Ensuring high standards of animal welfare in tourism prevents suffering, protects biodiversity and promotes ethical guest experiences. By following recognised animal welfare frameworks and national legislation, establishments safeguard the physical and emotional well-being of animals on their premises while demonstrating responsible and sustainable practices.
The establishment follows animal welfare guidelines when animals are kept on its premises. This includes full compliance with national animal welfare legislation and, at minimum, adherence to the Five Domains Model of animal welfare, as defined in ABTA’s Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism.
The Five Domains focus on the animals’ physical and emotional well-being. This includes:
- positive conditions that are ensured:
- good feeding: animals have constant access to clean water and are given enough food that meets their nutritional needs and natural feeding behaviours;
- comfortable living conditions: animals live in an environment that suits their species, providing space, shelter, appropriate temperatures and enrichment opportunities (e.g. natural materials, shade, bathing areas);
- healthy bodies: animals receive proper care to stay physically healthy and any injuries or illnesses are treated quickly;
- freedom to behave naturally: animals can move freely and express normal behaviours (like socialising, digging, flying, climbing, or playing) depending on the species; and
- positive experiences and emotional well-being: animals feel safe, comfortable, stimulated and content.
- negative conditions that are avoided:
- hunger or thirst: animals are not deprived of food or water;
- poor living conditions: dirty, overcrowded, or overly harsh environments are unacceptable;
- illness or injury: sick or hurt animals are not left untreated;
- restricted behaviour: chaining, caging, or preventing animals from moving or behaving normally is not allowed; and
- suffering or stress: practices that cause pain, fear, boredom, frustration, or emotional distress are avoided.
A veterinary assessment is conducted at least once per year to confirm animal health and welfare.
During the audit, the establishment presents:
- written confirmation that it has read, understood and follows animal welfare practices based on ABTA’s latest guidelines and in compliance with national animal welfare laws (e.g. by presenting the establishment’s animal welfare commitment or the written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the maintenance of and care for the animals including a checklist based on the Five Domains); and
- records of annual veterinary assessments confirming the animals’ health and well-being.
Where possible, a visual inspection confirms that animals present on-site do not exhibit the negative conditions described in the Five Domains.
Ensuring high standards of animal welfare in tourism prevents suffering, protects biodiversity and promotes ethical guest experiences. By following recognised animal welfare frameworks and national legislation, establishments safeguard the physical and emotional well-being of animals on their premises while demonstrating responsible and sustainable practices.
The establishment follows animal welfare guidelines when animals are kept on its premises. This includes full compliance with national animal welfare legislation and, at minimum, adherence to the Five Domains Model of animal welfare, as defined in ABTA’s Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism.
The Five Domains focus on the animals’ physical and emotional well-being. This includes:
- positive conditions that are ensured:
- good feeding: animals have constant access to clean water and are given enough food that meets their nutritional needs and natural feeding behaviours;
- comfortable living conditions: animals live in an environment that suits their species, providing space, shelter, appropriate temperatures and enrichment opportunities (e.g. natural materials, shade, bathing areas);
- healthy bodies: animals receive proper care to stay physically healthy and any injuries or illnesses are treated quickly;
- freedom to behave naturally: animals can move freely and express normal behaviours (like socialising, digging, flying, climbing, or playing) depending on the species; and
- positive experiences and emotional well-being: animals feel safe, comfortable, stimulated and content.
- negative conditions that are avoided:
- hunger or thirst: animals are not deprived of food or water;
- poor living conditions: dirty, overcrowded, or overly harsh environments are unacceptable;
- illness or injury: sick or hurt animals are not left untreated;
- restricted behaviour: chaining, caging, or preventing animals from moving or behaving normally is not allowed; and
- suffering or stress: practices that cause pain, fear, boredom, frustration, or emotional distress are avoided.
A veterinary assessment is conducted at least once per year to confirm animal health and welfare.
During the audit, the establishment presents:
- written confirmation that it has read, understood and follows animal welfare practices based on ABTA’s latest guidelines and in compliance with national animal welfare laws (e.g. by presenting the establishment’s animal welfare commitment or the written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the maintenance of and care for the animals including a checklist based on the Five Domains); and
- records of annual veterinary assessments confirming the animals’ health and well-being.
Where possible, a visual inspection confirms that animals present on-site do not exhibit the negative conditions described in the Five Domains.