Animal welfare means the individual protection of every animal, regardless of whether it lives in the wild or is kept in human care. Above all, it is about species-appropriate husbandry and the protection of animals during transportation and slaughter.

Voluntary animal welfare work is an important pillar of animal welfare. The animal welfare associations are particularly worthy of mention here. The majority of animal welfare associations belong to the umbrella organization of the German Animal Welfare Association and run an animal shelter or an animal reception station. Citizens also have the option of taking their pet to a boarding kennel while they are on vacation or sick.

The official veterinarians carry out regular and focused inspections and investigate complaints and reports of animal welfare violations. They initiate proceedings to impose fines or impose conditions on those responsible in order to remedy abuses.

• Animal welfare organizations
• Animal shelter finder
• Further information can be found here: