Indirect measures can be used to determine the potential that an animal will experience appropriate welfare conditions within zoos and aquariums. Focus on animal welfare by institutions can positively affect certain types of accreditation or certifications. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Animal Welfare Committee has sought to improve animal welfare by developing a framework to identify recommended animal care programs.

This author argues that studying animal welfare in these institutions and sharing the information learned will contribute to the design of more effective animal care programs.