Heartwood Haven Animal Sanctuary in Gig Harbor, Washington is Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

July 15, 2020 (Gig Harbor, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Heartwood Haven Animal Sanctuary as of July 13, 2020.

Accreditation signifies that Heartwood Haven Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed farm 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 happy to announce the Accreditation of Heartwood Haven Animal Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “There is no denying that Heartwood Haven’s team is committed to providing a natural and safe haven for their residents, some who have very special needs. Their enclosures provide a rich habitat with bushes to hide and mud holes to wallow. Heartwood Haven Sanctuary is also a major resource for their local community in these times of need, by providing a pet food bank in partnership with local human food banks. The founders are committed to developing an animal sanctuary that is built upon a business model ensuring sustainability and success for years.”

“Accreditation to us means that the sanctuary community can move forward on having set guidelines and standards in place to follow,” explained Kate Tsyrklevich and Hope Hilman, cofounders of Heartwood Haven Sanctuary. “For Heartwood Haven, it means that the public can be confident in the work that we do because an overseeing body approves our policies and practices. We are happy to be part of this growing movement and encourage all sanctuaries to join in and work with GFAS on becoming accredited.”

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 Heartwood Haven Animal Sanctuary
Heartwood Haven believes every animal deserves respect and compassion. We create a peaceful environment so animals can experience a more comfortable life and receive the highest quality veterinary care, love, and attention based on their individual needs. Our mission is to provide sanctuary to abused, neglected, mistreated, and homeless animals while educating the public about the effects of animal agriculture. For more information, please visit https://heartwoodhaven.org/.

Download press release here.