No animal represents the sentiment of Valentine’s Day more than the lovebird. The petite, brightly plumed parrot is a favorite among bird enthusiasts and a popular pet. Lovebirds have inspired scientists and poets alike. Below are a few fun facts about lovebirds. Lovebirds mate for life The monogamous birds reach sexual maturity when they’re about ten months old. Mating begins with courtship behavior, and can continue throughout their roughly 15-year lifespans. Monogamy is essential to […]

Four Covid-19 sniffer dogs have begun work at Helsinki airport in a state-funded pilot scheme that Finnish researchers hope will provide a cheap, fast and effective alternative method of testing people for the virus. A dog is capable of detecting the presence of the Coronavirus within 10 seconds and the entire process takes less than a minute to complete, according to Anna Hielm-Björkman of the University of Helsinki, who is overseeing the trial. “It’s very […]

First rat to receive the PDSA Gold Medal. APOPO is delighted to announce that HeroRAT ‘Magawa’ has been awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for life-saving bravery. Magawa is based in Cambodia and supports APOPO‘s efforts to rid Cambodia of the deadly legacy of landmines. Magawa is an African giant pouched rat that was born in Tanzania in November 2014. He grew up at APOPO’s Training and Research center in Tanzania where he learned how to detect the […]

Is there any other animal on Earth so surrounded by myth and superstition than one of our most popular pets — the housecat? Simultaneously revered, considered bad luck, considered good luck, feared and beloved, cats are the subject of folklore and stories that go back centuries and continue even today. Why do we harbor so many beliefs about cats? After all, who’s ever heard of a black dog bringing bad luck? Cats have always held […]

Social distancing efforts create special challenges for dog owners striving to ensure their pets enjoy new experiences and are comfortable with social interactions. Family pets grow accustomed to their unique environments, and social distancing can mean fewer opportunities to expose dogs to different places, people, and activities. During this time, families are still training pets in their household, including dogs that are newly adopted or in new foster homes. Whether a dog is young or […]

Post-quarantine Separation Anxiety The association is encouraging pet owners to begin the search now for professional pet sitters to watch their pets, whether their plans include returning to the office, taking a vacation, or enjoying a daytrip. PSI, the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters, advises pet owners to begin the search now for professional pet sitters to care for their pets. With an influx of pet lovers posting services online and on […]