Domestic rats are highly intelligent, social animals whose welfare needs are frequently underestimated, with many kept in conditions that deny their cognitive and social requirements.
Rat welfare is frequently compromised by single housing, inadequate space, and insufficient enrichment. The intelligence and social complexity of rats means that meeting their needs requires active engagement, not just physical provision. Daily interaction, complex environments with tunnels, climbing structures, and foraging opportunities, and social housing are minimum welfare requirements. The short lifespan of rats makes each year of good welfare proportionally very significant - and each year of poor welfare a substantial welfare harm.