Dove Creek Equine Rescue Located in West TX Achieves GFAS Accreditation

March 16, 2023 (Canyon, TX) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Dove Creek Equine Rescue (DCER) as of March 6, 2023.

Dove Creek Equine Rescue first achieved GFAS Verification in April of 2018, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Dove Creek Equine Rescue has now achieved Accredited status. Accreditation signifies that DCER meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine 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. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Dove Creek Equine Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Dove Creek Equine Rescue,” said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The determination with which this organization worked to achieve Accreditation is commendable.”

“Dove Creek Equine Rescue is thrilled to receive GFAS Accreditation status which has been an important goal of ours since we received Verification status 3 years ago. Working with GFAS to review, create, and organize all areas of practices, protocols, and procedures supports our goal of transparency and the high standard of care we believe is critical to success at Dove Creek. Our team of staff, volunteers, equine facilitators, and board members work hard to ensure we uphold these standards and appreciate GFAS for your guidance and assistance to make it this far!  It is our goal to continue this crucial work and make an even larger impact in our community and the world, for horses and humans. Thank you GFAS!”, stated Laurie Higgins-Kerley, Founder and Executive Director of Dove Creek.

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

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. For more information on GFAS, go to: www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Dove Creek Equine Rescue
Dove Creek Equine Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, dedicated to making a difference in the unwanted horse population since 2012. DCER’s mission statement is to restore the dignity, purpose, and wholeness of unwanted horses who need a second chance in life and humans who need healing and direction by providing compassionate care, connection, and education.  We honor and value the horse/human bond and offer various opportunities to nurture that bond through our Volunteer and Equine Assisted Learning and Coaching programs. Since 2012, we have re-homed 75 percent of the 250 + horses received while maintaining the other 25 percent that are not adoptable in our sanctuary, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.   By only rehoming horses that we feel have had time to fully rehabilitate we ensure a successful adoption. An average of 30 horses at Dove Creek enjoy 500 acres of grassy plains where they roam in a “herd” environment, setting the stage for the continued healing of their minds and bodies. It is this unparalleled environment and painstaking care provided by our staff and volunteer team that enable us to successfully rehabilitate and rehome these wonderful majestic creatures. For more information, visit https://www.dovecreekequinerescue.org/.

Download Accreditation press release