In this article, we break down the main myths and facts about animal welfare certification to show that the path toward more ethical and responsible production is more accessible than it seems. If you work with animal production or use animal-based products in your supply chain, this is worth reading.

Is certification really for everyone?

Yes. Contrary to popular belief, animal welfare certification does not depend on the size of the farm or company. What truly matters is the commitment to best practices. Both small and large producers can become certified, as long as they follow the standards and are organized to meet the established criteria.

Is it expensive?

No. The process involves clear and proportional fees based on the size of the operation. Costs include document review, on-site audits and annual renewal. In fact, certification can lead to long-term savings, animals raised with proper care get sick less often, are more productive and add value to the final product.

Is it a complicated process?

Another myth. The standards are objective and science-based. They guide how to ensure that animals have enough space, comfort, proper access to food and clean water, and live free from pain, stress and mistreatment. With proper planning and transparency, any producer can comply.

Why do these myths still exist?

Much of the resistance comes from misinformation. As with any improvement process, questions and hesitation are common. But the market has evolved, and consumers are paying more attention to the origin of what they consume. Being certified is also a way to stand out and strengthen your market position.

Is the Certified Humane® label truly reliable?

Yes. Since 2003, the program has been active in several countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and the United States,certifying meat, dairy, and egg producers through rigorous and regular audits. The seal assures consumers that the product complies with international animal welfare standards.

There are no economic or geographic barriers for those who want to produce ethically. The first step is seeking reliable information. The Certified Humane® seal is within reach for anyone who values respect for farm animals and aims to offer more responsible products.

Want to learn more about how certification works and debunk the most common myths?

👉 Download the free guide “What You Need to Know to Certify Your Industrial Operation with an Animal Welfare Seal” and discover why this practice benefits producers, businesses, and consumers alike.

The first step to obtaining the Certified Humane animal welfare seal is to familiarize yourself with the best practices that should be followed on your property by analyzing the specific standards for the species you wish to certify.

This will help you identify any changes or adaptations needed for your operation to be certified. For more information about certification in Asia, visit Certified Humane Asia.

The primary goal of the certification program, through the animal welfare seal, is to ensure that animals are raised free from physical, psychological, or environmental discomfort.

Each species has its own specific needs, and it is important to adapt handling practices to ensure animal welfare according to these requirements. Learn about the standards for your species here.

Initial assessment

Those interested in obtaining the animal welfare seal must first submit an initial request. At this stage, the producer completes a detailed questionnaire about the operation (farm, ranch, or company).

The questions cover topics such as the number of animals, infrastructure of aviaries, pens, paddocks, or stables, as well as the resources used in all stages of production, from rearing to slaughter.

After submitting the questionnaire, Certified Humane technicians conduct an initial assessment.

Based on this assessment, they may approve the continuation of the certification process or return the questionnaire, pointing out non-compliances that need to be corrected to meet animal welfare standards.

On-site audit

Once the questionnaire is validated, Certified Humane sends the applicant a budget for inspection and request services.

Upon approval of this budget, an inspector is assigned to visit the property and verify all aspects of the operation for which the animal welfare seal was requested.

The purpose of inspections is to ensure that good animal husbandry practices are being applied and that the ingredients used in products labeled with the Certified Humane seal are traceable.

The entire inspection process, from the initial request, is usually completed within 30 days. If everything is in order, the technicians’ evaluation is positive, allowing producers or companies to use the animal welfare seal on their products.

However, it is common for non-compliances to be identified during audits. In such cases, the producer must correct them and submit evidence for evaluation. If the number of non-compliances is too high, a new inspection may be required.

Group certification for producers in Asia

For integrated producers or cooperatives organized into a larger group, there is the option of group certification.

This model enables the certification of several producers at once but requires the implementation of an Internal Control System (ICS), which ensures that all group members continuously meet animal welfare requirements.

The ICS is managed by the integrating company or cooperative and must include annual animal welfare audits for all group participants.

During the annual inspection conducted by Certified Humane, the inspector will assess the effectiveness of the ICS and audit a sample of the group (at least 10% of the members) to ensure that animal welfare standards are being followed. Each year, this sample of producers is changed, providing continuous and comprehensive evaluation.

Group certification is an excellent option for producers in Asia who want to ensure that all members of their supply chain meet the highest standards of animal welfare.

For more details on how to implement this system, visit Certified Humane Asia.