Responsible sourcing
Show that animal-derived materials and suppliers are assessed for relevant welfare risks.
Animal Welfare Certification
Better Animal Welfare for a More Responsible Supply Chain.
Demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare with Ethical Trade Alliance certification. Blue Wolf Certifications conducts independent audits against ETA’s Animal Welfare Standard, helping organisations meet customer, investor and regulatory expectations.
Blue Wolf performs independent ETA Animal Welfare audits. ETA independently makes certification decisions and issues certificates.
ETA Animal Welfare Standard • Version 1.0, February 2026
Discuss your animal welfare audit →
Animal Welfare Certification
Demonstrate responsible animal care and supply-chain due diligence through independent assessment against the Ethical Trade Alliance Animal Welfare Standard.
The ETA standard applies to animal welfare issues in an organisation’s own operations and supply chains, including responsible sourcing of animal-derived materials.
Blue Wolf is ETA’s exclusive audit provider. We conduct independent audits; ETA makes certification decisions and issues certificates.
Certification assesses defined controls and evidence. It does not guarantee the absence of welfare incidents or automatic legal compliance.
Why organisations seek assurance
Benefits of Animal Welfare Certification
Independent assessment of animal welfare governance, supplier due diligence and operational controls.
Risk-based due diligence
Evaluate species, location, husbandry practices, transport conditions and supplier history.
Independent assurance
Provide evidence of policies, governance and controls assessed against ETA requirements.
Stakeholder confidence
Support customer and procurement conversations with an independent audit outcome.
Corrective action
Track incidents, remediation and improvements in animal welfare practices.
Transparency
Demonstrate documented oversight and annual communication of due diligence and performance.
What the standard requires
Enquire About the Standard →
Practical, Risk-Based Animal Welfare Controls
ETA Animal Welfare Standard, Version 1.0 (February 2026), includes requirements for operations and supply chains. The public animal welfare policy must address the Five Freedoms.
Appendix A offers an optional example entity-level risk screening template.
From enquiry to decision
How ETA Animal Welfare Certification Works
01 / SCOPE
Define activities and suppliers
Confirm sites, animals, animal-derived materials, locations and relevant supplier risks.
02 / PLAN
Agree the audit arrangements
Review the current ETA standard, evidence needs and audit scope.
03 / AUDIT
Blue Wolf independent audit
Assess policies, records, risk mapping, supplier controls, corrective actions and site evidence as applicable.
04 / DECISION
ETA certification decision
ETA reviews the outcome and issues the certificate if its requirements are satisfied.
Transparent responsibilities
Blue Wolf Audits. ETA Certifies.
Blue Wolf Certifications
ETA’s exclusive audit provider, responsible for independent audit delivery and reporting. Blue Wolf is authorised to sell ETA standards.
Ethical Trade Alliance
Owns and publishes the standards, oversees the certification programme, makes certification decisions and issues certificates.
Buying a standard or completing an audit does not guarantee certification.
Access the requirements
Enquire About Purchasing the Standard →
Purchase the ETA Animal Welfare Standard
Blue Wolf is authorised to sell ETA standards. Contact us for the current edition, price, licence and ordering arrangements.
The supplied document is Version 1.0, February 2026. Confirm the latest edition before purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Animal Welfare Certification FAQs
What is ETA Animal Welfare Certification?
An ETA certification programme based on independent assessment of animal welfare governance, due diligence and controls against the ETA Animal Welfare Standard.
What are the Five Freedoms?
Freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour; and freedom from fear and distress.
Does the standard apply to suppliers?
Yes. It requires risk-based supplier due diligence and additional checks or audits for high-risk suppliers.Yes. It requires risk-based supplier due diligence and additional checks or audits for high-risk suppliers.
What happens during site inspections?
Relevant controls may include housing, food and water, space, handling, veterinary care, transport and slaughter where applicable.
Who conducts audits and issues certificates?
Blue Wolf conducts ETA audits exclusively; ETA makes certification decisions and issues certificates.
Does certification guarantee no animal welfare incidents?
No. It assesses specified governance and controls within an agreed scope and does not guarantee an absence of incidents or legal compliance.
Can I purchase the standard?
Yes. Contact Blue Wolf for the current ETA Animal Welfare Standard and ordering arrangements.
Which edition is current?
The document supplied for this page is Version 1.0, February 2026. Check ETA for subsequent revisions before publication.
Demonstrate Responsible Animal Welfare Practices
Discuss your operations, supplier risk profile and ETA certification scope with Blue Wolf.