Validus Services, LLC | 10506 Justin Drive
Urbandale, Iowa 50322
Phone: 515.278.8002
Animal Welfare Audits For Swine Operations
Dr. Temple Grandin, animal welfare expert from Colorado, has stated, "The Validus swine audit is one of the best audits avaliable."
The Validus Swine Animal Welfare Review Program allows producers to verify their animal welfare practices to companies and individuals buying their products. 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
The program is implemented on-farm by 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.
An optional certification audit is available for all producers. The audit provides an independent verification of a producer’s animal care practices. The audit can be customized to match the defined specifications of any retail food supplier including:
- grocery stores;
- food service operations; and
- restaurants.
Upon certification, producers receive a certificate and farm gate sign for their use.
Download (PDF) the Validus Swine Animal Welfare Review Program Standards.
For more information, contact:
Matt Jones - Director of Audits and Assessments, 515-278-8002
