

We verify the welfare and humane treatment of animals in zoos & aquariums and centers of conservation.
Our Impact in 2024
500,000
Animals protected at zoos and aquariums.
85
Certified zoos, aquariums and conservation parks.
17
Countries where you can find certified facilities.
Zoos and aquariums have become modern-day arks of hope for many species. Zoos and aquariums not only fund thousands of conservation projects, they are vessels to safely house and help sustain populations of critically endangered animals.
Our zoo and aquarium certification program allows for independent, third-party verification of the humane treatment of animals in human care, based on rigorous science and evidence-based practices.
Developed by our Science Advisory Committee — independent, respected veterinarians and experts in animal welfare, animal science, zoology and ethics — these standards serve as a benchmark of humane care to which institutions can aspire.

When you see the American Humane Certified™ logo, be assured that the facility meets our high standards of animal care.
This is definitely needed in our industry, as we all work to improve the level of care of animals.
Barbara Baker
DVM, Former President & CEO, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Visit a Certified Park
The good work that professionals at zoos and aquariums do is helping to save species, provide life-saving research and education and inspire millions of visitors each year to protect the animals they see and interact with.
How Certification Works
The certification program has two overarching components informed by our core principles: the Pre-Audit Application and the Onsite Audit.
Pre-Audit Application
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.
On-Site Audit
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:
- Physical appearance
- Appropriate individual and group behaviors
- Positive Interactions between animals and their
conspecifics and caretakers - Ability to self-separate
- Physiological metrics
- Appropriate activity levels and use of spaces
- Disease & mortality
- Record-keeping practices
- Environmental parameters (lighting, shade,
temperature, sound, etc.) - Environmental, behavioral, and cognitive
enrichment - Staff knowledge & training
- Veterinary procedures
- Husbandry training
- Breeding programs
- Choices for animals to participate or not
- Safety measures for animals and the public
- Nutrition needs
- Food quality & safety protocols
- Consideration of diurnal and seasonal
environmental patterns - Veterinary health plans to recognize and treat
adverse medical trends - Handling of animals in educational and
interactive programs - Emergency protocols
- Training staff on animal interactions
- Use of positive reinforcement in husbandry and
training - Transparency and openness of daily operations
& animal care
Core Principles
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.
Contact Our Certification Team
Facilities meeting the highest standards of welfare and animal care deserve recognition. Our certification process allows you to demonstrate the excellence of your humane standards to the public and your peers.




Rhinos from Denver Zoo; Dolphins from Dolphin Quest; Leopards from Turtle Back Zoo; Penguins from Turtle Back Zoo.
Scientific Advisory Committee
Our science-based standards are informed by this group of respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics who have decades of experience protecting animals.
Lara Croft, DVM, DACZM
Veterinary Scientist, Morris Animal Foundation
Ramiro Isaza, DVM, MS, MPH, DACZM
Professor of Zoological Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida
Xavier Manteca Vilanova, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Animal and Feed Science, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
James F. McBain, DVM
Veterinary consultant
Ken Ramirez
Executive Vice President and Chief Training Officer, Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Suzi Rapp
Partner, The Kuzo Group, LLC
Stephanie Stowell
Director, Zoo and Aquarium Projects, Tessere
F. William Zeigler
Vice President, Aquarium & Zoo Resources, Inc.
Now Streaming: Escape from Extinction Rewilding
Narrated by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, the film follows tireless conservation efforts of leading organizations implementing rewilding practices across a diverse array of species in equally diverse environments.

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