River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary in Spokane, Washington is Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

August 3, 2020 (Spokane, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as of July 27, 2020.

Verification means that River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farm animal sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are excited to announce the recent Verification of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine and Farm Animals. “Co-founders Kit and Peter Jagoda are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their 140 resident animals which include equines, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, birds, dogs and cats. The founders are artists and their love of animals is evident in their artwork.  Though their central mission is to provide lifelong sanctuary for their residents, they do provide a special adoption program just for rabbits and occasionally other animals. River’s Wish has no intention of stopping with GFAS Verification but intend to apply for Accreditation as soon as possible. We fully expect them to be successful!”

“Farmed animals frequently receive minimal regard or protection, thereby making GFAS even more vital in establishing and maintaining policies and standards of care,” said Kit Jagoda, Executive Director of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary. “Our dedicated and compassionate volunteer community works hard to ensure the well-being of the animals and to provide them with a loving environment. We are committed to long term sustainability while meeting our mission of saving lives through rescue, education, and advocacy. Working with the GFAS has been and will continue to be a central guiding factor for growth and sustainability.”

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 River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary
The mission of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary is to save lives through rescue, education and advocacy. River’s Wish provides refuge to animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and lifelong sanctuary.  We offer Humane Education through Art and Animal workshops, Garden to Table workshops, Compassion for Animals and Compassionate Living workshops.  We are House Rabbit Society educators. River’s Wish is home to equines, bovines, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks. River’s Wish is the oldest animal sanctuary in Eastern Washington. Located on 65 acres adjacent to Riverside State Park, we have been involved in rescue and sanctuary since 1994. For more information, please visit, www.riverswishanimalsanctuary.org/.

Download press release here.