This talk introduces the audience to the philosophical and scientific study of animal consciousness. It explains why understanding animal consciousness is inseparable to the project of animal welfare, and why the current ‘valence-based’ and ‘preference-based’ approach to animal welfare are inadequate. It ends by urging effective altruists concerned about animal welfare to care about fundamental, theoretical research on animal consciousness. Jack Hawke is currently undertaking a research Masters in philosophy at the Australian National University (ANU). Earlier, he completed a graduate program at the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care. Before that, he completed a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours) at the ANU. MC: Bec Mayo