Module 1 — Welfare Science Foundations
16 hrs- Five Domains model and its application
- Species-specific behaviour (sheep, goats, cattle)
- Recognizing and scoring pain and distress
CLWO · Standards & Curriculum
Certified Livestock Welfare Officer
Animal welfare and operational standards certification.
Program overview
The CLWO credential certifies the welfare-leadership role on prescribed grazing operations, ensuring CPGA's Five Domains welfare framework is applied across transport, work, and rest.
Who it's for: Welfare leads, senior handlers, and supervisors responsible for animal-care decisions on contracts.
Standards
CPGA-S300 Five Domains Welfare Framework
Nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state assessment.
CPGA-S310 Transport & Handling
CFIA-aligned transport standards, loading, and rest stops.
CPGA-S320 Health & Emergency Response
Triage, veterinary liaison, euthanasia decision tree, and records.
CPGA-S330 Welfare Auditing
Internal audits, corrective actions, and welfare incident reporting.
Curriculum
Module 2 — Handling & Transport
20 hrs- Low-stress handling techniques
- Trailer design, loading densities, and rest requirements
- Hot-weather and cold-weather protocols
Module 3 — Health & Veterinary Coordination
24 hrs- Routine health checks and biosecurity
- Working with a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship
- Emergency euthanasia decision-making
Module 4 — Welfare on Contract Sites
20 hrs- Shade, water, and shelter standards in the field
- Predator risk and guardian animal welfare
- Public-facing welfare communication
Module 5 — Auditing & Reporting
20 hrs- Conducting internal welfare audits
- Incident investigation and corrective action
- Annual welfare report to CPGA
Assessment
- Knowledge exam on the Five Domains framework (80% pass)
- Case-study welfare audit submission
- In-person practicum: live welfare audit observed by a CPGA assessor
Recertification: Renew every 2 years with 24 hours of welfare-focused continuing education.