Dogs: And Cats

: Dogs were domesticated roughly 40,000 years ago as hunting partners. Cats domesticated themselves approximately 12,000 years ago, following the rise of agriculture to hunt rodents in grain stores.

Pets returned to their owners decreased by 3% compared to 2024. In 2025, 638,000 dogs and cats were returned to their owners, a 3% Shelter Animals Count Dogs and cats

: Approximately 4.4 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually. As of 2025, there has been a slight 3% decrease in the number of pets successfully returned to their owners. : Dogs were domesticated roughly 40,000 years ago

Effective reporting is critical for animal safety and public health. 2025 Annual Data Report - Shelter Animals Count In 2025, 638,000 dogs and cats were returned

as of early 2026. While often viewed as opposites, these species share a deep evolutionary and social history with humans, though their contemporary roles and needs differ significantly.

Despite their close association today, the last common ancestor of dogs and cats lived approximately 42 million years ago.