Animal welfare refers to how well an animal is coping both with its environment and with the way it is being managed. When an animal's major needs are being met its welfare is good. There are five main areas of need. These can be broadly described as nutritional, environmental, health, behavioural and mental needs. These areas of need can guide us when we want to find out how to prevent an animal's welfare from being harmed. They show us where animal welfare problems can occur, and they help us work out how to prevent or correct those problems.