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Validus Animal Welfare Audits

By Validus Verification Services

Last reviewed: December 2025

Validus provides third-party animal welfare audits for dairy operations, offering verification services that meet retailer and processor requirements.

Overview

Validus Verification Services provides independent third-party animal welfare audits that help dairy operations demonstrate compliance with welfare standards required by customers and certifications.

Services Offered

Welfare Audits

  • On-farm assessments
  • Standard compliance verification
  • Outcome-based measurements
  • Documentation review
  • Certification Support

  • FARM Program evaluations
  • Retailer-specific requirements
  • Custom program audits
  • Gap assessments
  • Training Services

  • Stockperson training
  • Audit preparation
  • Best practices education
  • Management workshops
  • Audit Process

    Preparation

  • Schedule coordination
  • Document gathering
  • Staff notification
  • Self-assessment review
  • On-Site Assessment

  • Facility walk-through
  • Animal observation
  • Record review
  • Staff interviews
  • Outcome measurements
  • Reporting

  • Findings documentation
  • Corrective action needs
  • Improvement recommendations
  • Follow-up requirements
  • Standards Evaluated

    Common Areas

  • Animal handling
  • Housing conditions
  • Health care
  • Euthanasia protocols
  • Transportation
  • Record keeping
  • Outcome Measures

  • Body condition scores
  • Lameness prevalence
  • Hock lesions
  • Mortality rates
  • Broken tails
  • Benefits of Third-Party Audits

    Independence

    Objective external perspective

    Credibility

    Verified compliance for customers

    Improvement

    Fresh eyes identify opportunities

    Documentation

    Clear record of welfare status

    Preparing for Success

  • Know the standards
  • Address obvious issues
  • Train staff on expectations
  • Organize records
  • Maintain regular compliance
  • Key Features

    • Third-Party Auditing: Independent evaluation by trained professional auditors
    • Multiple Standards: Certification to various recognized welfare programs
    • Professional Auditors: Trained specialists in livestock welfare assessment
    • Certification Documentation: Formal certification for customer and market requirements
    • Pre-Audit Preparation: Gap assessment and consulting before formal audits
    • Ongoing Verification: Regular re-audits to maintain certification status

    Ideal For

    Farm Types: Commercial dairies supplying major retailers, Farms pursuing premium markets, Operations with customer welfare requirements, Producers seeking Certified Humane or similar certifications

    Pricing Information

    Here is the pricing information for Validus Animal Welfare Audits:

    Third-party welfare verification audits for market access and customer requirements.

    Pricing Model: Per-audit fee structure

    Validus works with buyers, cooperatives, and producers. Contact for specific program requirements and pricing.

    Pros & Considerations

    Advantages:
    • Independent third-party credibility
    • Professional trained auditors
    • Certification recognized by major customers
    • Multiple program standards available
    • Pre-audit assistance available
    • Consistent evaluation methodology
    Considerations:
    • Audit fees represent significant cost
    • Must be prepared to address any deficiencies
    • Scheduling coordination required
    • Annual or periodic re-audits needed

    Evaluation Questions

    Key questions to consider when evaluating Validus Animal Welfare Audits:

    1. What welfare certification does your customer require?
    2. Have you had a third-party welfare audit before?
    3. What specific program standards need to be met?
    4. Are you prepared to address potential deficiencies?
    5. What is the timeline for certification need?
    6. Would you benefit from pre-audit gap assessment?
    7. What documentation systems do you have in place?
    8. What is your budget for audit and certification?

    Explore Welfare Audits & Behavior Consulting

    Explore all Welfare Audits & Behavior Consulting solutions in the Therio Dairy Directory to compare features, pricing, and alternatives.

    Browse All Welfare Audits & Behavior Consulting Solutions →

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