Independent WelfareAudits, Training &Advisory Services
Practical, evidence-based guidance to help animal owners, professionals, and organisations strengthen welfare management and implement best practice.
Science-Based Guidance for Better Animal Lives
Animal Welfare Advisory (AWA) is an independent consultancy specialising in animal welfare auditing, education, and advisory services across the equine, livestock, and animal care sectors.
Our work supports private animal owners, equine owners, organisations, and animal professionals to assess, improve, and demonstrate high standards of animal welfare, aligned with Irish and EU legislation and informed by recognised welfare science.
Our Mission
To advance animal welfare through science-based guidance and accessible education, empowering organisations and animal owners to create better lives for animals.
Evidence-Based & Practically Focused
Welfare assessments are informed by recognised frameworks such as the Five Domains Model, supporting a structured approach to evaluating welfare conditions and opportunities for positive animal experiences.
Academic Expertise
Grounded in animal welfare science and current research
Practical Experience
Hands-on equine and livestock management knowledge, including frontline animal welfare inspection experience
Our Services
Welfare Assessments & Audits
Independent welfare assessments for privately owned horses and other animals, equestrian yards, stud farms, animal sanctuaries, livestock enterprises, and animal-owning organisations — providing objective evaluation of welfare conditions and clear, practical recommendations for improvement.
Training & Professional Education
Training workshops covering animal welfare science, biosecurity, welfare assessment approaches, and best practice management. Programmes can be tailored for private animal owners, organisations, staff teams, and professional groups.
Welfare Policy & Advisory
Support for organisations developing welfare policies and procedures, operational frameworks, and best practice management systems — helping demonstrate responsible welfare management and meet regulatory standards.
Biosecurity Assessment
Advisory services for farms, veterinary practices, equine facilities, and animal organisations to strengthen biosecurity planning, disease prevention protocols, and risk management strategies.
Who We Can Help
Private horse and animal owners
Equestrian yards and equine facilities
Stud farms and breeding operations
Animal sanctuaries and rescue organisations
Livestock farms and agricultural enterprises
Veterinary practices
Government departments and regulatory bodies
Educational institutions and training providers
About the Founders
Emma Carroll
Co-Founder
- MSc Agricultural Innovation & Entrepreneurship – University of Galway
- BSc Equine Science – University of Limerick
- Authorised Animal Welfare Inspector with 8 years experience in Ireland
- Over 10 years international equine industry experience
- Postgraduate research identifying the need for independent welfare and biosecurity advisory services
- Practical experience as a part-time farmer
Sarah Fitzgerald
Co-Founder
- MSc Animal Welfare, Behaviour, Ethics & Law – University of Winchester
- BSc Equine Studies with Diploma in Industry Studies – University of Ulster
- Postgraduate research in positive equine welfare
- Specialist CPD: Applying the Five Domains Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses – University of New England
- Professional experience across a range of roles in the equine industry and animal welfare charity sector
A Trusted Authority in Animal Welfare
Our long-term goal is to contribute to continuous improvement in animal welfare and biosecurity standards across Ireland, supporting practical and evidence-based welfare solutions.
Discuss Your Needs