: A deepening human-animal bond is driving the "humanization" of pets, where they are treated as full family members.
Despite their close association today, the last common ancestor of dogs and cats lived approximately 42 million years ago. Dogs and cats
: Approximately 4.4 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually. As of 2025, there has been a slight 3% decrease in the number of pets successfully returned to their owners. : A deepening human-animal bond is driving the
: As of mid-2025, cat ownership has seen a record-breaking rise, with owners increasingly prioritizing pet nutrition and proactive wellness. shelters annually
: Major research reports, such as the Banfield State of Pet Health , utilize data from millions of annual visits to track the top health issues and wellness trends across the U.S.. 3. Welfare and Shelter Data