Following the inclusion of cephalopods under EU research animal regulations, welfare standards for octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish in science are being actively developed.
Cephalopod welfare in research is advancing rapidly but inconsistently. Octopuses and squid require enriched, species-appropriate housing with opportunities for exploration and hiding. Standard veterinary anaesthetics do not work the same way in cephalopods - magnesium chloride or clove oil immersion are used. Welfare assessments must account for their short lifespans and sensitivity to water quality.