Science-Based Standards

The science-based standards that comprise the core practices of the American Humane Certified farm animal welfare certification program were created with input from animal science experts, familiar with all species. In order to constantly maintain the program’s effectiveness, American Humane Association regularly reviews, continually improves, and regularly updates the standards with its distinguished Scientific Advisory Committee and Fellows so that producers have the benefit of the latest technological advances, best practices, and new methods for more humane care.

These thorough, comprehensive measures were built upon accepted values including the “Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare” by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, the welfare standards of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Federation of Animal Science Societies “Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching”, and other practical standards and animal husbandry guidelines. Click here to view our science-based standards.