humane choices

 

You can help improve the lives of animals raised for food through your purchasing decisions at grocery stores and restaurants. Of course, the most humane option is not to eat animals. If you do choose to consume animal products, choose certified organic, humane certified, free range or free-run. Note however, that even more humanely raised animals experience transport and slaughter similar to factory-farmed animals.

Click here to download our meat alternatives fact sheet.

"Certified organic" means the animal was raised according to the standards of an organic certifying body and verified by an independent inspector. For a list of certifying organizations and links to their standards, click here.

 

Below is a list by province of grocery stores and restaurants carrying meat, dairy and eggs that come from animals raised in more humane living conditions, most of which have been verified by a third-party inspector.

 

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland

All meat, dairy and eggs in our listings qualify as one of the following:

1. "Certified Organic," meaning the animal was raised according to the standards of an organic certified and verified by an independent inspector
2. "Humane Certified," meaning the animal was raised according to the standards of a humane society or SPCA, and verified by an independent inspector. In Canada, "Winnipeg Humane Society Certified" and "BC SPCA Certified" are the two existing Canadian certifiers
3. "Free Range" or "Free Run," meaning that the animal was not kept in a cage, and was permitted to roam about either outdoors (free range) or inside a barn (free run). Please note, however, that CCFA cannot assure consumers that these claims are true, as there is no independent inspection

We welcome additions. This list is by no means complete. If you know of retailers in your area that sell or serve certified organic or free-range eggs, dairy and meat, please contact us.
You can also try www.eatwellguide.org for more options.

Please note that many retailers are farmers markets, and are not open every day. Please call locations for hours.