Validus Services, LLC | 10506 Justin Drive
Urbandale, Iowa 50322
Phone: 515.278.8002
Animal Welfare Audits For Dairy
The Validus Dairy Animal Welfare Review Program allows producers to verify their animal welfare practices. The program includes a comprehensive assessment of the operation’s animal care practices and provides recommendations for improvements. The program also includes an audit option that allows producers to gain certification based on industry standard practices or specifications defined by a processor or retail customer.
The assessment and audit includes:
Step 1: Entrance Interview with owner/manager
Step 2: On-site Evaluation
Step 3: Exit Interview with owner/manager
Step 4: Written Report and Certificate
Our program has been approved as a USDA Process Verified Program (PVP). This program designation assures customers of a consistent, quality product or service through independent, third-party audits. The USDA Process Verified Program uses ISO 9000-type standards for evaluating quality management systems for their approved programs. To qualify, a company must submit a documented quality management system and successfully pass extensive on-site audits and customer interviews.
Companies with approved USDA Process Verified Programs are able to make marketing claims associated with their process verified points – these include age, source, feeding practices, or other raising and processing claims – and market themselves as "USDA Process Verified" with use of the "USDA Process Verified" shield and term.
We implement this program using Validus assessors and auditors who receive ongoing, comprehensive training. Animal welfare auditors are also trained to audit based on the International Organization of Standards (ISO) procedures and standards.
The Validus Dairy Animal Welfare Review Program has been reviewed and certified – as have our auditors – by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO).
Download (PDF) the Validus Dairy Animal Welfare Review Program Standards.
For more information, contact:
Matt Jones - Director of Audits and Assessments, 515-278-8002
Dr. Sandy Stokes-Goff - Program Manager, 515-278-8002
