Jessica Downey

Jessica Downey

Freelance Writer

Jessica brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for all things pets. Her journey into the world of pet writing began after a year of writing for our sister site, Fit&Well, where she shared her love for all things health and wellbeing. However, after spotting too many adorable dogs on her runs and growing up with a chaotic rescue lurcher she made the move to PetsRadar to write about her love for all things furry.

With a degree in journalism from Cardiff University and PPA-accreditation, she has earned bylines in esteemed publications like PetsRadar, Fit&Well, LiveScience, Runner's World, The Evening Express, and Tom's Guide. These experiences have allowed her to build strong connections with experts in the field, including behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians. It's these connections that enable her to provide our readers with the latest, most insightful, and accurate information on pet care, behavior, and well-being.

Through her writing, she aims to empower pet owners to make informed decisions that enrich the lives of their furry companions.

Latest articles by Jessica Downey

Eight bonny Scottish dog breeds that’ll melt your heart

By Jessica Downey Last updated

Advice From lively Cairn Terriers to loyal Scotties, bring a touch of the Highlands into your home with these Scottish dog breeds

Advice
Dog chilling outside in one of the best dog playpens
Best dog playpens 2026 for your pooch to relax in

By Jessica Downey Last updated

Buying guide The best dog playpens keep your pooch out of trouble, giving them a safe place to play and relax.

Buying guide
Cat eating some of the best wet cat food
Best wet cat food for 2026, plus advice from a vet

By Kathryn Williams Last updated

Buying guide The best wet cat food features high-quality ingredients and comes in various tasty flavors. Here are our picks.

Buying guide
Two Spaniels holding a stick between both their mouths
Can dogs eat sticks? Vet’s advice on risks, alternatives, and prevention

By Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS Last updated

Advice Can dogs eat sticks? We chatted with an expert vet about the risks and alternatives you can choose to prioritize your dog’s health and well-being.

Advice
Why your cat is stealing food and how to stop him?
Why your cat is stealing food and how to stop him?

By Sara Walker Last updated

Advice Understanding why your cat is stealing food and how to stop him is going to reduce a lot of household frustration

Advice
Dog laying on it's back in the middle of a grassy park
Red paws on dogs: Vet shares key causes and treatments

By Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS Last updated

Vet's Guide Red paws on dogs can make life uncomfortable for your pup. Expert vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt reveals the key signs, common causes, and when to seek treatment

Vet's Guide
Man and woman cuddle a dog together
Setting behavior expectations with a new dog starts before you bring them home - trainer explains why

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover why choosing a dog breed that matches your current lifestyle is the key to a happy and harmonious relationship with your new pet

NEWS
Woman holds nervous looking dog
Want to curb reactivity? Trainer reveals two things you need to be rewarding your dog for

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Perhaps it's the little things you need to pay attention to when training your reactive pup...

NEWS
Golden Retriever bounding along a beach
Want to foolproof your dog’s mobility? Trainer reveals a ridiculously easy exercise to help you out

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover the surprisingly easy exercise that can boost your dog's mobility, prevent joint issues, and strengthen your bond

NEWS
Joe Biden with his German Shepherd dog Commander
Joe Biden’s dog bites for the 11th time — behaviorist reveals what's rattling Commander

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Commander strikes again biting another Secret Service Agent. Animal behavior expert Caroline Wilkinson unravels why this is a recurring behavior with Biden's dogs

NEWS
Woman being pulled by a dog on a leash
Try this canine trainer’s three tips if you want to ace loose leash walking with your dog

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Have you considered these three easy-to-implement leash walking tips yet?

NEWS
Dog sniffing in a grassy field
Canine expert reveals five reasons why you should let your dog sniff for a healthier, happier pup

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Find out why allowing your dog to sniff isn't a waste of time...

NEWS
Dog on a leash looking nervously at something
Want to help your nervous dog enjoy walks more? Expert trainer has the answers and they’re so simple

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Trainer approved tips to make every walk a rewarding adventure for you and your furry companion

NEWS
Shy dog muzzling his mouth into his paw
Not sure how to interact with a shy dog? Canine trainer reveals all

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Expert reveals helpful tips for approaching shy dogs with confidence and compassion

NEWS
Golden retriever sat in front of owners
Build a better bond with your dog and boost their happiness with this expert’s three top tips

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn from Amelia the Dog Trainer's three simple yet powerful techniques for a stronger and more fulfilling relationship with your dog

NEWS
Two dogs on leashes sniffing each other
Is your dog reactive to other dogs barking? Try this expert’s genius advice

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Say goodbye to stressful walks and anxious encounters

NEWS
Dog stealing food from table while owner is distracted
Put a stop to your dog counter surfing with this trainer’s easy three step solution

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn how to protect food from your greedy pup with a simple three step solution from certified dog trainer Jenna Pellerito

NEWS
Cat playing with a piece of string
Cat trainer shares how to keep your cat happy and mentally stimulated with a simple game

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Why not give this game a shot and learn how to enhance your cat's life through interactive play

NEWS
Woman playing with cat lying on it's back
Feline behaviorist shares six do’s and don’ts for cat playtime — they'll help keep your cat happy

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Cat expert reveals what to do (and what not to do) to keep your feline friend engaged and happy

NEWS
Vet handing dog over to owner
Take the worry out of going to a new vet with this canine expert’s three helpful tips

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover three expert tips for finding the perfect vet for your dog, especially if they're anxious or reactive

NEWS
Dog snarling in a field of long grass
Trainer shares three reactivity management exercises and they're great for keeping your dog calm

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Keep your pup calm and happy during walks with expert tips from a certified force free dog trainer

NEWS
Puppy running across a vast area of grass
Want to work on your puppy’s recall? Try this trainer’s simple running away game

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn how this playful approach can transform recall training into an enjoyable game for you and your pup

NEWS
Dog on leash staring up at owner
Want to improve your dog’s leash walking skills? Try this trainer’s clever tip for small dogs

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Unlock a trainer's nifty tip to improve your dog's walking skills, specially designed for small dogs

NEWS
Human holding up dog's ears
Dog not responding to cues? Trainer shares one incredibly obvious solution that you may be missing

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Repeating a cue over and over again until you get a response isn't as effective as what this trainer is reminding all dog parents to consider

NEWS
Dog being handed a treat by human
Dog trainer reveals the one thing people do wrong when teaching a puppy to stay

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn the right way to teach your puppy the 'stay' command from certified dog trainer Gia Savocchi

NEWS
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