Responsible pet ownership that meets animals needs throughout their lives is the foundation of companion animal welfare.
Most companion animal welfare failures result from owners who did not adequately research the needs, costs, and time requirements of the species they acquired. Impulse purchases particularly of breeds with health problems, exotic species with complex needs, and animals acquired for children create predictable welfare failures. Comprehensive pre-purchase education through both formal and accessible channels is the highest-impact welfare intervention for companion animals.