What Is Animal Welfare Science — And Why Every Australian Pet Owner Should Care

We all want the best for our pets. We buy them quality food, take them to the vet, give them cuddles on the couch. But how do we actually know what’s best for them? That’s exactly the question that animal welfare science sets out to answer — and the insights it offers are changing the way Australians think about pet ownership, breeding, and animal care.

Understanding Animal Welfare Science

Animal welfare science is the study of the animal experience – how they’re care for physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are various scientific disciplines that look at this field. Many scientists study every facet of animal welfare, from whether an animal can feel pain to whether a pet is exhibiting signs of boredom. All of this and more is studied under the branch of science known as animal welfare science. 

This science influences government policy and regulations in Australia. From the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to organisations such as Animals Australia, this science plays a significant role. Advances in this field are leading to significant changes in commercial pet breeding, shelter management, and companion animal veterinary practice. 

The Five Domains: A Modern Framework

Various scholars have developed different frameworks to describe what conditions animals deserve. Traditionally, animal welfare has described the “Five Freedoms” as factors that promote a positive existence, including freedoms from hunger, discomfort, pain, fear, and the freedom to express normal behaviour. 

Professor David Mellor of Massey University has developed a framework for understanding animal welfare known as the Five Domains. This framework builds on the concept of welfare as the absence of suffering to also incorporate positive experiences. They are:

1. Nutrition — One of the most important things is having access to fresh water and a healthy diet.
2. Physical Environment — Shelter and surroundings suited to the animal’s biological needs, including temperature regulation, resting space, and safety.
3. Health — Freedom from injury and disease, and access to prompt veterinary care when needed.
4. Behavioural Interactions — The opportunity to express species-specific behaviours, including socialising, exploring, foraging, and play.
5. Mental State — The mental state component, which distinguishes this framework from others, is concerned with the subjective experiences of an animal, and whether or not these are considered a welfare issue.

The Five Domains framework shifts the conversation from “Is the animal suffering?” to “Is the animal thriving?”

What Science Tells Us About Common Pets

Dogs

Scientific research, especially from the field of animal welfare science, has significantly contributed to the knowledge base on dogs, including their cognition and emotions. It has been proven that dogs experience various emotions, including joy, fear, jealousy, and grief. As highly social animals, a dog’s wellbeing is closely linked to its relationships with humans and other dogs. 

The psychological wellbeing of dogs depends upon mental stimulation and physical exercise. Research shows that positive reinforcement training methods promote a dog’s psychological wellbeing more than punishment-based methods. One of the most common psychological problems identified in domestic dogs is separation anxiety, which affects an estimated 17–29% of the pet dog population. 

Animal welfare scientists have contributed significantly to the understanding and treatment of separation anxiety in dogs. The knowledge contributed by these scientists informs treatment protocols employed by vets and animal behaviourists across Australia.

Cats

When considering animals like cats, many individuals immediately think of these animals as more solitary and independent and with emotional and social complexities that are not as pronounced as dogs or other pets.

However, science shows otherwise. Cats, their interactions, their environments, and the ability to express certain predatory play behaviours are all aspects that have been identified as welfare needs for domestic cats. As indoor cats in Australia also have particular environmental considerations, science identifies what can be done to fulfil the needs of these animals to ensure a full and satisfying life.

Small Animals and Exotic Pets

The impact of animal welfare science has also changed how we think about smaller companion animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and fish. Rabbits, for example, have complex social structures and require companionship, so single rabbits in small hutches are well short of an appropriate welfare situation. Parrots are known to have cognitive abilities equivalent to young children, so their welfare needs are quite significant.

Animal Welfare Science and Responsible Breeding

For example, one issue that has seen significant legislative changes or introductions across many states is the issue of puppy factories. Legislation is being introduced or amended in numerous states relating to the welfare of the animals within these breeding facilities, with the aim of reducing the number of animals suffering at the hands of these commercial breeders. Examples include the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Act 2017 in Victoria, and the Animal Care and Protection Act in Queensland.

If you are looking to source a pet, an understanding of these animal welfare principles can help you to make a genuinely ethical decision on where and from whom you should source your pet.

Practical Takeaways for Australian Pet Owners

Animal welfare science is important, not just for researchers, but for pet owners in how they make everyday pet care decisions:

Observe behaviour, not just health. Some signs to look out for that highlight whether an animal has good welfare include looking at whether the animals themselves are inquisitive, whether they’re exhibiting normal behaviours and actions that other species commonly show, and how engaged they are with their environment.

Enrich the environment. Environmental enrichment is one of the greatest predictors of welfare of animals across the board. This, for your pet, could be something as simple as rotating their toys, puzzle feeders, company, or walk routes.

Choose positive training methods. There is clear scientific evidence indicating that if someone is trying to train dogs and is relying on punishment, intimidation, or even pain, this is not only an ethical problem, but a problem from a scientific perspective as well.

Understand your pet’s species-specific needs. If you were to look at the framework for considering the welfare of a Labrador compared to that of a leopard gecko, it becomes clear that the behaviours that must be accommodated for the animal to genuinely thrive are very different.

Advocate for higher standards. Whether you’re choosing a vet, a boarding facility, a pet sitter, or a breeder, asking questions about their approach to animal welfare is entirely reasonable. Professionals and businesses who engage with animal welfare science will be glad you asked.

The Future of Animal Welfare Science in Australia

Some of the world’s leading researchers on the topic are actually based in Australia. Educational institutions like the University of Melbourne, Charles Sturt University, and the University of Queensland are contributing valuable information to the body of knowledge on animal welfare science. As this field of science advances, Australia’s and the world’s understanding of the issue will deepen.