ABSTRACT
Cats and dogs occupy a unique place in the lives of humans around the world, and we value them both as working animals and also as companions. However, the intrinsic value of companion animals to human society, and our individual emotional bond with them, may often confound objective decision-making around their welfare. There is often an assumption that the animals with whom we share our homes and lives will automatically experience good welfare throughout their lives and their deaths – but is this always the case? As veterinary medical services develop, options increase for extending their lives. Similarly, as dogs and cats with extreme conformations become ever more popular, requirements increase for lifelong management of multiple health problems. Such investment in owner and veterinary time, finances, and emotion can be significant, and may confound objective decision-making around the animal’s welfare. While many well-loved pet dogs and cats experience problems from inappropriate human care, others may suffer from human neglect or active abuse. This chapter explores some of the welfare problems cats and dogs face, and emphasises the importance of understanding welfare through the animal’s experience, rather than through the human lens of good intentions or aesthetic preference.
