Field Guide for Adequate Guardianship

IFAW works to ensure an acceptable quality of life for companion animals, through the facilitation of Adequate Guardianship, to meet their biological needs as outlined by the Five Freedoms.

Parts 1-6 define the minimum resources, environmental conditions and social interactions necessary for an individual to maintain an acceptable level of health and well-being. Parts 1-6 are applicable to all cats and dogs. Their location may include pounds, shelters, individual rescuer/fosterers, rescue groups/other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), commercial or IFAW Companion Animals Program vet facilities, or an owner/guardian home.  

The Appendices outline additional husbandry practices that must be met for animals requiring temporary, and often close, confinement in order to facilitate hospitalization or rehoming.