Who is eligible to apply for the Animal Welfare Approved seal?
Independent family farmers who raise all their animals of a particular species according to the Animal Welfare Approved standards are eligible. For more information, see What is “double standard certification” or “dual production certification” and why do we strongly oppose it? One of the Animal Welfare Approved program objectives is to foster the revitalization of high welfare independent family farmers, whose ethical principles and a genuine concern for animal well-being guide husbandry decisions, who share husbandry knowledge with each other and pass on their values and husbandry skills to future generations. Exceptions may be permitted on a case-by-case basis for farms that serve an educational purpose and demonstrate exceptionally high animal welfare.
