Animal sanctuaries provide refuge for rescued farmed animals, wildlife, and exotic species. Quality varies enormously and welfare standards for sanctuaries are underdeveloped.
The term 'sanctuary' is unregulated and misused. Some organisations calling themselves sanctuaries are effectively zoos, breeding facilities, or entertainment venues. Genuine sanctuaries prioritise the welfare of individual animals, do not breed animals unnecessarily, do not allow public contact with wild animals that compromises welfare, and work toward release for releasable wildlife. High-quality farmed animal sanctuaries provide complex environments, social groups, veterinary care, and individual attention that give rescued animals genuinely good lives. GFAS accreditation provides a meaningful welfare standard for evaluating sanctuaries.