I recently visited an animal shelter in South Korea, and what I saw deeply affected me.

I saw cats being kept individually in cages. My main concern is not simply the size of the cages, but the lack of opportunities for communal living for animals that are healthy and compatible with others.

I completely understand that some animals need to be separated because they are sick, injured, recovering, undergoing treatment, in quarantine, or experiencing behavioural or compatibility issues. For dogs in particular, some separation may also be necessary to prevent conflicts and ensure their safety.

However, when cats or dogs are healthy, social, and able to live safely with other animals, I believe they should, whenever possible, have the opportunity to live in a suitable communal space rather than spending long periods alone in a cage.

When a shelter has enough space to provide safe and appropriate communal areas, these spaces should be available to animals who can live together without putting each other at risk.

I am not asking for all animals to be housed together regardless of their health, behaviour, or compatibility. I am asking for communal living to be encouraged whenever it is possible and safe, while individual cages should be used when there is a genuine medical, quarantine, behavioural, or safety reason for separation.

I am asking for:

Suitable communal living spaces for cats and dogs whenever possible
The opportunity for compatible animals to live together safely
Individual cages when medical, quarantine, behavioural, or safety reasons genuinely require separation
Enough space for animals to move, play, rest, and have social interactions
Enrichment activities and exercise appropriate to their needs
Measures to reduce unnecessary and prolonged individual confinement
The goal should not simply be to provide animals with enough space inside a cage. It should be to allow them, whenever possible and safe, to live in an environment that meets their physical and social needs while they wait for their permanent home.

🐱🐶❤️ They deserve to live, not simply wait.