American Humane Certified™ Companion Animal Welfare
Protecting the well-being of companion and working animals in homes and public settings.
The American Humane Certified Companion Animal Welfare program protects the well-being of animals we welcome into our homes and enjoy in public spaces, from beloved family pets to working animals featured in demonstrations, performances and other public venues.
This science-based, third-party certification offers pet parents, animal lovers and the public peace of mind that animals are treated with care and compassion throughout their lives — not just at home, but wherever they live, work and interact with people.
What Certification Covers
The program is guided by rigorous, evidence-based standards and verified through independent audits. Our process evaluates the humane treatment of animals across a range of categories, including — but not limited to:
- Housing and environment
- Animal health and veterinary care
- Nutrition and cleanliness
- Appearance and behavior
- Transport and temporary environments
- Public interactions and performances
In addition to permanent housing facilities, American Humane Society assesses transport, public performances, social interactions with the public, safe and stimulating temporary environments and evidence of thorough preparation and protocols established to handle medical care.
Why Certification Matters
The American Humane Certified mark represents trusted, science-based standards for animal welfare. Guided by leading scientists, veterinarians and ethicists, certification provides independent oversight that supports humane care, transparency and confidence.
Certified Animal Welfare Standards
Our Core Principles
- No Observed Animal Abuse or Neglect: Observations of willful acts or unintentional signs of abuse or neglect by any person will automatically result in failure of the audit.
- Appropriate Veterinary Care Plan: The entity must have a relationship and plan in effect to provide sick/injured animals with care from a qualified and licensed veterinarian.
- Appropriate Staff Conduct: Staff must be knowledgeable regarding animal care protocols and procedures, as well as conduct themselves in a manner that promotes animal welfare.
Certified Entities
American Humane Society helps to verify stringent animal welfare practices and offer increased assurance to the public that the animals they enjoy receive humane care.
Dalmatians
Clydesdales
Chief Dog Officers
Common Questions About the Companion Animal Welfare Program
The program uses rigorous, evidence-based standards verified through independent, third-party audits to protect the well-being of family pets and working animals. Auditors evaluate humane treatment across multiple categories, including housing and environment, animal health, appearance and behavior, nutrition, veterinary care and cleanliness.
For working animals, the audit also covers transport, public performances, social interactions with the public, temporary environments and medical care protocols.
Standards are guided by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee of experts in veterinary medicine, animal science, animal behavior and ethics.
Committee members include faculty from institutions such as Texas Tech University, Harvard University, Stanford University, North Carolina State University and Louisiana State University.
The Pet Provider certification covers small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and aquatic life at pet provider locations and animal suppliers.
The Working Animals certification covers domesticated animals trained to perform specialized tasks that may appear at public demonstrations, performances or appearances.
American Humane Certified brands are distinguished as those that prioritize animal welfare across both categories.
American Humane Society operates separate certification programs tailored to each environment where animals live in human care. The farm program certifies agricultural operations. The zoo and aquarium program certifies zoological facilities and conservation centers.
The Companion Animal Welfare program fills the gap for pets, working animals and live animal providers, ensuring science-based welfare standards apply wherever animals interact with people.
Scientific Advisory Committee
We rely on this distinguished group to provide guidance and review procedures, guidelines, policies and ethics.
David Dutton, DVM, DACVS
Professor of Large Animal Surgery, Texas Tech University, School of Veterinary Medicine
Julia Espinosa, Ph.D.
NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, Canine Brains Project, Harvard University
Joseph Garner, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center
Angela Lennox, DVM
Board Certified ABVP – Avian, Exotic Companion Mammal
Gregory Lewbart, MS, VMD, DACZM, DECAM (ZHM)
Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife, and Zoological Medicine, North Carolina State University
Mark Mitchell, DVM, Ph.D.
Director of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University
Claudia Sonder, DVM
Veterinarian, Co-Owner, Napa Valley Equine
Carissa Wickens, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Extension Equine Specialist, University of Florida, Department of Animal Sciences