The NSPCA approves of the keeping of companion animals only when there is full personal commitment to the welfare of the animals. The animals must be provided with shelter appropriate to species, exercise, care, food and water appropriate to their physiological and behavioural needs.

The regulations governing companion animals must include the licensing and control of breeders to ensure humane breeding and rearing conditions.

  • Recognising the importance of identification and traceability to canine welfare, the NSPCA calls for effective enforcement of the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015.
  • The NSPCA advocates for the compulsory identification and registration of domestic cats.
  • The NSPCA encourages responsible owners to take full ownership of semi-owned cats they care for.
  • On sites where the welfare of colonies of unowned / feral cats is ensured and their presence is welcome by the owners of the sites, the NSPCA advocates the sterilisation of these cats, provided humane procedures are followed.
  • The NSPCA is opposed to all mutilations on companion animals carried out for non-therapeutic reasons. It also condemns selective breeding in the search for certain external features, which adversely affect the health and welfare of the animals.*
  • The NSPCA considers the neutering of companion animals an essential part of responsible pet ownership unless there are veterinary or other valid reasons to the contrary.
  • The NSPCA reluctantly accepts that the humane destruction of healthy animals may sometimes be unavoidable and advocates that these animals be put to sleep by a method which is both painless and effective, administered by responsible and properly trained individuals, in accordance with the latest research of the Society.**
  • The NSPCA promotes the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 which legislate for the welfare of animals offered for sale in pet shops and elsewhere.

Note*: The Society considers neutering to be therapeutic.

Note: ** Sometimes there are cases in which an animal should be put down as quickly as possible and it would cause more suffering and distress for the animal if it had to wait until it could be taken to a vet or a vet could be brought to it.