LICG

LICG Guidelines & Animal Welfare at DRD Knaagdierwinkel®

Animal welfare as a starting point – not a marketing tool

At DRD Knaagdierwinkel®, the welfare of small animals is always our top priority. That is why we apply the guidelines of the LICG (Landelijk InformatieCentrum Gezelschapsdieren) as an absolute minimum standard when assessing enclosures, cages and runs.

We do not view the LICG guidelines as an ideal scenario, but as a minimum baseline that any animal-friendly enclosure must meet. Wherever possible, we recommend more space, improved furnishing and expansion options.

What is the LICG?

The LICG (Landelijk InformatieCentrum Gezelschapsdieren) is an independent organisation that provides objective information on the keeping of companion animals. Its guidelines are based on scientific research, practical experience and animal welfare.

The LICG has no commercial interests and offers guidelines intended to give animals a responsible and appropriate quality of life.

More background information can be found on the official LICG website.

LICG guidelines as a minimum, not a maximum

A key principle at DRD is:

If an enclosure does not meet the LICG guidelines, we clearly state this.

This means:

• We do not sell enclosures that are too small without proper explanation
• We indicate when expansion is necessary or strongly recommended
• We only consider continuous floor space, in line with LICG definitions

Additional levels, lofts or platforms are valuable enrichment, but they never replace the required base space.

How do we apply LICG guidelines to our products?

That is why our product pages include clear LICG information blocks, stating:

• the LICG minimum requirements for the species
• the floor area of the enclosure
• how many animals the enclosure is suitable for according to LICG
• when expansion is necessary or desirable

We apply this to, among others:

• Guinea pig cages and wire cube enclosures
• Hamster cages and terrariums
• Rat cages and barred cages

This way, you as a customer know exactly what to expect, without having to search for or interpret guidelines yourself.

What does this mean for you as a customer?

By choosing DRD Knaagdierwinkel®, you benefit from:

• honest and transparent product information
• clarity about minimum enclosure sizes
• advice that puts the animal first, not the sale
• a reduced risk of incorrect purchases
• future-proof enclosure solutions

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced animal keeper, you can trust that our information is carefully aligned with the welfare of your animal.

Buying LICG-compliant at DRD Knaagdierwinkel®

We believe that responsible animal care starts with proper housing. By consistently applying LICG guidelines to our assortment, we help customers make informed, animal-friendly choices.