This year is already off to an incredible start for Dr. Tom Edling, American Humane Society’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Animal Ethicist. He has been named the head of the new Science and Standards Department, continued his Master of Studies in Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford, and been inducted into the National Academies of Practice.
Learn more about his incredible work and how he is helping advance animal welfare standards to protect more animals in the Q&A below!
As the leader of American Humane Society’s new Science and Standards Department, can you share some of the work you’ll be doing across our programs?
I’m incredibly excited about the launch of the Science and Standards Department because it represents a major step forward in strengthening the foundation of our animal welfare work. My team, Dr. Kelsey Bruno-Bayliff, Dr. Amy Adams, and Julie Dyer, and I will be focusing on ensuring that every aspect of American Humane Society’s programs is backed by the latest scientific research and ethical best practices.
One of our key priorities is continuously refining the standards we use in our certification programs, including Ecotourism, Farms, No Animals Were Harmed™, Pet Providers, Pups4Patriots™, Working Animals and Zoos and Aquariums. We’ll be working closely with veterinarians, scientists and animal care professionals to review emerging research and update our guidelines accordingly.
Another important area of our work is data-driven decision-making. We want to measure the real-world impact of our standards. That means gathering and analyzing data on animal welfare outcomes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and using that knowledge to inform our programs.
I see this department as a bridge between science and action. It’s not just about writing policies; it’s about making them practical and effective for the people who care for animals every day. Whether it’s helping farmers implement humane practices, guiding zoos and aquariums in their conservation efforts, or educating the public on what humane treatment really means, we want to make sure our work has a tangible, positive impact on animals’ lives.
How do you think the Science and Standards Department will help AHS advance humane progress?
Humane progress isn’t static, it evolves with new knowledge, new challenges and new opportunities. By grounding our work in science and ethics, we can make sure our programs are always ahead of the curve, setting high standards for humane treatment.
One of the biggest ways we’ll advance humane progress is by strengthening the credibility of our programs. When people see a certification from American Humane Society, they should know it represents a high level of welfare standards, backed by rigorous science and ethical integrity.
We’ll also focus on expanding our reach and influence. It’s not enough to just have strong standards, we need to help more organizations, industries and individuals adopt them. Through education, outreach and collaboration, we can ensure that humane treatment isn’t just an ideal but a practical reality across various sectors.
You were recently inducted into the National Academies of Practice; can you share a bit about that honor?
Being inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) is a tremendous honor, and it’s deeply meaningful to me. NAP brings together leading experts across various disciplines to advance interprofessional collaboration, which is something I’ve always valued in my work.
Animal welfare isn’t a single-discipline issue; it intersects with veterinary medicine, ethics, environmental science, public policy, public health, and much more. Being recognized by NAP affirms the importance of that interdisciplinary approach, and it also provides me with a platform to work alongside other professionals who are just as passionate about making a difference.
For me, this recognition isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about elevating the role of science and ethics in animal welfare. It motivates me to continue pushing for higher standards, stronger policies, and more meaningful impact in everything we do at American Humane Society.
Is there anything on the horizon for AHS this year that you are particularly excited about?
There’s so much to be excited about this year! First and foremost, I’m thrilled about the work we’re doing within the new Science and Standards Department. The opportunity to strengthen our programs, collaborate with experts, and bring real, science-based improvements to animal welfare is something I’m incredibly passionate about.
I’m always excited about the collaborations we’re building. Some of the best progress happens when we bring together experts, caretakers and advocates who share a common goal. I’m looking forward to fostering deeper connections and driving forward new ideas that will benefit more animals.
You are currently working on a Master of Studies in Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford. How are you using that expertise to advance your work at AHS?
My studies in Practical Ethics at Oxford have been a game-changer in how I approach animal welfare. Science is incredibly important, but ethical reasoning plays just as crucial a role in shaping meaningful policies and standards.
One of the biggest takeaways for me has been the ability to navigate complex moral questions in animal welfare. How do we balance competing interests? How do we ensure that our standards are not just scientifically sound but also ethically justifiable? These are the kinds of questions I wrestle with daily, and my studies have given me the tools to approach them thoughtfully and systematically. Ultimately, this degree has reinforced my belief that true progress in animal welfare comes from the intersection of science, ethics and action. By integrating all three, we can create standards and policies that not only meet the highest levels of care but also reflect a deep moral responsibility to the animals we protect.
