Sanctuary Accreditation and Quality Standards

The term sanctuary is unregulated in most jurisdictions, making accreditation by independent organizations the primary mechanism for distinguishing genuine welfare operations from exploitative ones.

Key Facts

No legal definition of animal sanctuary exists in most countries
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredits facilities meeting its standards
Some facilities using the word sanctuary continue to breed animals, offer animal contact, or sell animals
Genuine sanctuaries do not breed, buy, sell, or use animals for commercial entertainment
The sanctuary movement has grown dramatically with increased public concern about zoo and circus welfare
Financial transparency and species-appropriate care standards are hallmarks of accredited facilities

Welfare Considerations

Animals in facilities calling themselves sanctuaries but operating commercially — offering cub petting, photo opportunities, or contact experiences — are often in conditions as poor as the operations they claim to improve upon. Big cats in facilities offering petting experiences are typically removed from their mothers at birth for socialization, experience intensive human contact during the critical developmental period, and are retired to small cages when no longer manageable. The misuse of sanctuary terminology undermines public ability to direct support to genuinely welfare-positive operations.

What You Can Do

Research any sanctuary before visiting or donating using GFAS or sanctuary network listings
Never pay for animal contact experiences at facilities calling themselves sanctuaries
Ask facilities directly whether they breed, sell, or buy animals
Support only facilities that allow public observation of naturalistic behavior without direct contact
Donate to accredited sanctuaries with published financial transparency
Help others distinguish legitimate sanctuaries from commercial animal attractions