Animal Care
Animal Care works to ensure the humane treatment of more than 1 million vulnerable animals, nationwide. Through inspections and outreach, we oversee thousands of groups, from breeders to managers of horse shows, to make sure their animals receive care and treatment that meets Federal standards. We also provide national leadership on the safety and well-being of pets and other animals during disasters.
Learn more about our organization and the authorities under which we work.
Priorities
Regulations established under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) set standards for the humane care and treatment of certain animals exhibited to the public, sold for use as pets, used in research, or transported commercially.
We work closely with other government organizations under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Response Framework to develop an integrated approach to disaster relief for pets and other animals.
The Horse Protection Act and its associated regulations seek to put an end to soring–a cruel and inhumane practice in which chemical or mechanical irritants are applied to a horse's legs to enhance their gait. We monitor for sored horses which may lead to a disqualification from participating in exhibitions, shows, sales, or auctions.
Are you part of our AWA-regulated community, interested in becoming licensed or registered, or just looking to learn more? We offer many publications and guidance documents on the AWA and related topics.
