You could say we’re obsessed with our pets around these parts. On any given day in the Country Living office, you’ll encounter some sort of critter underfoot—big, small, mutt, purebred, hyper, chill, wire-haired, and total floof.
If it’s Buck, he’s trying to get a peek at your lunch. Charlie’s just looking for a chin rub. If there’s bacon sizzling in the Country Living Test Kitchen, the tails really get wagging.
With so many animals running around, we realized it was time to put these furry little freeloaders to work. But seriously: Introducing the Country Living Pet Lab, where we (and our four-legged office mates) will regularly be putting all things pet-related to the test to find the most indestructible, engaging, aesthetically pleasing pet gear under the sun.
We’ll also be tapping into the expertise of our trusted Country Living veterinarians to answer your most pressing questions related to pet ownership. Does your dog really need sunscreen? Why does he refuse to get in the car? Does he love watching Animal Planet as much as I think he does?
And to be clear: We’re not just talking dogs here. We know you also love your cats, your chickens, your you-name-its, so you’ll find a whole menagerie of editor and petitor-vetted merch, from stylish chicken swings to curl-enhancing llama shampoo. Basically, if you’re looking for a product that involves an animal, this is your place. Go ahead and walk in a circle three times before settling in for a bit. (Come for the recs, stay for the dog humor.)
What our editors (and their pets!) are loving right this minute
Toys, tugs, and other pet-approved pastimes
Our Best-Tested Indestructible Dog Toys
Best Dog Puzzles, According to Enthusiastic Reviewers
Top-Tested Cat Trees
Fun Games for Felines
The best take-a-beating pet beds and keep-calm curiosities
My Cats Love This Pet Bed Cave
The Best Dog Beds for Every Four-Legged Family Member
This Heated Cat House Will Keep Outdoor Kitties Warm
The Coziest Heated Dog Bed
Does your dog need beard oil? Let’s discuss.
This TikTok-Favorite Dog Brush Is Only $6 on Amazon
The MudBuster Will Stop Your Dog From Tracking Dirt Inside
We Asked a Vet: How Do You Bathe a Cat?
Behold: This Dog Onesie Stops Your Dog from Shedding
Everything you need to live that chicken-lady life, from feeders to fencing
Chicken Coop Accessories to Keep Your Flock Happy
Top-Flight Gifts for Chicken Lovers
The Best Chicken Coop Cameras to Keep an Eye on Your Flock
Chicken Coops Your Brood Will Love
Designer-approved finds for a stylish, pet-friendly home
Pet-Friendly Houseplants You Can Grow Without Worry
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes
Stylish Pet Feeding Mats You Won't Mind Having Out in Plain Sight
The Best Dog Doors for Easy Outdoor Access
Dog bowls, treat dispensers, and other mealtime mainstays
"My Dog Is Obsessed with These Long-Lasting Chews"
These Pet Food Canisters Are Pawsitively Adorable
Slow Feeders That'll Actually Pace Your Pet
The Best Dog Subscription Boxes for Your Pampered Pooch
Portable gear, collapsible crates, pet-friendly getaways, and more
The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the U.S. By State
The Internet Is Obsessed With This Genius Collapsible Dog Crate
Camping with Dogs Can be a Paw-sitive Experience
Is the Tavo Pet Carrier Worth It? Our Editor Put It to the Test
Meet Our Discerning (And Highly Distractible) Testers
Charlie
Breed: Half Yellow Lab, Half English Cream Golden Retriever
Age: 1
Likes: Dog videos, canned pumpkin
Dislikes: Long meetings that could have been an e-mail
Olive
Breed: Tabby
Age: 7
Likes: Bird watching, heated blankets
Dislikes: Thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners
Teddy
Breed: Maltese
Age: 3
Likes: King beds, cheese
Dislikes: Owls, peanut butter
Max
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 5 months
Likes: Shoes (Anyone’s), Zoomies
Dislikes: Behaving
Lottie
Breed: Catahoula Mix
Age: 2
Likes: Ball. Ball is life.
Dislikes: Meeting new people
Otis
Breed: Mutt
Age: 4
Likes: Digging a hole (just the one), 90s country
Dislikes: Photo shoots
Mollie
Breed: Dachsund Mix
Age: 9
Likes: Yogurt, barking, and her (human) toddler brother Benji
Dislikes: Golden-doodle brother Oscar
Esther
Breed: Rat Terrier Mix
Age: 9
Likes: Long walks, Frasier reruns
Dislikes: Fireworks, dancing
Henrietta
Breed: Plymouth Rock
Age: 1.5
Likes: Basking in the sun, meal worms
Dislikes: Rainy days
Gumbo
Breed: Miniature Australian Shepherd
Age: 2
Likes: Chasing squirrels, Ina Garten
Dislikes: The song "Linger" by the Cranberries (he howls to the entire song)
Photo Credits: Becky-Luigart Stayner (Pet portraits, bandanas, tennis balls, dog beds, brushes, chicken feeders, dog mats, dog bowls and water bottles); Getty Images (overhead dogs, cat and chicken).
