The following organizations, individuals and websites are resources on the Internet relative to dogs and dog law. Please see Legal Notices and Disclaimer for further information.
- The University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, the largest veterinary school in the nation, conducts an integrated, statewide mission of teaching, research and service benefiting animal, human and environmental health. Serious research about dogs and other animals should include the school’s website. Among other things, the website has a section on dog park guidelines and research and links related to clinical animal behavior.
- Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the top veterinary medicine schools in the United States. Its website has a great deal of information for dog owners and canine professionals, lawyers, legislators and others.
- The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) is a group of professionals (veterinarians and PhD’s) who are concerned with the study and clinical practice of animal behavior. It has a credentialing program for an “Accredited Applied Animal Behaviorist.” See also the Directory of Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists.
- The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is a group of veterinarians who specialize in the study and clinical practice of animal behavior. Their members must be veterinarians who focus on animal behavior. See also the Directory of Diplomats of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
- Dr. Patrick Melese is a board-certified animal behaviorist whose practice helps dog owners solve their pets’ behavioral problems. He is board certified by the ACVB (see above) and is one of the few veterinary behaviorists in the USA. To learn why this is important, see The Use of Experts In Dog Bite Cases on this website.
- American Kennel Club. Note that you can research all of the breeds recognized by the AKC
- United Kennel Club is the second oldest and second largest all-breed dog registry in the United States, founded in 1898. It has a wealth of information about dogs and legal issues such as breed bans. It recognizes pit bulls as a breed.
- United Schutzhund Clubs of America provides training instruction and licensing for its member clubs which work under VDH rules (Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde of Germany). This type of training is used for military and police work but also is regarded as a sport.
- French Ring Sport is a personal protection sport. It was developed in France as a way to accurately test potential breeding stock for working ability.
- The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement serves as a comprehensive source of information for those coping with the loss of a pet, as well as for professionals or students seeking information about the many different aspects of pet loss and bereavement. See also the next link.
- The Center for the Human-Animal Bond: This site contains scientifically documented references for a wide range of bond-related subjects. These include animal assisted therapy, animal welfare, the health benefits of the bond to humans and animals, material on animal and human abuse, and pet loss and grief, among others. All in all, an excellent site for those with a particular bond-related interest or those doing research in these areas.
- National Animal Control Association is one of the premier organizations for animal control officers, but their extensive website may be of interest to anyone who has to do specialized research about pets. It includes information about pet population, statistics, and other things.
- ZooGen Forensics performs forensic DNA analysis of animal derived samples. provide sample preparation and DNA profiling of non-human blood, saliva, tissue and hair with both nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA techniques. Its founder, Joy Halverson DVM, has provided courtroom testimony in both admissibility hearings and trials in a number of jurisdictions.
- Animal Attack Files: a website that lists news reports about attacks by dogs and other animals.
- Assistance Dog Resources for Autism provides a wealth of helpful links suggested by https://www.autismspeaks.org/
- VA Benefits for Service Dogs: from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, information for veterans in need of guide dogs or service dogs.
- Accommodations for Pets with Special Needs focuses on things that can be done for a blind, disabled, or mentally handicapped dog. If your dog fits that description, you also should visit the next link, below.
- Help with Pet Veterinary Costs has a list of organizations that provide financial assistance for the care of pets under specific circumstances.