Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

June 25, 2019 (Bow, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Skagit Animals In Need (SAIN) as of June 19, 2019.

Verification means that Skagit Animals In Need meets the criteria of a true animal sanctuary/rescue 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 Skagit Animals In Need as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Skagit Animals In Need,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director. “SAIN does an excellent job of partnering with law enforcement to arrange services for animals-in-need.  The organization’s Board members and foster home volunteers are truly dedicated to providing responsible rehabilitation, retraining, and adoption opportunities for the animals in their care, serving their community with these essential programs.”

“Skagit Animals in Need continues to push forward in our approach to fulfilling our mission of supporting law enforcement and animal control in preventing cruelty through outreach, education, and advocacy programs, and by facilitating the fostering, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals in need,” said Karla Strand, SAIN Chairperson.  “I see our Verification with GFAS as a partnership that will be supportive of our efforts to continue networking with other animal welfare organizations and to help guide our organization’s processes and programs based on the best practices of animal caretaking.  SAIN looks forward to this relationship with GFAS!”

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. 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.

About Skagit Animals In Need
Skagit Animals In Need (SAIN) is a non-profit located in Skagit County, Washington. SAIN is focused on large animals and livestock seized in neglect and cruelty cases, or released to animal control or law enforcement by the owners. Funding and resources to support the animals is raised by donations, benefits, fund-raising events and grants. A high percentage of the animals are horses, but SAIN is prepared to foster cattle, pigs and other large animals. Additionally, SAIN provides emergency resources (to include but not limited to financial resources) to persons needing assistance

in caring for their animals at the request of animal control. SAIN does not have a facility, but maintains a network of knowledgeable foster families ready to provide a safe environment when requested by county officers. SAIN also offers educational opportunities to increase awareness of proper animal care and husbandry.  For more information, visit http://skagitanimalsinneed.org/index.html .

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

May 2, 2019 (Escondido, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to ResQue Ranch Inc. as of April 30, 2019.

Verification means that ResQue Ranch Inc. meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue 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 ResQue Ranch Inc. as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of ResQue Ranch Inc.,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The individualized care provided to the animals, coupled with plenty of love and compassion from ResQue Ranch personnel allows horses in rehabilitation to flourish.  The care and concern this group has for animals-in-need is very evident, and the programs they offer for horses and horse owners in the San Diego area has created a wonderful sense of community and comfort.”

“To be GFAS Verified means so much to ResQue Ranch, as it acknowledges and supports our duty as humans, to, measure your life not by years, months, days, hours or minutes, but by your purpose in helping those that cannot help themselves–we all have something to give, our time, our talent, and our treasure–animals are a gift from God to be respected, loved and cared for in every way humanly possible,” said Michelle Bearer, ResQue Ranch, Inc., Executive Director.

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. 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.

About ResQue Ranch Inc.
ResQue Ranch is a 501(c)3 non-profit equine rescue and rehabilitation center, founded by Phil Pace in 2014 and located in the peaceful rolling hills of Escondido’s wine country. Phil Pace, the owner of the phenomenally successful Phil’s BBQ restaurants, had already established a solid reputation for philanthropy in the local community supporting underprivileged children, needy families and animals, yet wanted to give back in another way-and ResQue Ranch was born.  A lifelong horse lover and animal rescuer, Phil, with the help of his sister, Michelle, both pour their hearts out into managing the ranch on a daily basis.

The rescue provides shelter, food, physical therapy, socialization, training, and adoption opportunities for rescued and rehabilitated horses—horses in transition to a new life.  ResQue Ranch rescues neglected, abused, abandoned, emaciated, retired, lame, and injured horses, all of whom otherwise remain at great risk of ending up in the slaughter pipeline. Rescued and rehabilitated horses are, when ready, offered for adoption to eligible, permanent, and caring forever homes. ResQue Ranch is also a resource for the community, and welcomes volunteers and visitors.  The property where the horses roam is peaceful and tranquil.  The tagline for ResQue Ranch is “a place for healing” – yes, it is a horse rescue where horses come to heal physically and emotionally.  Horses that are transitioning to wholeness, given second chances, to reunite with a forever friend or family. For more information, visit https://resqueranch.org/ .

