six areas, one big question
Meet the animals
Six areas where animals live under human care and use. Pick one to start, or connect an animal to an issue.
Quick answer
Animal welfare covers how animals are kept and treated. We group it into six areas: farmed land animals, aquatic animals, companion animals, wildlife, animals in science, and working animals. Each page has a plain-language summary, sourced figures, and answers to common questions.
Last reviewed .
Farmed land animals
How animals raised on land for food are housed, handled, transported, and protected by law.
open pageAquatic animals
Fish and other aquatic animals, in the wild and in farming, and the welfare questions each raises.
open pageCompanion animals
Pets and the people who care for them, from adoption to everyday responsibility.
open pageWildlife and captive wild animals
Animals in their habitats, and those kept in zoos, sanctuaries, and similar settings.
open pageAnimals in science
How animals are used in research, testing, and education, and the standards that guide it.
open pageService and working animals
Guide dogs and other animals who do jobs for people, and what they need in return.
open pageby the numbers
What the evidence says
Every figure links to its source. See all of them on our facts and sources page.
87.9 billion
Faunalytics, Global Animal Slaughter Statistics and Charts (based on FAO data) 2024 data
73%
WWF, Living Planet Report 2024 (with the Zoological Society of London) 1970 to 2020
3.7 million
Canadian Council on Animal Care, CCAC Animal Data Report 2024 2024 data
Connect an animal with an issue
How do animals connect to issues?