September 23, 2025 (Alberta, Canada) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accreditation status to The Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation (PARF) as of September 20, 2025.
PARF achieved GFAS Accreditation, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating elevated levels of professionalism, The Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation has achieved GFAS Accreditation. This certification signifies that PARF meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and granters to recognize The Parsons Animal Rescue as an excellent organization.
“We are very proud to announce GFAS Accreditation status for The Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation.,” said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director – Equine, “The team at PARF provides compassionate and high-quality care for abused and neglected horses. These horses are truly given a second chance.”
Dayna Hammond, Executive Director, The Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation states, “Going through the GFAS Accreditation process has been a gift to our sanctuary as it has helped deepen our commitment to the horses we serve, has given us structure to grow with integrity, and has affirmed that compassion and professionalism can go hand in hand. We are now better equipped to carry out our mission of giving traumatized horses a second chance at life and hope that this accreditation helps reassure our supporters that we meet the highest standards of animal welfare and organizational excellence.”
The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.
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. For more information on GFAS, go to: www.sanctuaryfederation.org.
About The Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation
At the Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation, we are dedicated to giving abused and neglected horses a second chance at life through compassionate rehabilitation, training, and rehoming. In partnership with the Alberta SPCA and local rescues, we work to heal both the visible and invisible scars left by cruelty, while advocating for the humane treatment of all equines. Inspired by a legacy of kindness and empathy, we strive to end the inhumane export of horses for slaughter and ensure every horse finds safety, dignity, and a forever home. Learn more about PARF at: https://www.parsonsanimalrescue.com/