The domestication of dogs was a great step forward for humankind, and a new genetic study reported in Nature Communications (May 14, 2013) suggests that it may have happened about 17,000 years earlier than previously believed at 15,000 years. Our species may have been living together and affecting each other for …

A common complaint I hear about cats is that you can’t train them. People claim that cats aren’t as smart as dogs simply because fewer cats seem to know “sit” or “down.” Well, cats can be trained. My cat knows several “tricks.” Toby knows the commands for sit, high five, …

Steve Hofstetter already had a Beagle/Dachshund mix he had named Bea Arthur. He had adopted her though Stray from the Heart in NYC after she was rescued from years on the streets of Puerto Rico. And then he happened upon a stray he named Carlin. Bea Arthur? Carlin? See a pattern here? …

Judy Zinn wanted a companion for her 11-year-old German Shepherd, but she also had cats and knew it was important to bring in a young dog who could learn his place in the pack. She looked on Petfinder and saw three purebred German Shepherd litter mates listed by 57 House …

As a Petfinder visitor, you know Petfinder as the online home of more than 300,000 adoptable pets. You also know about our countless articles, videos and more that we hope help you be a better pet parent and connect with other pet parents. Did you know that in addition to …

I know I don’t always give the female staff member enough credit. She’s pretty dense most of the time but sometimes I see a glimmer of intelligence and proof that she does, actually, pay attention. This morning I got BREAKFAST without even trying! It was early. I hadn’t even started …

“It started as an online relationship,” Emma Sills says. It didn’t begin on match.com, but on Petfinder. The object of Emma’s affection was a pug named Wilson. She already had a companion dog, Louie, but he wasn’t a snuggler, and she had always yearned for a dog that would cuddle …

While driving on a back road a couple of weeks ago, I came across a stray dog running down the shoulder of the road. I pulled over, grabbed a leash and approached her. She was skiddish and didn’t know where she was, so I moved slowly. Eventually I was able …

Neutered and spayed dogs and cats live longer, according to the 2013 State of Pet Health Report, released by Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice. Neutered male cats live 62 percent longer than unneutered ones. Spayed female cats live 39 percent longer than unspayed ones. Neutered male dogs live …