Domesticated animals are those that have changed over time at the genetic level, frequently by breeding, in a manner that allows them to live among human beings.
One of the attendant consequences of domestication is that the animal becomes dependent on humans and lose their ability to live in their own habitat, by their own instincts.
Examples of domesticated animals include alpacas, cats, cattle, chickens, dogs, ferrets, goats, horses, pigs, rabbits, and sheep, although there are feral examples of these species, as well.
Pets are types of domesticated animals. They are tamed animals that are kept for companionship or protection, and which give and are given affection by the pet owner, as opposed to livestock, working animals, and laboratory animals.
Of course, there is a high degree of overlap. Some dogs are working animals, while others are pets, and there are those which serve as both. Horses often enjoy a relationship with their owners that includes aspects of a pet and a riding or working animal.
Although some species of insects, particularly ants, have well-developed habits of subjugating creatures of their own family, human beings are the only vertebrates that have made a practice of domesticating other animals.
The first animal to have been domesticated was the dog, and, while dogs have been used for protection and as working animals, it seems that dogs were first taken in for the sake of companionship. Dogs have been domesticated for so long that it's difficult to determine how this came about. Common conjecture is that wolf pups had been taken in and raised by primitive human beings and that these pups were later bred with other tamed wolves. Interestingly, among American Indian tribes, the dog is the only animal known to have been domesticated.
While there are several examples of cat and dog species in the wild, they are only distantly related to the domesticated versions, and other animals, such as horses and camels, have no closely related wild forms. What we know of as wild horses are, in fact, descendants of horses that were once domesticated and then allowed to return to the wilderness, either by plan or calamity.
Dogs are not closely related to wolves or other currently known canine species. However, fossil remains of extinct species have been found that more closely resemble domesticated dogs. As recently as a few centuries ago, a species of American canine lived in the Southern Appalachians, which were of moderate size and may represent a closer ancestor of the domesticated dog. It is possible that there were species of canines, now extinct, that were more domesticatable than wolves, foxes, jackals, or hyenas.
I grew up in a rural area in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My dad came home with a fox pup one day after the mother had been killed. That fox was raised with a couple of dogs that we had, and, in every way that I can think of, that fox acted very much like a dog while she was young. She would greet me when I got off the school bus and seemed to give and enjoy affection. She didn't eat the chickens or kill any of our cats. She was with us for close to two years. She was not confined, so as she grew older, she began wandering, particularly at not, but would usually return before we woke. Over time, she began spending more time in the woods and became less friendly, although never hostile. Eventually, she became what she was intended to be: a wild animal. She still came around sometimes for free food from the dog bowl. Our dogs accepted her as belonging there, and I am not aware that she ever killed any of our chickens. She was raised to be tame but not domesticated.
We don't know when cats first found their way into human homes, but cats have been domesticated for much less time than dogs. Perhaps this accounts for their comparative independence and retention of hunting and survival instincts.
Historically, the domestication of horses remarkably transformed societies. Among American Indian tribes, those who acquired horses had a distinct advantage against those who hadn't. On horseback, they could follow the buffalo herds, and horses enabled them to be far more efficient at warfare. In other parts of the world, camels have served a similar purpose.
The domestication of cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and other barnyard animals has enabled hunters and gatherers to create permanent homes and villages since they no longer had to travel seasonally to hunt or gather edible plants.
Topics related to pets and other domesticated animals are the focus of this portion of our web guide. Some of these resources will be found below, while others are contained in various subcategories.
Pet product sites would be more appropriately listed in the Pets section of our Shopping & eCommerce category, however.
Categories
Animal Rescue & WelfareBirdsCatsDogs | Fish & AquariaHealthHorsesRabbits |
 
 
Recommended Resources
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
APLB was formed by Dr. Wallace Sife in 1997 and became a non-profit organization in 1999. Its mission is to promote and expand the field of pet loss and grief support through pet family support services and resources honoring the human-animal bond and to provide comprehensive training for professionals in the veterinary, mental health, and pet industry fields. Included is a chat room, a video support group, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and a directory of services.
https://www.aplb.org/
The national non-profit provides pet food and emergency veterinary care to pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness. Through the site, readers can locate pet food donation sites near them, make a donation, or volunteer with the organization. Its programs are defined, and a media kit and donor portal are featured on the site, along with information on how to become a donation site. A shopping page offers books and other merchandise, and photos, videos, and success stories are included.
https://petsofthehomeless.org/
Created as a resource for those who want to preserve and celebrate the memories of their beloved animal companion who, though no longer with us physically, remain in their hearts. Created in 2001, the site once included a support forum and allowed people to post memorials for their pets, which would be sorted by state and by the pet's name. While submitted memorials are displayed, both the forum and submission form are no longer active and were last updated on 2/2/2024.
http://www.fourpawsinheaven.com/
Stylized HowStuffWorks, the site explains the curiosities of the world, covering a wide variety of topics. Its section on pets discusses common pet behavior issues, injuries, illnesses, and general pet care tips for cats, dogs, birds, aquarium fish, terrarium creatures, and other pets, such as rabbits, pygmy goats, guinea pigs, and ferrets. Other topics include general pet care and pet travel tips. Its policies in reprints, advertising opportunities, and contacts are included.
