People who recently adopted pets often struggled to access vet care
During the COVID-19 pandemic when many were stuck at home, people adopted more pets than average, but then struggled to find adequate veterinary care. Kayla Pasteur of Purdue University, U.S., and colleagues reported these findings and other pandemic pet trends, which were published in a new study July 2, 2025 in the open-access journal PLOS One.
Addressing “spay-neuter syndrome" with testosterone restoration for neutered male dogs
The Parsemus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing pet health, today announced the publication of groundbreaking research on the safety and dosing of testosterone therapy for neutered male dogs. Published in BMC Veterinary Research, this pivotal study provides crucial data for veterinarians to treat "spay-neuter syndrome” - a collection of health and behavioral problems associated with hormone loss following sterilization.
Large-scale DNA study maps 37,000 years of zoonotic disease history
A research team led by Eske Willerslev, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the University of Cambridge, has recovered ancient DNA from 214 known human pathogens in prehistoric humans from Eurasia.
Just press play: Virtual dog therapy can improve mental wellbeing
Led by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, Professor in UBC Okanagan’s School of Education, and Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams, Professor at Brock University, this latest research builds on an earlier study examining whether in-person interactions with therapy dogs would translate just as well to a virtual setting—opening the doors for community members to benefit.
New study finds no lasting impact of pandemic pet ownership on human well-being
A new study challenges the belief in a universal “pet effect” on human well-being. Using data collected during COVID-19 lockdowns, researchers found no significant change in respondents' well-being when they acquired or lost a pet in their household. The findings suggest that, even during a time of extreme isolation, human-animal bonds may not be as emotionally transformative as we like to believe.
Study shows rising pet food, veterinary costs top challenges to pet ownership
A new survey highlights that rising costs of pet food and veterinary services are the top challenges facing U.S. pet owners in 2025. Forty-two percent of pet owners cite pet food prices as a major concern, while 39% point to veterinary expenses. Spending on pet care has sharply increased across all income levels, with inflation and economic pressures expected to further strain pet ownership stability, particularly for dog owners.