We are one of the world’s largest certifiers of humane animal care in zoological institutions.
Red pandas at the Global Humane Certified™ Opel Zoo in Germany.
We help safeguard the well-being of 500,000+ animals across 4 continents.
As a global authority in science-based animal welfare, we are defining the future of ethical conservation for animals in human care.
Our standards and welfare criteria are reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Committees and backed by the most well-respected names in science, animal welfare and conservation.
Recent Certifications
Canada
Vancouver Aquarium
Committed to the highest standards of animal care and connecting millions to ocean conservation.
Ireland
Dublin Zoo
Home to 400+ animals, including endangered species like the Asian elephant, Amur tiger and red panda.
United Arab Emirates
National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
Promoting exceptional marine animal welfare in a world-class facility.
Through the neutral and professional Global Humane Society’s certification program we were able to set a clear signal to the public and underline our high standards in animal welfare.
The experts of Global Humane Society confirmed to our team and the public that we are on the right track using high animal welfare standards in our Zoo and even offered additional advice.
Therefore, we can only recommend using the expertise and reputation of the animal welfare accreditation by Global Humane Society, for the benefit of the employees and the animals in our care.
Prof Theo B. Pagel
CEO/Zoodirector Cologne Zoo / Former President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
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 Global Humane Society 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.
Global Humane Society contracts with auditors who are experts in their field, independent from Global Humane Society, and are not currently employed by a zoo or aquarium – allowing for a truly independent, third-party certification.
The Global Humane Certified™ audit is animal-centric with the goal of confirming that good welfare and humane treatment is provided consistently to all animals in Global 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.