With the release of their latest sustainability report, Choice Hotels has made measurable progress toward their cage-free commitment, though they have yet to fully meet their original goals. The company reports that 52% of their global hotel portfolio aligns with its cage-free commitment—an increase from last year, but far short of what’s needed to meet their original 2025 promise.
This progress is no accident—it is the direct result of our Choice Hotels Chickens Out campaign, a global effort we co-led with the Open Wing Alliance in September 2025. Activists worldwide mobilized to demand transparency and accountability from one of the most under-advanced hotels in the cage-free transition. You can learn more about the impact of this global movement in our campaign flipbook.
Furthermore, while the report acknowledges some progress, it offers no clear roadmap, no meaningful timeline, and no indication that the company intends to fulfill their commitment anytime soon. Additionally, it lacks complete transparency for some regions like the Caribbean & Latin America, required for true accountability. Without clear data, stakeholders are left in the dark about where the company is actually succeeding and which regions are failing to meet the cage-free commitment.
Despite this progress, it is not enough. Incremental change without accountability or urgency leaves hundreds of thousands of hens behind. In contrast, some hospitality leaders are demonstrating that meaningful progress is possible. Hilton, for instance, continues to report transparently on their cage-free commitment, has published clear milestones toward their goal and has consistently disclosed progress across regions, alongside a defined roadmap for implementation. While challenges remain across the industry, this level of transparency and planning shows that companies can take their commitments seriously. It’s an encouraging sign that progress is achievable when backed by clear timelines, measurable reporting, and a willingness to engage—setting a standard others should follow.
Before the report’s release, we delivered a powerful message directly to Megan Brumagim, vice president of upscale brands and chief sustainability officer for Choice Hotels International, at the company’s global offices. The package included a printed version of our campaign flipbook; a mock sustainability report reflecting poor progress and empty commitments, strikingly similar to what the company would ultimately publish; a symbolic hen; and a mirror with a clear message: “Before you publish your report, take a look at yourself.”
The delivery called for reflection and accountability. The Open Wing Alliance and Mercy For Animals will continue to monitor Choice Hotels’ transition and push for accountability throughout the year. We’re not giving up, but we’re also focusing our efforts on advancing our current campaigns where real progress is possible.
Inspired to make a greater impact for hens and to show multinational corporations that people hold the real power? Join us!
