Perceptions of pre-acquisition research and expected care investment for companion animal species amongst animal welfare organisation staff and volunteers

Staff and volunteers represent charities to the public and are often approached for guidance about the charity specialism regardless of their actual role. This study explored whether staff and volunteers at an Animal Welfare Organisation have consistent perceptions of the importance of pre-acquisition research and expected care requirements for seven companion animal species. 264 staff and volunteers completed an online questionnaire. Comparisons were made between volunteer and staff roles, and those working in direct Pet Services and those in Non-Pet Services departments. The importance of pre-acquisition research was recognised by the majority of participants (>80%) for all species. Overall, type of role and species had a significant effect on participant willingness to pay initial set up costs and perceived suitability as a pet for children, ease of care and expected time commitment. Department had a significant effect on willingness to pay set up costs. These results suggest that animal welfare organisations should take time to understand the views of their wider teams in relation to the animals that they care for to ensure that effective welfare friendly messaging can be reflected by all areas of the organisation.