Germany Sees Strong Public Support for Animal Welfare in Schools
Berlin – A significant majority of Germans, nearly three-quarters (73.9%), believe that animal welfare should be integrated into the school curriculum, according to the first Humane World for Animals Animal Welfare Barometer 2026. The survey, which polled over 1,500 people across Germany, revealed particularly strong support among adults aged 30 to 49, with 78.8% agreeing that humane education is crucial.
Growing Demand for Compassionate Education
Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society International) highlighted these findings as coinciding with the start of the new school year. The organization argues that teaching respect, compassion, and ethical responsibility towards Animals from a young age is vital for fostering a more empathetic generation. Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, country director of Humane World for Animals Germany, stated, “For millions of children in Germany, Animals are a natural part of everyday life. That makes it even more important for young people to learn early on about animals’ needs and the responsibilities we have towards them.”
Companion Animals in German Households
The survey also revealed the prevalence of companion animals in German households. Approximately 61.6% of households with children reported owning at least one animal, translating to roughly 7.3 million households nationwide. This contrasts sharply with households without children, where only 39.7% own companion animals – a difference of 21.9 percentage points. Dogs and cats remain the most popular choices, with dogs being more prevalent in households with children (56.9%) compared to cats (53.9%).
Promoting Animal Welfare at Home
Humane World for Animals is encouraging families to incorporate animal welfare education into their daily lives. Suggestions include observing animals and discussing their needs, involving children in age-appropriate animal care, visiting animal shelters and rehabilitation centers, and engaging in volunteer work. The organization also points to Romania's successful “One Hour With and About Animals” initiative as a model for long-term social change.