Dog welfare

What good welfare means for a dog

Welfare is about how a dog experiences its own life: not just whether it is fed and housed, but whether it feels safe, healthy and able to behave like a dog.

The foundation

The Five Freedoms

First set out in the UK in the 1960s and 70s, the Five Freedoms are still a widely used checklist for animal welfare. Every dog should have all five.

1

Freedom from hunger and thirst

Constant access to fresh water and a diet that keeps the dog healthy and at a good weight.

2

Freedom from discomfort

Shelter from heat, cold and rain, and a comfortable, dry place to rest.

3

Freedom from pain, injury and disease

Preventive care, vaccinations, parasite control and prompt veterinary treatment when something is wrong.

4

Freedom to behave normally

Space, exercise, the chance to sniff, play and explore, and time with people and other dogs.

5

Freedom from fear and distress

Kind handling, no harsh punishment, and conditions that avoid ongoing anxiety or suffering.

Reading your dog

Signs your dog is stressed or uncomfortable

Dogs tell us a lot with their bodies, usually long before they growl or snap. One signal on its own can mean little; several together, in context, are worth paying attention to. If you see them, give your dog space and remove whatever is worrying them.

  • Lip licking or yawning when not tired
  • “Whale eye”: the whites of the eyes showing
  • Ears pinned back, tail tucked low
  • Panting or drooling without exercise or heat
  • Pacing, restlessness, or trying to hide
  • Turning the head or body away
  • Freezing or going very still
  • Shaking off as if wet, when they are dry
  • Lifting one front paw

Speaking up

Recognising neglect

Warning signs can include a dog that is very thin, matted or filthy; left outside without shelter or water; chained or confined for long periods; untreated injuries or skin problems; or a dog that is extremely fearful of people.

What you can do

  1. Note the details: address, dates, times, and what you saw. Photos help if you can take them safely and legally.
  2. Report it to your local animal control agency, humane society or SPCA. Many accept anonymous reports.
  3. In an emergency, such as a dog trapped in a hot car or being actively harmed, call your local emergency number.
  4. Don’t put yourself at risk or confront the owner. Let trained officers handle it.

Responsible ownership

Simple habits that protect dogs

Microchip and ID

A microchip plus a collar tag with your phone number gives a lost dog the best chance of coming home. Keep your details up to date with the chip registry.

Spay or neuter

Reduces unplanned litters, which helps ease shelter overcrowding. Talk to your vet about the right timing for your dog’s breed and size.

Never in a hot car

On a warm day a parked car can heat up dangerously within minutes, even with the windows cracked. If you can’t take your dog inside with you, leave them at home.

Next: the everyday care guide

Good welfare is built from daily routines. See what your dog needs for food, exercise, grooming and health.

Read the care guide