For National Pet Day, we’re celebrating the animals who fill our lives with curiosity, comfort, and wonder—from the intelligence of dogs and cats to the evolutionary secrets of species wild and domesticated. Explore the fascinating world of animal behavior, cognition, genetics, and more.

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The Science of Pets

The Secret to Understanding Animal Consciousness May Be Joy

Rats laugh, bees roll balls for fun, turtles dance when they anticipate feeding, and dogs wiggle their tails when they’re excited. Read More

Are Cats Actually Liquid?

The fireworks had frightened the poor animal so much that it had hidden somewhere. Read More

Why This AI Gazes into Goat Faces

The patient grumbled and grimaced, but he refused to speak to his doctor. Read More

These Dogs Can Sniff Out Invasive Species before It’s Too Late

From sniffing out rare species to tracking down poachers, dogs aid conservation efforts in a surprising variety of ways. Read More

Meet the Fluffy, Funky and Fabulous Native Bees That Call the U.S. Home

Spring has finally arrived in the U.S., bringing its bright spectacle of budding trees and migrating birds, along with more subtle but equally important changes—among them, the first emergence of native bees. Read More

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