Costco is committed to the welfare and proper handling of animals in our supply chain. This is not only the right thing to do—it is a moral and ethical obligation we owe to our members, suppliers, and most of all, to the animals.
Highlights
Costco has adopted the Five Domains for assessing animal welfare. Additional resources concerning the Five Domains are available from MDPI and the National Library of Medicine.
Nutrition
- Adequate food and water
- Balanced diet
Environment
- Comfortable
- Free from physical or atmospheric challenges to health
Health
- Monitored and cared for against disease or injury
Behavior
- Able to express normal behaviors
- Choice of environment
Mental State
If animals have positive experiences in the first four domains, then the result should be a positive experience with the fifth domain — a good mental state, leading to good welfare and a positive quality of life.
“The Five Domains emphasize the importance of both preventing suffering and providing animals with positive experiences.”
–Dr. Temple Grandin