Chapter 14 - Dog and Cat Welfare in a Research Environment

Abstract

There is often a heightened concern for the welfare of dogs and cats since they play a special role as companion animals. While most individuals with knowledge of dogs or cats have opinions about what constitutes good welfare, there are unique considerations that must be applied for these species as laboratory animals. Oversight of measures that promote good welfare begins even before acquisition and continues throughout the life of the animal. Included are discussions of choosing the right animal, transportation to the research facility, care at the facility, importance of socialization, acclimation, and enrichment, and re-homing of laboratory dogs and cats. As knowledge and perspectives change about what constitutes good welfare, so too does the expectation for better care at all stages of the animal's life.