While many animals need social companionship, some species are naturally solitary and suffer from forced social contact. Understanding species-specific social needs prevents welfare harms from misguided companionship policies.
The welfare principle that social animals need companions is well-supported, but its misapplication to solitary species causes harm. Forcing contact between animals that evolved for solitary life creates chronic stress and injury. Welfare assessment must be species-specific, distinguishing animals for whom social contact is essential from those for whom it is stressful. Evidence-based housing recommendations that account for individual variation within species produce the best welfare outcomes.