For more than 40 years, Congress has entrusted APHIS with the stewardship of animals covered under the Animal Welfare and Horse Protection Acts.  APHIS continues to uphold that trust, giving protection to millions of animals each year, nationwide.

APHIS provides leadership for determining standards of humane care and treatment of animals. APHIS implements those standards and achieves compliance through inspection, education, cooperative efforts, and enforcement.

News in Animal Welfare

12/28/2012 USDA to Consider Guidelines for the Control of Tuberculosis in Elephants
-- Questions and Answers
-- Docket No. APHIS-2011-0079

12/21/2012 USDA Publishes Final Rule to Help Facilities Be Better Prepared for Emergencies
-- Questions and Answers
-- Docket No. APHIS-2006-0159

12/21/2012 USDA Publishes Final Rule to Help Ensure Health of Animals While Traveling
-- Questions and Answers
-- Docket No. APHIS-2006-0023

12/19/2012 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

11/15/2012 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

10/16/12 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

09/17/12 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

08/20/12 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

06/05/2012 USDA Publishes Final Rule to Provide Greater Protection for Horses
Action Will Require Horse Industry Organizations to Assess Minimum Penalties for Violations
- Docket No. APHIS-2011-0030

05/10/12 Inspection Procedures in Response to an Incident or Adverse Event in Regulated Facilities

05/10/12 USDA Proposes to Close Loophole on Retail Pet Sales to Ensure Health and Humane Treatment

04/27/12 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

03/21/12 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

02/15/12 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

01/12/12 USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions

View archive

Animal Care Information

Find helpful contact information for APHIS’ Animal Care program.

Animal Welfare Act Information

Under the AWA, APHIS issues licenses and registrations to certain animal businesses and research facilities and performs inspections to ensure proper animal care and treatment.  The AWA’s regulations as well as other policy documents issued by the AC staff clarify how USDA determines whether a licensed or registered entity is providing its animals with proper care and treatment. 

Horse Protection Act

The HPA is a Federal law that prohibits horses subjected to a practice called soring from participating in shows, sales, exhibitions, or auctions. Soring is a cruel and abusive practice used to accentuate a horse’s gait. APHIS works actively with the horse industry to protect against such abuse and ensure that only sound and healthy horses participate in shows. Our ultimate goal is to end this inhumane practice completely.

Animal Care's Emergency Programs

APHIS is an emergency response Agency.  Animal Care assists states in their efforts to include pets as part of their emergency plans.  This responsibility was assigned to APHIS through the Department of Homeland Security’s National Response Framework (NRF), a document that describes the Federal Government’s coordination with the State, local and Tribal partners, States and non-governmental organizations on emergency planning.

Publications, Reports, and Updates

To foster a better understanding of the AWA, HPA, and AC’s role in household pet evacuation and sheltering during an emergency, a number of publications and reports are available.

Meetings, Events, and Training Opportunities

Find information about future meetings, events and training opportunities.