ANIMALS’ NEEDS
All animals must carry out basic life processes and therefore have
basic needs. Humans and non-human animals share these basic
needs, which can be grouped into five areas:
1. Physiological needs – e.g. food and water, appropriate
temperature/humidity, air and light conditions etc.
2. Social needs – preference for living in solitude, in pair
bonds or in a group.
3. Psychological needs – appropriate stimulation and
activity to prevent boredom.
4. Environmental needs – suitable home, space and territory.
5. Behavioural needs – e.g. hibernation, nest building, burrowing.
Animals in captivity, such as pets or animals in a shelter or zoo, are
entirely dependent upon humans to provide the conditions that
will satisfy their basic needs. It is therefore important that anyone
looking after animals is aware of all their needs.