Are single housing options acceptable for social species under the Guide, and what is the rationale?

• A. Generally not preferred; social housing is recommended where compatible, with exceptions for safety or welfare concerns
• B. Not allowed under any circumstances
• C. Always required
• D. Only for pregnant animals

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the Guide supports housing social species with other animals whenever they can coexist safely and without compromising welfare. Providing social housing helps animals express natural behaviors, reduces stress, and aligns with humane care standards. Single housing is not the default or preferred arrangement; it is acceptable only when there is a specific, justified reason such as safety concerns (for example, risk of injury from aggression), welfare concerns that cannot be resolved through enrichment or behavior modification, or a clear scientific need that requires separation. Any such decision should be reviewed and approved by the IACUC, with a plan to minimize the duration of single housing and a pathway to reintroduce social housing when feasible. Temporary single housing for acclimation or post-surgical recovery may occur, but it is not the standard approach. Pregnancy status by itself is not a blanket justification for long-term single housing; species- and situation-specific considerations determine the appropriate housing.