The Pre-Audit Application is completed by an institution that is requesting consideration of American Humane Certification. The Pre-Audit Application allows the institution to provide detailed information related to the animal collection size and diversity, training and enrichment practices, record-keeping systems, veterinary care programs, emergency protocols, animal programs and more.

The Pre-Audit Application must be completed prior to any On-Site Audit of the animal collection of an organization.

Independent auditors evaluate the welfare of both individual and groups of animals. Extensive examinations based on core principles set the stage for the assessment, followed by a set of detailed questions aimed at confirming that the animals are not only in good condition physically and socially, but have good welfare overall.

American Humane contracts with auditors who are expert in their field, independent from American Humane, and are not currently employed by a zoo or aquarium – allowing for a truly independent, third-party certification.

The American Humane Certified™ audit is animal-centric with the goal of confirming that good welfare and humane treatment is provided consistently to all animals in American Humane Certified™ zoos and aquariums.

Focusing on individual animals and small groups of animals, welfare indicators are designed to be species-specific and include metrics that are directly and indirectly measured. Direct information includes aspects of welfare that are observable or measurable in the animal(s) being assessed while indirect information is obtained from discussions with animal care staff and/or supervisors and from facility protocols and animal welfare records.

The standards and audit tools verify diverse aspects of animal welfare and humane treatment, including many indicators of well-being such as:

In addition to examining the key indicators of animal welfare, American Humane Society’s program is founded upon three essential, non-negotiable criteria that must be met for the audit to proceed. Significant weight is placed on these essential criteria which underlie the entire audit process. Failure to meet these nonnegotiable requirements will result in failure of the audit.

Staff Conduct that Promotes Animal Welfare
Staff must be aware of the facility’s protocols and procedures and at all times must conduct themselves in a manner that promotes animal welfare.

No Observations of Animal Abuse
Observations of willful acts or signs of abuse will automatically result in failure of the audit.

Appropriate Health Plan and Implementation
A veterinary/health plan (i.e. preventive medical care) must be in effect. If a plan does not exist one should be developed and implemented prior to the On-Site Audit. Failure to provide such documentation and confirmation of a health plan will result in audit failure.