Why PIJAC’s Standards Matter Here

PIJAC’s Small Animal Standards of Care were developed specifically to address a historical gap in clear regulation and guidance for these species’ enclosures and housing — a genuinely useful reference point for informed recommendations.

Space as a Genuine Welfare Consideration, Not Just Comfort

Adequate space isn’t just about comfort — it directly affects physical health (exercise, joint and bone development) and psychological wellbeing across species.

Temperature, Humidity, and Lighting Needs

Different species have genuinely different environmental needs — humidity requirements for some, specific lighting (including UV needs for some species) for others — that a specialist should understand rather than applying a single generic standard.

Substrate and Bedding Considerations

Appropriate substrate or bedding material varies by species and affects both comfort and health (some materials pose genuine respiratory or ingestion risks for specific species).