Animal Welfare Policy
Version: 1.0; Status: Final; Current version effective since January 2023
Our Commitment to Animal Welfare
Room & Board is committed to increasing the use of sustainably sourced materials, including those from animal-derived sources, as well as increasing traceability and transparency across our supply chain. We expect that the highest standards of animal welfare will be upheld throughout our supply chain.
Our Approach
Animal welfare as a concept on a farm level includes all the fundamentals associated with livestock production, including disease prevention and proper veterinary care, shelter, management and nutrition, a stimulating and safe environment, and humane handling of animals.
Overall:
- Animal derived materials may only be sourced from farms as a by-product of the food industry.
- No materials or products from endangered or vulnerable species.
- The species type and country of origin must be provided upon request by Room & Board.
- Animal derived materials may only be sourced from farms where the Five Freedoms1 have been implemented:
- Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to support full health and vigor.
- Freedom from discomfort by supplying a proper environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from pain, injury, or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to express normal behavior by supplying sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind.
- Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
A third-party certification must be completed by vendor partners to demonstrate compliance with Room & Board’s Animal Welfare Policy for the following types of materials:
- Down & Feather: Responsible Down Standard or equivalent
- Wool: Responsible Wool Standard or equivalent
- Mohair: Responsible Mohair Standard or equivalent
- Alpaca: Responsible Alpaca Standard or equivalent
- Leather & Skins: Leather Working Group or equivalent
We implement this policy through our verification process and ongoing conversations with our vendor partners