Pet Adoptions

Pet names inspired by cult films

Heather Barnett — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Got a slightly unorthodox new bundle of fun? She is going to need a name just as whackadoodle as she is. Never fear! SheKnows is here!

When you have to re-home your pet

Jana Randall — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 -0700

Re-homing your pet can be a very heart-breaking process. Here are 5 steps that you can take to ease you and your pet's transition to a new home.

Making your pet a part of the family

Jana Randall — Wed, 01 May 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Concerned about how you're going to transition your pet into your home? These four families tell us how their pet became their four-legged child.

The truth about aggressive dog breeds

Heather Barnett — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0700

It's no secret that some dogs just have a bad rep. Are they really bred to kill, or are they the innocent victims of the dark side of humanity?

Animal-loving country stars

Virginia Chavez — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0700

More than just cowboy boots and big hair, many country music stars are known for having Texas-sized hearts with a soft spot for four-legged sidekicks. Some love their pets so much, they’ve become activists for the cause.

Why your next dog should be a mutt

Heather Barnett — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Given the number of animals awaiting potential execution for lack of a loving home, we encourage you to skip the fancy breeders and bring home a mixed breed you'll love just as much. Still not sold? These SheKnows readers and contributors may just change your mind.

Find the best dog for your family

Virginia Chavez — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0700

With hundreds of breeds classified by the American Kennel Club, how is a future pet owner to choose? Not to create any "cliques" in the dog world, but pets are like children, so to help out, we’ve broken down AKC’s dog breed groups high-school style.

Why a pet is better than a man

Tracy E. Hopkins — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:38:00 -0800

To say that pet Mamas are passionate about their pets is an understatement. They're like our children, and sometimes they're even a substitute for male companionship. Unlike our men, our furry friends never have a hard time expressing their feelings, and they always literally come running when we call. We're sorry fellas, but with a devoted dog or purring pussycat at home, who needs a boyfriend?

Is pet fostering for you?

Vicki Clinebell — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:13:00 -0700

You might be the purr-fect foster parent for a needy cat or dog! Can you love them and let them go?

What to do when you can no longer take care of a pet

Diane Mallek — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:23:00 -0700

No one gets a pet with the intention of abandoning it later on in life. But sometimes, the unthinkable happens due to a move, an illness or another unexpected issue. Regardless of the reason, re-homing a pet that you can no longer take care of is not to be taken lightly. Here we’ll take a look at what you should do when having a pet is no longer an option.

Celebrities who love their pets

Heather Barnett — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:46:00 -0700

We all think we have the cutest dog or cat in the world. Celebrities are no different. They love their fur babies, too! Check out these 10 celebs who love their four-legged friends.

What a dog breeder won't tell you

Diane Mallek — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:16:00 -0700

When looking to add a cute little puppy to your family, it's easy to get lost in those sweet puppy dog eyes and that playful personality. The cuteness of the puppy will charm you so much that it's sometimes difficult to remember the important questions to ask your pup's breeder. And if you don't ask, not all breeders will tell you what's really going on. Curious about what a dog breeder might not tell you? Read on!

Walk to save pets

Julie Mataway — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:13:00 -0700

PAWS Chicago is holding its annual Run for Their Lives 8K run/4K walk this year to raise awareness of and prevent pet euthanasia.

Are cats smarter than dogs?

Christina Haller — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:50:00 -0700

It is definitely going to depend on who you ask, but are cats smarter than dogs? If you're a cat person, you probably think so. We analyzed the behaviors of cats and dogs to figure out which species wins the title of most intelligent.

What to look for when adopting a pet

Virginia Chavez — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:00:00 -0700

We’ve all been there. That moment cruising the local shelter to help a friend pick out the perfect pet. When you see an adorable puppy giving you those irresistible take-me-home eyes and you just have to have him. Adopting a pet means much more than falling in love with a cute puppy or kitten. You’re signing up for a longterm commitment. Before you take a life-changing leap into pet parenthood, here make sure you know exactly what to look for when adopting a pet.

Who gets the pet after a breakup

Virginia Chavez — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:30:00 -0700

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a highly expensive pet custody case? This doesn't exactly sound like the love story most of us imagine but all too often a common ending.

Best dog breeds for new babies

Claire Gallam — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:12:00 -0700

You've just had a baby and despite being busy as ever, you're thinking of adding another new addition to the family -- a dog! Having a pet in the house can be a wonderful experience for babies and toddlers, however, not all breeds work as well with children as others. Before you head to the shelter to pick up one, check out our list of the top breeds for newborns!

How to foster animals without becoming a hoarder

Alicia French — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:00:00 -0700

If you’ve ever considered fostering a pet but worry about being the next star on Confession: Animal Hoarding, we’re here with a few tips to keep you from that fate. Fostering can be an incredibly rewarding experience and a great way to help animals in need but you need to be prepared for it to be successful. Here are our best tips to help you do good without becoming a local news story.

How to become a foster pet parent

Virginia Chavez — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Do you love pets but aren’t sure if you’re ready to be a full-time pet mom? Fostering a pet is a great way to test the waters of pet ownership while helping a four-legged friend in need. Foster programs provide a stepping stone toward helping loving animals find “forever” homes. Whether you are thinking of easing into permanent pet adoption or simply have a heart for companion animals, follow these tips on becoming a foster pet parent to get started.

A guide to giving to pet shelters and charities over the holidays

Katie Kavulla — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:00:00 -0800

The holidays are the perfect time of year to give back to the charities and organizations that you feel most passionate about -- and if you're an animal lover, animal shelters and pet-related charities are the perfect place to share some holiday joy. Here are some ways to get started giving back for pets during the holiday season.

KN Karen Neuburger hosts “PJs & Paws” Holiday Dog Walks

SheKnows Living Editors — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:28:00 -0800

Escape the chilly weather and head to shopping centers in the Chicago and Minneapolis areas for PJs & Paws Holiday Dog Walks benefiting the Animal Rescue Team of the Humane Society of the United States.