When people (scientists and the public alike) think of animal welfare, they find it relatively easy to describe in terms of the absence of negative states, but they find it more difficult to think about positive states. Societal and economic pressure for improvements in animal welfare have become an increasingly important driving force for changes in the management of companion, production and wildlife species. Dr Elizabeth L. Jackson and Dr Troy J. Gibson from the Royal Veterinary College share their views on what can be considered good animal welfare.