Marissa Chen

Marissa Chen is a senior staff writer with a background in Zoology and Comparative Psychology, specializing in the emotional and cognitive lives of animals. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Marissa began her career in field research studying communication in primates and later pivoted to writing in order to bring the science of animal behavior to broader audiences. Her investigative reporting and feature writing have appeared in national publications, but she finds her greatest fulfillment in writing about the animals that share our homes and hearts.

With an emphasis on pet cognition, interspecies communication, and humane training methods, Marissa’s articles explore the intricate ways animals perceive the world—and how that understanding can improve the way we care for them. She has written extensively on topics such as anxiety in dogs, enrichment for indoor cats, and ethical considerations in exotic pet ownership. Known for her balanced reporting and evidence-based storytelling, Marissa offers readers both scientific depth and emotional resonance.

She lives in Seattle with her partner, their talkative African Grey parrot, Soba, and two elderly rescue rabbits. When she’s not writing, she volunteers with local animal sanctuaries and consults on enrichment design for urban pet owners. Through her work with Essential Pet Guide, Marissa champions a world where pets are not just companions—but individuals with voices worth hearing.