Black Dawg Farm and Sanctuary of Rainier, Washington is Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

July 8, 2020 (Rainier, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Black Dawg Farm and Sanctuary as of June 26, 2020.

Accreditation signifies that Black Dawg Farm and Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal 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 very proud to announce the Accreditation of Black Dawg Farm and Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “This Sanctuary provides the highest quality of care and enrichment for many types of animals and as well as multifaced humane education opportunities for children and adults. In addition, Black Dawg Sanctuary’s operations and governance manuals are exceptional certainly raising the bar of professional excellence. This sanctuary’s guiding principles to provide inspiration, education, a nurturing and safe environment, and sharing governance provides a model that other animal sanctuaries can aspire to.”

“Anyone can rescue animals from desperate situations and provide sanctuary, but what sets sanctuaries such as our apart are the rigorous standards to meet and adhere to through Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Kelly Lapham, Executive Director of Black Dawg Sanctuary. “In order to be sustainable, accredited sanctuaries must have well thought out governance, strategic planning, fiscal transparency, educational outreach and ultimately the highest standards of care for the animals. There is an actual site visit documenting the facility, the security and safety, and most importantly the welfare of its inhabitants. The process is intense, but really assures the public, donors, and animal care advocates that this is a sanctuary of integrity, that is committed to the long-term care and well-being of its residents. This is an amazing honor to receive this accreditation and join other recognized sanctuaries throughout the world.”

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 Black Dawg Farm and Sanctuary
Our goal is to rescue, rehabilitate farm animals, to educate and inspire the public about their care and welfare. We provide a lifelong sanctuary for our adopted animals with veterinary care, proper feeding, environment enrichment and love. At the same time giving people who might not have had contact with farm animals a hand on experience.  We offer learning programs for children and teens, helping them to connect and build emotional and mental well-being through the human- animal bond. For more information, please visit https://blackdawg.org/.

Download press release here.