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets
This is an information portal for reptiles and amphibian hobbyists. The website offers various resources, including classified advertising, forums, photo galleries, events, business listings, and a glossary related to various species of reptiles and amphibians. While anyone can read the forums, registration is required to participate, and the forums are moderated. Businesses, classified ads, photographs, and events may be submitted for inclusion on the site.
http://www.kingsnake.com/
Formerly known as the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, the non-profit organization was created to preserve and promote rare breeds, also known as heritage breeds of livestock, which include donkeys, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, ducks, geese, and turkey. Its mission is to help protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction. Its history, projects, awards, and recognitions are stated, along with volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.
https://livestockconservancy.org/
Pawrade is an online pet marketplace that connects pet owners with breeders of puppies and kittens. The company promises a safe and secure platform for pet owners, breeders, and buyers. It offers background checks for adopters and personalized gift boxes for those wanting to give animals as gifts. Pawrade also provides a health guarantee to ensure a stress-free transition for buyers and animals. Its process and promises are stated, along with client reviews, and an informational blog.
https://www.pawrade.com/
Sponsored by Purina, Petfinder is an online platform for connecting animals in need of homes with potential adopters. Available animals can be filtered by criteria such as breed, age, size, and gender. Users can reference a shelter's webpage to discover the services it offers or access discussion forums where they can engage with other pet lovers and share experiences and information. A library of pet-care articles is also available, along with a mobile application.
https://www.petfinder.com/
Maintained by a team of pet and animal lovers and enthusiasts, its writing team includes practicing veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal trainers specializing in animal psychology, and others passionate about animals' well-being. The website offers practical and helpful advice backed by research and science, sourced to the research data to ensure an accurate information, covering topics like nutrition, safety, equipment, and pet behaviors. A shopping page is included.
https://petkeen.com/
PetMD is recognized as an online authority on pet health topics. Through PetMD, pet owners can access tools, tips, and insights to keep their pets healthy. The platform collaborates with pet experts to bring detailed and current information, and pet owners can receive answers from qualified veterinarians. Veterinarians interested in writing for PetMD can apply for access, and anyone can access its content relating to dogs, cats, and other pets, as well as medications and product reviews.
https://www.petmd.com/
The website features a large library of articles, guides, and reviews on a diverse range of pet topics, including dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small animals. It also provides useful tips on training from a team of researchers, writers, and trainers. The site's editorial guidelines are published on the site, and its veterinary review board and experts are introduced. Its content may be browsed by topic, and the most recent articles and most popular articles are highlighted.
https://www.petside.com/
Seniors Only Club: Pets & Critters
Seniors, fifty years old or older, discuss their dogs, cats, exotic pets, or other issues related to pets, farm animals, fish, and wildlife, as well as sharing photographs, health suggestions, behavior tips, and topics like pet food and accessories. Photos and information about wildlife and birds are also shared, including funny stories and general talk. Anyone may read the content of the forum, but participation in forum discussions requires registration with the site.
http://www.seniorsonly.club/forums/pets-critters/
Waltham Petcare Science Institute
Located in Waltham in the Wolds, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, the Science Institute researches topics related to pet health. It conducts scientific studies on pet care and animal nutrition for dogs, cats, fish, and horses through collaboration with scientists and veterinary professionals worldwide. In the past sixty years, the Institute has shared its expertise through several publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles. The Waltham Foundation is also featured.
https://www.waltham.com/
Ethically farmed in New Zealand, where the country's temperate climate means that the animals are raised on pastures of clover and native grasses year-round, ZIWI's pet food contains free-range, grass-fed, and grass-finished, cage-free poultry or wild-caught, sustainable seafood. ZIWI offers air-dried recipes, steamed and dried recipes, canned wet food, and freeze-dried boosters, as well as chews, treats, and rewards. The company and its dog and cat food products are featured on the website.
https://ziwipets.com/en-au
Characterized by its respect for nature, ZIWI uses innovative methods inspired by nature in lieu of harsh processing. The company pioneered the world's first gentle air-drying technology, preserving the nutritional value of its raw and pure ingredients. Other innovations include its Z-MicroSteam, which creates a light texture that pets love. New Zealand's temperate climate allows for animals to be raised on pastures of clover and native grasses year-round. Its dog and cat products are featured.
https://ziwipets.com/
Offering dog and cat products worldwide, including the United Kingdom, ZIWI Pets produces and sells air-dried cat and dog food, wet cat and dog food, oral health care chews, and dog treats. It promises ingredients that are free-range and grass-fed, with no grains, sugars, or glycerin, and no antibiotics or growth promotants. Its products may be viewed through the website, along with its ZIWI Rewards program, delivery information, and Tuft Partners of ZIWI Peak.
https://ziwipets.co.uk/
ZIWI offered dog and cat food produced through innovative methods inspired by nature rather than harsh processing. Its pet food is designed to support energy, gut health, healthy skin, joint health, teeth, gums, and cognitive health. Sourced from New Zealand, its proteins come from ethical farms, avoiding rendered meats or meals. Offering recipes for cats and dogs, a store carrying its products can be found using the website's store locator. A "Build your Bowl" application is included.
https://us.ziwipets.com/