Social-housing of cats and dogs; exercise for dogs (2007)

LAREF [Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum]

Abstract

Permanent social housing of cats can be a safe arrangement under the condition that the primary enclosure is properly structured and the personnel committed to providing high-quality care. If all animals of a group are spayed or neutered, the social housing of cats is relatively unproblematic.It seems to be practical and relatively safe to house dogs in small groups of three in convertible runs that allow for the separation of the animals during feeding times and are provisioned with an elevated platform.Playing with dogs and walking them on a leash on a daily basis is probably the most effective and appropriate option to provide dogs with the opportunity for exercise in accordance with animal welfare regulations.