ENTITIES
BOARD CERTIFICATION WELFAIR®
Welfair®: The way to demonstrate animal welfare
Why get certified with Welfair®
- Independently measure and demonstrate good work done by and for the welfare of animals.
- Work on a continuous improvement process, which is evaluated year after year.
- Identify and apply scientific criteria for animal welfare.
- Communicate to the end consumer the good work and added value of the seal Welfair®.
- Be part of the community and Certification Welfair®.
Discover all the certification entities
Certification by professional technicians
The independent certification audit is carried out by professionals who have been extensively trained by Welfair®. These auditors are trained to detect anomalies, having completed a theoretical and practical course based on the prerequisites and protocols of Welfare Quality and AWIN®. In addition, the certification bodies train the staff at each production site to perform internal assessments, promoting continuous improvement.
FAQ'S
What is Certification? Welfair®?
It is a multi-species, independent, animal-based, and scientifically endorsed certification that guarantees welfare standards applicable to several species and countries. The culmination of this long, rigorous, scientific, and pioneering process followed to obtain the Certification Welfair® culminates in obtaining the Seal Welfair®
What kind of controls do you perform? Welfair® on farms?
En Welfair® We work with certifying entities that perform audits on farms and slaughterhouses. These audits include verification of compliance with current legislation and evaluation of additional scientific animal welfare measures established by Welfair®.
The auditors observe the animals' condition and behavior, both in their relationship with their caregivers and among themselves, and review management practices. It is important to note that The audits are carried out by independent professionals, trained and validated by Welfair®.
In addition, the team of Welfair® conducts unannounced audits to ensure that practices are being carried out routinely, not exceptionally, to drive continuous improvement.
What steps must a farm or slaughterhouse follow to obtain Certification? Welfair®?
First, they must comply with current legislation. Then, they contact a certifying entity authorized by Welfair® to request an audit. After the audit, if they meet the established standards, they receive certification and can use the Seal. Welfair®. It is essential to keep in mind that the certification must be renewed every year.
How often are audits performed?
All farms are audited at least once a year. When only one production unit belongs to one owner, an annual audit is conducted by the certification body. When an owner owns more than one farm, we select the farms to be audited using a representative sample based on a mathematical formula. The remaining production units of the owner are audited internally. In addition, we conduct random audits. unannounced audits of supervision.
Our audits typically last about 5 hours per farm, although this time can vary depending on the species, ranging from 3 to 7 hours.
What training do auditors receive?
Auditors must have a qualification related to the sector and basic knowledge of biosecurity and animal handling. To become an auditor Welfair®, must undergo a certification process that includes a week of intensive training. During this training, they learn the necessary protocols and take theoretical and practical exams on farms.
Once certified, auditors are supervised in two ways: their reports are reviewed for possible inaccuracies, and annual on-site supervision is also conducted. This helps ensure that on-farm assessments are conducted consistently and uniformly, regardless of who the auditor is or where they are located.
How is natural animal behavior evaluated?
We observe whether the animals can play, socialize, or express their natural behaviors. We also evaluate how they interact with people and the environment.
What corrective actions are implemented if a farm does not meet the standards of Welfair®?
When we find non-compliance at an audited facility, we ask them to resolve the issues within 30 days. If they fail to do so, we can suspend the center's certification, and this implies the impossibility of using the Seal during the period of said suspension, which may extend up to a maximum 6 months.
If the issue is not resolved within that timeframe, the certificate will be canceled, requiring you to restart the entire certification process from the beginning.
How can I know if a product has the Certification? Welfair®?
Look for the seal Welfair® in the product packaging such as meats, eggs, or dairy products in stores, markets, and supermarkets… This seal assures you that they come from animals raised with the most rigorous animal welfare standards.
What animal species are covered by the Certification? Welfair®?
We certify multiple species, including cows, calves, sheep, lambs, pigs, rabbits, turkeys, quails, ducks, hens and chickens, And we continue working to expand the list. It also includes dairy products such as milk, eggs, yogurt, other dairy products, and sausages, and products containing them, such as prepared meals or ready-to-eat foods.