Since their domestication thousands of years ago, dogs and cats have followed alongside humans doing everything from welcoming owners home and being loyal family companions to finding missing children and sniffing out dangerous weapons. According to the Humane Society, there are a total of 78.2 million owned dogs in America, with 39 percent of U.S. households owning more than one dog. There are 86.4 million cats owned in the U.S. and 33 percent of U.S. households own at least one. With the number of owned pets continually growing, it's no surprise how much these furry companions make a positive difference in both our daily lives and our world.
Infographic:When Dogs and Cats Go Beyond Being Pets
Brought to you by Purina ONE beyOnd. See what roles dogs and cats play in our every day lives.
By Good Partner,
Good Partner
Liz Meyer

















Jeff Bridges at Comic Con.Photo by Gage Skidmore via 

Whitney Carpenter with a patient in one of her custom port shirtsAtrium Health 
People at a public library.Image via
Father and child making origami together.Image via
Woman takes a bath.Image via
Older man solving newspaper crossword on a street table.Image via asdf - Photo by Mathias Reding
Happy seniors ride bikes.Image via sdf - Photo by Syda Productions



Men practice mindfulness overlooking the cliffs and ocean.Image via
Man smiles at dusk.Image via sss - Photo by ridofranz