Citizen science programmes engage the public in collecting welfare-relevant data on wildlife and companion animals at scales impossible for professional researchers. Understanding these programmes helps advocates participate and support.
Citizen science offers a powerful mechanism for collecting welfare-relevant data at scales and locations that professional researchers cannot cover alone. Distributed observers can document population trends, detect welfare problems, and track responses to interventions across entire landscapes and species ranges. The data generated feeds into conservation and welfare management decisions that affect millions of animals. Participating in citizen science programmes is therefore not just an educationally valuable activity but a direct contribution to welfare improvement through evidence generation. Supporting organisations that coordinate citizen science programmes and maintaining data quality standards are important for maximising welfare benefit.