The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:

1. United Kingdom (BBC) Lab-grown meat set to be sold in UK pet food

   In Brief: The UK has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first European nation to approve lab-grown meat for use in pet food. The regulatory green light allows Meatly, a London-based startup, to produce and sell cultivated chicken for pet consumption. Set to hit the market this year, the company plans to expand production over the next three years. Unlike traditional meat, this lab-grown variety promises environmental and animal welfare benefits. However, its adoption faces hurdles due to potential economic impacts on farmers and fluctuating global investments in cultivated meat technologies.

2. United States (Halo / PR NewsWire) HALO COLLAR TRANSFORMS THE DOG CONTAINMENT INDUSTRY WITH GPS SAFETY SOLUTION

   In Brief: Halo, a leader in the GPS wireless dog fence industry, has seen a fourfold increase in sales, revolutionizing dog containment with its advanced GPS technology. As consumer preferences shift away from traditional in-ground wire systems, Halo's innovative product offers a portable, cost-effective, and safer alternative. The global pet tech market, poised to reach $13.6 billion by 2029, reflects a trend towards humanizing pets and enhancing their safety and wellness. Halo Collar, endorsed by dog behaviorist Cesar Millan, combines a smart fence, training protocols, GPS tracker, and activity monitor in one device. It allows pet owners to create virtual boundaries anywhere, enhancing the mobility and safety of pets. The collar is available for $599 at major retailers including Amazon and Walmart.

3. United Kingdom (The Verge) The UK will start feeding lab-grown meat to pets this year

   In Brief: The University of Colorado Denver has launched a new Center for Psychedelic Research, exploring the potential benefits and effects of psychedelics in medicine. Directed by neuroscientist Jim Grigsby, the center aims to investigate various uses of psychedelics, including MDMA for treating trauma in dogs and the potential for psychedelics to boost neurogenesis and reduce inflammation. The center is also involved in a study using psilocybin to help individuals confront cancer diagnoses. Additionally, it will address legal and social implications of Colorado’s psychedelic policies. Despite promising prospects, researchers face challenges like conducting double-blind studies due to the recognizable effects of psychedelics, complicating placebo control and potentially affecting study validity.

4. United States (Whyy) Amid overcrowding concerns, ACCT Philly is paying people to foster dogs

   In Brief: ACCT Philly, Philadelphia's only open-intake animal shelter, is facing severe overcrowding this summer, prompting the launch of the "Foster Frenzy" program. Amid unprecedented intake numbers, the shelter is now offering financial incentives for fostering animals. Adults who foster a dog will receive $200, and those fostering adult cats or a cage of kittens for a month will get $100, along with a care kit, thanks to sponsorship from Little Hunter. Homeward Bound pet adoption center in Blackwood, NJ, is experiencing similar overcrowding issues, currently housing around 200 dogs but with optimal capacity at 150. To address this, they're waiving adoption fees and extending their operating hours. Without significant adoptions or fosters, Homeward Bound may be forced to euthanize some long-stay dogs after July 24. Both shelters emphasize the urgency of the situation, with many pet owners surrendering their animals due to financial hardships.

5. United States (HuffPost) New Study Finds One Way Raising A Puppy Is Actually Like Having A Baby

   In Brief: A recent study from the University of Helsinki has found that raising a puppy can evoke emotions similar to the postpartum "baby blues" experienced by new human parents. This study highlights that new dog owners often undergo stress, mood swings, irritability, and sometimes find it difficult to bond with their new puppy, similar to the challenges faced by new parents. The "puppy blues" can manifest in various forms such as anxiety over the dog's care and development, frustration with the puppy's behavior, and fatigue from the demands of puppy care. The study underscores the importance of preparing for the challenges of puppy raising and suggests establishing a routine and seeking support from professional trainers or dog communities to alleviate stress.