch behind the ears, then wander off. They may not gaze lovingly into your eyes or ...Read more