Animal Welfare Certification Schemes

Third-party welfare certification schemes help consumers identify higher welfare products, though they vary significantly in the standards they require.

Key Facts

Major US welfare certification programs include Certified Humane, Animal Welfare Approved, and Global Animal Partnership
Animal Welfare Approved is generally considered the most rigorous US farm animal certification
Certification typically involves unannounced audits by trained inspectors
The number of certified farms is growing but still represents a small fraction of total production
Certification costs can be prohibitive for smaller farmers wanting to demonstrate higher standards

Welfare Considerations

Third-party welfare certification provides a mechanism for consumers to support better welfare through purchasing decisions, but the landscape of certification programs is confusing and varies enormously in rigor. The most meaningful programs require regular on-site audits, have clear and science-based standards, and do not allow the worst practices. Weaker certifications may require little more than self-declaration. Building consumer literacy about which certification logos are meaningful is an important element of market-based welfare improvement. Government-mandated welfare labeling with standardized tiers would be more effective than the current voluntary scheme proliferation.

What You Can Do

Learn the most rigorous animal welfare certification standards in your country
Look specifically for Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane, or equivalent rigorous certifications
Advocate for government-mandated standardized welfare tier labeling
Support certification organizations through membership or donations
Ask grocery stores to stock more certified higher welfare products