Handbook of Laboratory Animal Management and Welfare - Chapter on Carnivores: Dogs and Cats (1994)

Wolfensohn, S. , Lloyd, M.

Abstract

Environmental enrichment caters for the behavioural needs of the animals, and improves their health and welfare as much as any other environmental factor. The provision of play articles or bedding may be a simple way to achieve environmental enrichment, allowing the expression of normal behaviour, and improving the welfare of the animals. ... DOGS should be kept in groups or in pairs in the laboratory if possible, with care being taken to ensure that subordinate members of the group get sufficient food. ... There must be facilities for adequate exercise, either in the individual runs or in a communal exercise yard where dogs can go in pairs or groups. Cages are unsuitable for dogs long term as there is little room for exercise or human contact. ... Singly housed CATS should be allowed to exercise daily, and ideally should be able to see other cats.