Animal Attraction Assured Scheme

Table of Contents

What is the AAAS Scheme?

The Animal Attraction Assured certification scheme (AAAS) offers an annual check-up for farms, serving as a voluntary review to confirm that farms with animals adhere to the highest benchmarks set by the Industry Code of Practice.

This Code of Practice sets the standard for interactions between visitors and farm animals, aiming to enhance the safety of your visit to farms, ensuring it’s not just fun but also safe.

While farms featured on Tree Hub consistently maintain stellar health and safety records, the AAAS scheme provides an extra layer of assurance through independent yearly inspections. This rigorous process ensures that each participating farm upholds the utmost in health and safety protocols for guest and animal interactions.

What does the AAAS scheme inspection include?

Farms seeking this certification have to prove during an inspection that:

  • 1) There is a clear prohibition on consuming food and beverages within areas where animals are present.
  • 2) Signs are in place advising visitors to wash their hands before eating or drinking.
  • 3) The establishment provides both hot and cold, or warm, running water.
  • 4) Soap is readily available for handwashing.
  • 5) Although cleansing wipes or anti-bacterial gels are provided, they are emphasized as supplementary to, not replacements for, handwashing.
  • 6) Entry into animal pens by the public is strictly controlled.
  • 7) Measures are in place to prevent contact with animals in areas adjacent to where eating or play occurs, such as through double fencing.
  • 8) The farm ensures staff are aware of the health risks associated with inadequate hand hygiene.
  • 9) Comprehensive information regarding the risks and necessary precautions is made available to visitors.
  • 10) Adequate handwashing facilities are maintained and accessible throughout the farm.

How do I know which farms are AAAS certified?

The badge for AAAS accreditation

All the farms on Tree Hub that have an AAAS certification have it clearly listed on their profile, just keep an eye out for the logo you can see on the left. 

Alternatively, we’ve made a handy list so that you can look specifically for Animal Attraction Assured farms if that’s important to you by visiting our page of AAAS certified farms here.

Should I be worried if a farm is not AAAS certified?

Not at all. While AAAS certification is a mark of a farm’s commitment to meeting high standards in animal welfare, visitor interaction, and safety based on the Industry Code of Practice, not being certified doesn’t automatically mean a farm is lacking in these areas. Many farms operate with high standards of care and safety without AAAS certification for various reasons, including resource constraints or different priorities.

While AAAS certification provides an added layer of assurance, the absence of this certification doesn’t mean a farm is unsafe or not worth visiting. Doing a bit of research and using your judgment based on available information will help you make an informed decision about visiting a particular farm.

Edwyn
Author: Edwyn

Hi there! My name is Edwyn and I run the treehub.co.uk website. I was inspired to create this website when I noticed that a directory of UK farms didn't already exist. I wanted the visitors to my site to be able to find the farms that fit their specific needs such as finding their favourite animal, playing on bouncy pillows, watching educational shows or understanding the average visit time. My team and I have spent hours trawling through reviews, social media posts and farm websites themselves to bring you all the farm information you could ever want, in one easy to use website.