: Dogs belong to the Caniformia (dog-like) suborder, making them more closely related to bears and walruses than to cats. Cats belong to the Feliformia (cat-like) suborder, sharing more recent ancestry with hyenas and mongooses.

: 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.

National statistics highlight ongoing challenges in pet overpopulation and rescue efforts.

Dogs And Cats Today

: Dogs belong to the Caniformia (dog-like) suborder, making them more closely related to bears and walruses than to cats. Cats belong to the Feliformia (cat-like) suborder, sharing more recent ancestry with hyenas and mongooses.

: 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.

National statistics highlight ongoing challenges in pet overpopulation and rescue efforts.