Fake Service Dog Laws: Protecting working service dogs

A canine wearing a vest with “Service Dog” patches means that animal is working, assisting their handler who has a disability—or does it? An increase in animal-related incidents and fake service dogs has created suspicion among the public in response to dogs labeled as service animals—which in turn causes distress for people who need a service dog to assist with legitimate disabilities. Is it illegal to fake a service dog? The majority of states have passed laws regarding fraudulent service dogs and emotional support animals—and many new bills were introduced during the 2018 legislative session in states without current laws.

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2021 Best Big Cities for Outdoorsy Dog Owners

New York City makes the list as the 8th Best City for Outdoorsy Dog Owners and Their Dogs. Photo: Linh Nguyen via Flickr

Louisville, San Francisco and neighbor, Oakland, took the top three spots on our roundup of the Best 100 Cities for Outdoorsy Dog Owners rankings, which compares the number of dog parks and the distance to the nearest state park for the 100 largest cities in the United States.

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Which human foods can dogs eat?

Offering a bit of a burger at a summer cookout or a nibble of a holiday cookie may seem harmless, but are these ‘people’ foods dangerous for dogs? We’ve explored 100 foods to discover which are good, bad, or even toxic for dogs. A properly balanced . . .

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How to Tell If Your Dog Is Too Cold

Photo by Erin, Forked River

Clear signs your dog is too cold include shivering, whimpering, curling in a ball, and balking at walks outside on a frosty day. But there are other signs your dog needs protection from the cold, and may require immediate warming up or even emergency medical attention. We have the answers to questions you may have about your chilly dog so you can take steps to keep him toasty warm and comfortable throughout the winter, and all year long.

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What Can Puppies Eat?


Puppies look cute when they behave, but always be on alert.
Photo by Debbie, Beaumont

After weaning, puppies can eat high-quality puppy food with the nutrition their young bodies require. They need specialized food because they are growing so fast, and they eat more often than adult dogs and older dogs. Feeding requirements also vary between large breed puppies and small and medium breed puppies. Read on to learn how to feed the newest, furriest young addition to your family.

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The Best Dog Breeds for Families


The Perkins family poses with some of their pooches during a holiday gathering.
Photo courtesy Dave Perkins

When choosing the best dog breed for your family, answering a few simple questions can help steer you in the right direction. What are the ages of your children? What size home and yard space do you have? And, finally, how energetic and active are you as a family?

Answering these three questions helps you choose a dog with the energy level, exercise needs, and temperament that best suit your family’s lifestyle. A laid-back dog who stays calm in the midst of pandemonium, for example, is a wise choice for families with young children. If square footage is limited in your home and yard, a medium or small dog is a better choice.

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Pet Holiday Safety Tips

‘Tis the season to deck the halls for the holidays and prepare feasts for friends and family. If you have a dog, it’s important to decorate and host with care . . .

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