We’ve launched Darwin’s Cats, our new feline community science project!

BRING YOUR CAT ABOARD THE ARK

Cats have been understudied for far too long. At Darwin’s Ark, we believe engaging cat lovers in research is key to accelerating scientific understanding of feline behavior, health, and genetics.

That’s why we created Darwin’s Cats, our newest community science initiative.

You’re an expert on your cat. We’re experts in biological research. Together, we can help decode the mysteries of our favorite felines.

Join Darwin’s Cats

The Science of Community Science

Darwin’s Ark engages ordinary pet owners as scientific partners. Our community science initiatives—Darwin’s Dogs and Darwin’s Cats—combine genetics and behavior to advance the understanding of complex diseases.

We’re a nonprofit that subscribes to the open science model. This means we do not own and will never sell your pet’s data. You contribute to an open source database and we share all resulting discoveries openly with our participants and researchers around the world. Together, we can advance health care for pets and their humans.

DOGS

Dog owners know their dogs. We’re asking dog owners to contribute their knowledge of their pets to help us learn more about how genetics influence health and behavior. Join us on this exciting journey!

PASSIVE SAMPLING PROJECT

If you live in OH, PA or WV we need your help!
Our dogs are family members, which means they share our homes and environment. As a result, we can learn a lot about environmental exposure and health risk by studying our canine companions. In the aftermath of the East Palestine Ohio train derailment, we are working with other researchers to collect information on dogs” environmental exposure to better understand the health effects of this incident.

DOG CANCER PROJECT

By studying cancer in dogs, we’re working to help both people and dogs survive cancer.

Dogs get many different types of cancer, and a lot of these cancers look and behave like human cancers. Canine cancers are also treated with many of the same drugs and treatments that humans receive.
Additionally, some cancers that are very rare in people are more common and easier to study in dogs.

WORKING DOG PROJECT

Working together to develop new genomic tools for working dog programs.

Working dogs fill countless, critical roles, from ensuring our national security to helping people with disabilities live more independently. While demand for working dogs and service dogs is steadily increasing, the supply of these talented dogs hasn’t kept pace, with 50-80% of dogs failing to complete training programs.

PETS ON THE ARK

dogs
44,782
DOGS REGISTERED
SINCE 2017
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4,738,609
SURVEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED
cats
1,408
CATS REGISTERED
SINCE 2024
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76,404
SURVEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

OUR COMMUNITY

“Thank you Darwin’s Dogs for delving into the wondrous and ineffable Mystery of Mutts.”

“Darwin’s Dogs is giving us insight to the most precious science of all – the science of discovery, health, and relationship.”

“What I like most about the Darwin’s Dogs project is that it celebrates mutts and the people who love them.”

-Ally Phel. & Reilly, Participant

IN THE PRESS