Companion animal

A companion animal is an animal kept primarily for the company and enjoyment of its owner rather than for work, food, or sport, most commonly a dog or cat.

The term is used in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and regulation to distinguish household pets from livestock, laboratory animals, and working animals. It also covers rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, and horses kept for pleasure. Because companion animals live in close contact with people, they are exposed to the same household products, foods, and medications, which is why accidental ingestion is a frequent reason for veterinary emergency visits.

In cannabinoid research, companion animals are the subject of a growing but still small body of veterinary studies, most involving dogs and far fewer involving cats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any cannabis-derived product for use in animals, and the American Veterinary Medical Association encourages owners to talk with a veterinarian before considering one. Pet owners meet the term on regulatory notices, product labels, and veterinary guidance documents.