Scratching is a normal, instinctive cat behavior. Cats have a need to scratch. They do it to express emotions, like excitement or stress, to mark objects with their scent (they have scent glands in their paws), to remove the dead part of their nails and, often, just to get a good stretch. It’s also...

Dogs peeing in unwanted spots, whether it’s in the house or on top of a flower garden in the backyard, can be stressful for pet owners. But with some work and patience, you can address the problem and help prevent future incidents. If you have already successfully completed potty training, your dog...

Sooner or later, many dog lovers return home to find some unexpected damage inflicted on their furniture, shoes or other items by their dog or, more specifically, their dog's teeth. Although dogs make great use of their vision and sense of smell to explore the world, one of their favorite ways to...

Trimming a cat’s claws every few weeks is an important part of maintaining your pet’s health and protects him, you, your family and visitors as well as the sofa, curtains and other furniture.

If you want to do more to help wildlife survive and thrive on your land, you’ll want to learn about humane stewardship. For practical guidance, you can tap into the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust’s nearly three decades of experience implementing humane stewardship on lands we protect. We’ve been...

We’re working to increase equity in access to care through policy making, training for veterinary and animal welfare professionals, and direct care programs that provide veterinary care, pet supplies, other animal care services and information at no cost to pet owners. We’ve provided: More than 440...

Is my dog’s nose supposed to be wet? (Yes, but not dripping.) What color are healthy dog gums? (Pale pink, but not red.) At-home exams are no substitute for regular veterinary visits, but they can help make you aware of any health issues as they arise. To catch infections, injuries and illnesses...

An excellent way for you to keep tabs on your cat's health between vet visits is a regular seven-step nose-to-tail check-up. Learn how now.

In the heat of summer, it’s tempting to take your dog swimming in lakes or rivers to help them cool down. But before you let your pup dive in, be aware that not all water is safe for dogs. That’s because toxic blue-green algae—also called cyanobacteria—is present in some bodies of water and can be...

Everything from our household cleaning habits to the way we interact with our cats can cause anxiety and stress. And when cats face multiple sources of stress, they can become very unhappy. Cat stress can lead to problematic behaviors, like peeing outside the litter box, and it can also affect their...

The best way to know how to do that is to prepare. Adapting to your senior pet’s needs You can start by making changes to help senior pets have a more comfortable life. For example: Take shorter walks. Have shorter play sessions. Switch to a litter box with lower sides for easy access. Add throw...

Impact We are advocates for system-wide and long-term impact, working strategically to improve the lives of animals. We go big. We take on the toughest, most institutionalized cruelties. We rescue and care for animals in crisis. We strengthen the capabilities of our teammates and allies so that our...

Contents Plan for your pets Make a disaster kit for pets If you evacuate, take your pet If you stay home, do it safely Pets and wildfires After the emergency Additional resources for equines, livestock and community cats

Pets get into everything and, like babies, tend to explore the world with their mouths. Make sure they stay safe by checking your home and yard for plants that could cause an emergency vet visit. It's also important to familiarize yourself with what table scraps are OK to share and which to avoid...

You don't need to get rid of your cats to avoid toxoplasmosis! Follow our tips for keeping yourself and your baby safe.

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Cats lack the facial expressiveness of dogs, they’re generally quieter and their behaviors can be harder to interpret—but this doesn’t mean that the feline mystique is impenetrable. You can better understand your furry friend by paying attention to their vocalizations, body postures and daily...

If your dog spends a lot of time outside, tick checks should be part of your daily routine. In many areas of the United States, ticks are active year-round, even after a killing frost. Here’s how to spot a tick—and what to do if one has grabbed hold of your pet. Step 1: Scan for ticks Start by...

Leaving pets locked in cars is never safe. But when the weather gets warmer, it can be deadly. High temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage and even death. Protecting animals from an unnecessary death is a problem we can all agree to prevent. How to help a dog or cat left in a hot car Take...