December 18, 2025 (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verification status to Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc (CTA) as of December 15, 2025.
Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, the first organization certified in Puerto Rico, achieved GFAS Verification, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, CTA has achieved GFAS Verification. This certification signifies that CTA meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and granters to recognize Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc as an excellent organization.
“We are very proud to announce GFAS Verification status for Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare.” said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director – Equine, “The team at CTA provides quality care for horses in need in Puerto Rico. These discarded horses are given a chance to heal, learn new skills, and build trust.”
“Being approved by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries is a tremendous honor for Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare,” said Kelley Stobie, Co-Founder & Executive Director, CTA. “This recognition affirms our commitment to going above and beyond to provide a well-structured, safe haven for horses in the Caribbean. Our team is dedicated not only to the lifelong well-being of the horses in our care, but also to educating the public on responsible equine welfare and management. We are deeply grateful to GFAS for welcoming us into a community of such respected organizations and individuals.”
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 for 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 Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc.
Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the IRS and certified under Puerto Rico’s 1101.01(a)(2) tax code. Our mission is to provide a compassionate and responsible pathway to retirement for Thoroughbred racehorses across the Caribbean. We believe every horse deserves a peaceful and dignified retirement, surrounded by people who value and care for them. As the only organization solely dedicated to this cause in the Caribbean, we are proud to make a real difference in the lives of these incredible animals.
Each year, approximately 500 Thoroughbreds are imported into Puerto Rico to race at the local Racetrack, which is home to over 1,300 horses. This high volume makes our work more vital than ever. To learn more about the Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc, go to: https://www.ctahorse.com/.