Introducing animal welfare education in schools builds lifelong attitudes toward other species that translate into more welfare-positive consumer and civic behaviour in adulthood.
Animal welfare education in schools has the potential to shape attitudes that persist throughout lifetime decision-making. Children who understand that animals have needs, experience pain, and deserve consideration are more likely to become adults who make welfare-informed consumer choices, support welfare-positive legislation, and treat animals in their care appropriately. The evidence base for empathy development through animal contact and education is strong. The challenge is ensuring that education goes beyond the superficial — that children learn what animals actually need rather than what they would want if they were small furry humans. Age-appropriate, science-grounded welfare education develops genuine understanding that survives into adulthood rather than anthropomorphic sentiment that does not translate into good welfare practice.