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.

January 17, 2019 (Poughquag, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary as of December 21, 2018.

Verification means that Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farm animal sanctuary/rescue 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 Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine and Farm Animals. “Safe Haven endeavors to provide the highest level of individualized care for its’ animal residents, and marries this with admirable animal advocacy and vegan outreach programs. In this manner, the work of Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary encompasses so much more than humane care for animals-in-need; the organization is extending lessons of compassion and respect for all living beings.”

“Safe Haven is honored to have been Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for the excellent care and affection given to each of our rescued animals, and we are proud to have met their rigorous standards for care,” said Ellen Crain, Executive Director of Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary. “It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and love shown day in and day out by our staff, volunteers and supporters.” 

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.

About Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary

At Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary, farmed animals rescued from abuse and slaughter are restored to health and given a safe and loving forever home. Over 100 rescued animals live a life of comfort and peace at our sanctuary and are brave ambassadors for farmed animals everywhere. We encourage visitors to meet our residents. Our goal is to raise awareness about the plight of animals raised for food and the benefits of a vegan diet for the animals, human health, and the environment. We are dedicated to spreading compassion and respect for all living beings.

Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary was founded in 2008 by Ellen and Bill Crain. Ellen created the first national environmental health fellowship program for pediatricians, and Bill has published a popular book, The Emotional Lives of Children and Animals: Insights from a Farm Sanctuary. They live at Safe Haven with their rescued dog Huckleberry Finn and 4 rescued cats, Hurricane, Theodore, Salt, and Bootsie.  For more information, visit https://safehavenfarmsanctuary.org/ .

January 8, 2019 (Louisa, VA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary as of December 18, 2018.

Accreditation signifies that Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status of Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The advancements made toward creating greater organizational sustainability and implementing capacity building initiatives since the time of the group’s original Verification with GFAS are outstanding.  Much work went into the completion of improvements to the sanctuary’s facility; in addition, comprehensive business, governance, and financial practices, such as long-term strategic plans, have been put into place, ensuring the highest standards and practices of responsible sanctuary care for equines-in-need well into the future.”

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. 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.

About Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary
Located on 21 acres of grassy pastures, fields, and wooded horse trails in Louisa County, VA, Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary was incorporated as a 501c3 in 2016 to support the right of all equines to live a quality life.  The mission of Serenity Farm is to prevent equine neglect, abuse, and abandonment where we can and rehabilitate and find loving, forever homes for neglected or abused equines; to educate the public on the beauty and value of rescued horses; to give purpose to the lives of neglected or abused equines through interaction with humans, including emotionally or physically challenged individuals; to provide equine interaction to individuals with emotionally or physically challenging needs; to welcome all volunteers including adults and school-age with disabilities; to provide horsemanship instruction for our volunteers; to coordinate with agencies in the Commonwealth of Virginia by providing current and future equine owners and other relevant groups with information and resources.  For more information, visit www.serenityfarmequinesanctuary.org  or call 540-842-1756.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download Press Release here.

October 24, 2018 (South Kortright, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, Inc. as of October 24, 2018.

Verification means that Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, Inc. meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue 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 Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, Inc. as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, Inc.,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Located on beautiful, enriching property, Rosemary Farm provides high quality lifetime sanctuary care to equines-in-need, in addition to facilitating equine adoptions.  The organization has also put solid business and fundraising practices in place, and is poised for tremendous growth, which will benefit an increased number of equines.”

“Rosemary Farm Sanctuary grew out of a need in our area for such a place, and what began as a heartfelt response to allow horses to just ‘be’, has grown into one of the largest equine sanctuaries in NYS,” said Dawn Robyn, Executive Director and Founder of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, Inc. “Along the way, we have been guided by many experienced rescuers who have helped us evolve our mission and it’s execution. Our aim all along has been to represent quality care, share that with potential adopters and other horse owners, and to be proud of the full lives of our equines. Achieving GFAS Verification has been a goal we have aspired to for years, and are very proud to be included in the ranks of such other sanctuaries. We are humbled and excited for our future, as we all continue to evolve and learn and improve our homes for the horses who need us, and to share it with others.”

