North America
United States
A nation of dog and cat lovers
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish.
See pets in United StatesPets
Everything for dog, cat & small-pet owners
Breed guides, vet-reviewed care, nutrition, name ideas, and how pet keeping differs around the world — one hub for the questions owners search most.
Dogs and cats are the world's most popular companions — browse 50 dog and 30 cat breed guides, use the symptom checker when something seems wrong, and explore 12 country profiles to see how pet culture differs globally.
Breeds
Dog & cat breed guides
80 breeds with temperament, health issues, and care tips.
All dog & cat breeds
Browse every breed — 50 dogs, 30 cats
Dog breeds
Labrador to Shiba Inu — full ranked list
Cat breeds
Maine Coon to Turkish Van — full list
Breed health guides
Hip dysplasia, BOAS, HCM, and more by breed
Cane Corso deep dive
Guardian breed temperament and care
Pet Q&A hub
Quick answers linking to full guides
Health & care
Vet-reviewed pet care
Symptoms, nutrition, welfare, and seasonal safety.
Symptom checker
Select symptoms — see urgency and matched guides
Dog Care & Welfare
Everyday welfare, vaccinations, neutering, exercise, and reading canine body language.
Cat Care & Welfare
Caring for cats indoors and out, neutering, and understanding feline body language.
Other Pets
Welfare basics for rabbits and other companion animals beyond cats and dogs.
Wildlife Help
What to do when you find injured, orphaned, or wild animals — from baby birds to hedgehogs.
Seasonal Safety
Life-saving seasonal hazards — heatstroke, fireworks fear, and toxic foods and poisons.
Pet Nutrition
Feeding guides for dogs, cats, rabbits, and more — portions, ingredients, and weight management.
Breed Health
Common health conditions by breed — hip dysplasia, heart disease, breathing problems, and prevention.
Top 10
Breeds by pet type
Ranked breed lists for every common companion animal.
Guides
Choosing & naming your pet
How to choose a pet
Match species and breed to your home, time, and budget
First-time pet owner guide
What to buy, vet visits, and the first week at home
Dog lifespan chart
40+ breeds with size category and typical years
Cat lifespan chart
20+ breeds and types, indoor vs outdoor context
Small pets hub
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, and fish compared
Hypoallergenic dogs
Low-shedding breeds and allergy management tips
Hypoallergenic cats
Breeds that may trigger fewer allergies
Exotic pets
Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates — welfare basics
Dog name ideas
300+ original names by style and gender
Cat name ideas
Original names for kittens and rescue cats
Pet symptom checker
Free tool — select symptoms, see urgency and guides
Pet loss support
Grief resources and memorial giving
Global
Popular pets by country
How pet culture differs in 12 countries — dogs, cats, birds, and more.
Europe
United Kingdom
Famous as a nation of animal lovers
Top pets: dogs, cats, rabbits.
See pets in United Kingdom
Asia
Japan
Where cats edged ahead of dogs
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish.
See pets in Japan
Asia
China
Home of the goldfish and a booming pet market
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish.
See pets in China
Europe
Germany
Cats lead in Europe's largest pet market
Top pets: cats, dogs, small mammals.
See pets in Germany
Europe
France
A country that adores its cats
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish.
See pets in France
South America
Brazil
One of the world's largest pet populations
Top pets: dogs, cats, birds.
See pets in Brazil
Asia
India
A fast-growing pet-loving nation
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish.
See pets in India
Oceania
Australia
High pet ownership and a native pet bird
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish.
See pets in Australia
Europe and Asia
Russia
Where cats reign supreme
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish.
See pets in Russia
North America
Canada
Cats edge ahead by the numbers
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish.
See pets in Canada
Europe
Italy
Where street cats are protected by law
Top pets: cats, dogs, birds.
See pets in ItalyPets hub: FAQs
What is the most popular pet in the world?
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the world overall. By sheer number of individual animals, however, aquarium fish often top the count, because a single tank can hold many fish at once.
Which countries prefer cats over dogs?
Cats are the number one pet in several countries, including Germany, France, Russia, Italy, and Japan, where they outnumber or have overtaken dogs. In many other countries, such as the United States, Brazil, and India, dogs are kept in more homes.
What pet is best for a first-time owner?
It depends on your home, time, and budget — guinea pigs and rabbits suit many beginners, while dogs and cats need more daily commitment. See our first-time pet owner guide for a honest comparison.
Are there truly hypoallergenic dogs or cats?
No pet is 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds shed less dander and suit allergy sufferers better. Meet the individual animal before committing.