How to become a certified producer

To apply to become a certified producer takes just a few minutes of your time through our easy-to-use online application system. Before you fill our your basic information, we encourage you to review the standards for your particular species which are available free for download. Filling out an application obligates you in no way to the program, it merely starts the review process.

Before you begin, please review the features and benefits of our program here if you haven’t done so already.

Application & Audit Process:

1. Species Specific Standards
Download the standards of care on which our program is based for each species under your care. Then compare them to your own standard operating procedures. If you have any questions, or need advice on how to best close any gaps in your operations versus the standards prior to the physical audit, we are here to help. Just give us a call.

Download standards here.

2. Apply On-Line
It’s easy and only takes a few minute of your time. The American Humane Certified program begins with an easy-to-use online application that is used to provide a description of your operations. Upon completion and submission we will contact you to review your information and schedule a time for an on-site audit. Filling out an application does not obligate you to participate in the program, it merely starts the process.

Apply here.

3. The Audit
Once we review your application we work together to schedule a time for an independent third party auditor to visit your operations and perform the audit. All auditors are ISO 9000 trained and PAACO (Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization) certified and are each specialists in their respective species.

A Word About Video Monitoring
In limited situations, online video monitoring is used to facilitate the audit process. One example is when new advanced systems and technologies are being reviewed. Another is the mandatory use of video monitoring of veal cattle operations to verify that the latest technologies and humane practices are being used.

4. Audit Review
All results are posted to your private and password protected online account. We review these results with you and work together to identify corrective action and timetables for any areas that are out of compliance with the standards. As an added benefit, with your written permission, we can provide your results to specific retailers, processors or foodservice operators whom you request receive the information so that they can verify your certification and audit data.

5. Annual Review Process
Audits are repeated annually using the same methodology each time for comparative and repeatable results. American Humane Associations reserves the right to perform an unannounced audit If any issues arise in your operations that might put your certification in jeopardy.

6. Training & Education
As important as the physical audit process is, it is equally important that those in your operations responsible for the care and handling of the animals are well trained in humane care. American Humane Association offers in-depth training programs, either online or in a classroom setting, as well as hands-on in-barn training for all involved in animal care. Find out more here.

6. You Are Not Alone In The Process
American Humane Association’s experts are available to you at any time to discuss questions or concerns you might have about your operations, or the program. We can even assist by reviewing the design of new facilities and equipment selection as it relates to humane care, as well as provide advice on the latest technologies and trends in humane care. This is a solutions and evidence based program designed to promote continuous improvement, and to be scalable to hundreds of millions of animals. And we are here to help.

Offering products with the American Humane Certified label is good for animals, good for consumers and good for business! Food safety and quality are directly linked to farm animal welfare by consumers. We ask you to proudly support farm animal welfare. It makes a powerful statement about who you are as a company and the way you do business in providing what your customers want: the American Humane Certified label on their selection of meat, dairy and eggs.

Sign-up today or call us for more information..