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. 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.

About Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, Inc.
At Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, our mission is to rescue horses in need, and protect them for life.  We save equines from slaughter, neglect, and abuse. Most have been passed from owner to owner, never knowing a herd or consistency.  When they arrive here, they are home.  We make care decisions based on what is best for each horse and the sanctuary family.  Our horses live in dynamic natural environments, in herd groups, creating vital bonds that are honored and protected.  In addition, we educate horse owners and the general public about the wretched conditions many horses suffer, and how they can improve both the physical and emotional guardianship of horses.

Rosemary Farm is ‘Where horses get to be horses’.  For more information, visit http://rosemaryfarm.org/ .

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.

October 12, 2018 (Redmond, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Save a Forgotten Equine as of October 9, 2018.

Verification means that Save a Forgotten Equine meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue 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 Save a Forgotten Equine as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Save a Forgotten Equine,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Save a Forgotten Equine provides much needed rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming services for horses through established partnerships with law enforcement agencies and education and outreach opportunities for local owners. Their programs are supported by an exceptionally knowledgeable group of personnel and volunteers, and solidified by a strong business structure, ensuring a sustainable future for the organization and the animals they care for.”

“SAFE has used many of the GFAS standards to establish our best practices for caring for our horses and keeping our volunteers safe,” said Bonnie Hammond, Executive Director of Save a Forgotten Equine. “It’s such an honor to be Verified by GFAS, and to let the world know that we’re worked extremely hard to build an organization that rescues responsibly and does things the right way.”

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. 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.

About Save a Forgotten Equine
Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) is devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of horses facing abuse, neglect, or starvation. Once recovered, SAFE provides these horses with training, then finds adoptive homes through a rigorous screening process, which includes an application, reference checks, and site visits. After adoption, annual follow-up visits are conducted to ensure the animal’s continued well-being and SAFE will take a horse back if its adopter can’t continue to care for it. SAFE supports Animal Control agencies in several Washington counties and provides assistance to horse owners struggling to care for their animals in the current economy.  For more information, visit https://www.safehorses.org/ .

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.

October 3, 2018 (Boyds, MD) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. as of October 3, 2018.

Verification means that Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue 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 Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc.,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “GAIT, Inc. has brought together an experienced collaboration of personnel, equine foster home providers, and industry partners to provide rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming services to equines-in-need. Because of the group’s great knowledge of the needs of gaited horses, they are able to extend these services and network throughout the equine rescue community on behalf of the horses.”

“GAIT, Inc. is very excited to be welcomed into the GFAS network.,” said Denise Parsons, Executive Director of Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. “There are many rescues in this country, but only a select few meet the stringent requirements to become members of GFAS.  We are thrilled that GAIT, Inc. is among those rescues.  We consider GFAS to be the Gold Standard of accreditation for organizations involved in animal rescue.  We would like to thank GFAS for the hard work they do to help the public be assured that the member organizations they are supporting have the animals’ best interest and the public’s safety at heart.”

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. 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.

About Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc.
Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. (also known as GAIT, Inc.) has been formed to meet an ever-growing demand for the gaited horse breeds and other equines who have become in danger of being shipped to slaughter, are in the hands of neglectful owners or owners that are no longer able to keep their horses. GAIT, Inc. will serve as both a direct rescue for horses as well as a resource for educating others on the care and training of the gaited breeds and horses in general. In addition, we will educate the public about the issues of slaughter and auction pipelines as well as how the gaited horse can be used successfully as pleasure and versatility mounts via public exhibitions, fairs, expos and other similar venues. GAIT, Inc. will act as consultants doing evaluations, video and/or as networking facilitators for private owners as well as other rescues and non-profits that may not have experience with the gaited breeds, but who have taken gaited breeds into their rescue programs.  For more information, visit https://www.gaitrrr.org/index.html .

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download Press Release here.