Sanctuary Accreditation: Protecting Animals from Exploitation

Sanctuary accreditation systems provide independent verification that facilities claiming to rescue and care for animals meet professional welfare standards, protecting both animals and donors from exploitation.

Key Facts

GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries) has accredited over 300 facilities across North America.
Verification criteria include no commercial trade in animals, no cub petting, adequate veterinary care, and lifetime commitment to residents.
Sanctuary Alliance and ZAA provide alternative accreditation frameworks with varying standards.
Unaccredited "sanctuaries" are the most common vehicle for cub petting exploitation of big cats.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act (2022) in the US has significantly restricted cub handling at unaccredited facilities.

Welfare Considerations

Animals in facilities falsely claiming sanctuary status often have worse welfare outcomes than in regulated zoos. Without independent verification, sanctuaries can warehouse animals in inadequate conditions, breed animals to supply cub petting operations, and mislead donors who believe they are supporting genuine rescue. Accreditation creates accountability, requires transparent record-keeping, and provides animals with professional welfare standards. Choosing to support only accredited sanctuaries ensures that charitable giving genuinely benefits animals.

What You Can Do

Verify accreditation at sanctuaries.org before supporting any wildlife sanctuary.
Ask any sanctuary you visit or donate to whether they allow direct animal contact.
Report facilities that allow cub petting or sell animals to the USDA APHIS.
Support the enforcement of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in the US.
Share accreditation standards information with friends considering sanctuary visits or donations.