Verde Valley, Arizona — [August 12, 2025] – The Selah Carefarm, the first carefarm of its kind in the world integrating a farmed animal sanctuary with therapeutic grief support, is proud to announce that it has been officially Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) as of July 18, 2025.
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. This prestigious verification means that Selah Carefarm meets the criteria of a true farmed animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Selah Carefarm as an exceptional organization.
“In our work with hundreds of sanctuaries, we recognize how much animal sanctuaries can serve as safe spaces for all animals, humans included – but Selah Carefarm fully embraces and embodies the healing potential of the human-non-human animal relationship” said Jessica Harris, MS, GFAS Farmed Animal Program Director. “Selah Carefarm truly recognizes the universality of pain, trauma and grief that we humans share with other species, as well as the resilience of those supported to heal. In doing so they send a powerful message about empathy and compassion across species and provide a powerful platform to care for humans and nonhumans. We are thrilled to welcome them to the GFAS family.”
“This verification is a powerful acknowledgment of the deep care, love, and responsibility we extend to every being who finds refuge at Selah Carefarm,” said Kelli Montgomery, Executive Director. “For us, the nonhuman animals are not just residents here — they are family, teachers, and fellow travelers in the shared experience of trauma and healing. This recognition honors their stories too.”
A Sanctuary for the Grieving and the Voiceless
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, professor, researcher, and bereaved mother, Selah Carefarm was born from a vision to provide trauma-informed, non-pathologizing support for individuals navigating traumatic grief — especially the death of a child, spouse, parent, or other beloved one. Nestled in the high desert of Northern Arizona, the Carefarm offers a peaceful haven where grief is not pathologized, but held with reverence and care.
The farm is home to more than 50 nonhuman animals — including rescued horses, pigs, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, and dogs — many of whom were saved from severe neglect or abuse. These animals live freely and without exploitation, serving not as therapy tools but as sentient beings who share in relationship and mutual presence with broken hearted humans who come from all over the world.
Unlike traditional, clinical bereavement services or equine-assisted programs, the Selah Carefarm operates within an ethic of radical compassion and connection. Every individual — human or nonhuman animal — is treated with dignity, respect, and love.
What GFAS Verification Means
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is the only globally recognized organization that certifies animal sanctuaries based on rigorous standards of care, safety, and ethical practices. GFAS verification ensures that sanctuaries operate transparently, provide lifetime care for animals, and do not breed, sell, or exploit the animals in their care.
By achieving GFAS verification, Selah Carefarm affirms its commitment to excellence in nonhuman animal welfare, responsible governance, and sustainable practices — while continuing its mission to support grieving individuals through meaningful, community-based care.
A Future Rooted in Compassion
“This milestone helps ensure that our mission will continue to grow in integrity and compassion,” said Montgomery. “It allows us to expand our impact, seek ethical partnerships, and deepen our care for both humans and nonhuman animals. Most importantly, it reflects what we do here — love, grieve, remember, and care.”
To learn more about the Selah Carefarm or to support its mission, visit www.selahcarefarm.org.
About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.