About the Certification

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of the welfare and humane treatment of animals in working, entertainment, and other environments. Founded in 1877, the historic American Humane has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the protection of animals from abuse and neglect, and today supervises the humane treatment of well over a billion animals.

As the world leader in certification of the humane treatment of animals, American Humane’s animal welfare certification programs are built on the foundation of science and evidence-based practices, with independent third-party leading experts, scientists, behaviorists and ethicists determining what practices are indeed humane.

Third-party validation by a trusted organization with verifiable and impartial science-based systems can do much to earn and deserve the confidence that an institution is meeting the humane standards rightly demanded by the public. American Humane has taken it upon itself to develop strong, science-based standards for the humane conservation of animals in human care at zoos, aquariums and conservation parks. Developed by independent, respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics, these standards will serve as a benchmark of humane care to which institutions can aspire. The standards provide verification of good practices at deserving zoos and aquariums, and long-overdue assurances that the public can support them in good conscience, as those of us who love animals seek to enjoy and preserve the rich web of life essential to the survival of Mankind – and all the creatures of the Earth.

Certification Details