Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary of Ravenna, Ohio is Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

June 1, 2020 (Ravenna, OH) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary as of May 19, 2020.

Accreditation signifies that Happy Trails Farm Animal 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 proud to announce the Accreditation of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Executive Director. “The staff, directors, and volunteers of Happy Trails make every effort possible to improve the welfare of farmed animals and equines, from the attention paid to the physical care and enrichment of each individual animal residing at the sanctuary, to collaborative relationships the sanctuary maintains with local law enforcement to help create protections for animals-in-need. In addition, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary has such solid plans and vision which lend to the sanctuary’s positioning at the forefront of many broader capacity-building initiatives, such as their successful adoption and foster home placement programs for the animals. We are delighted to welcome Happy Trails to the GFAS family.”

“I am elated to have received accreditation for our organization,” said Laurie Jackson, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary Executive Director.  “From the moment this goal was set to today as we receive news of this achievement, GFAS has led us through the process with support, guidance and encouragement to become the best we can be. Today we stand before you with a strong foundation of vetted operations, ready to continue our mission with top-notch facilities, skilled and professional staff and dedicated volunteers. Our animals are our mission and we are ready to answer the next call to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home farm animals and horses in need. Thank you to Valerie and to GFAS as a whole for this experience and for celebrating this achievement together.”

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 Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Inc.
Founded in 2001 and located in Ravenna, OH, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes criminally abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals.  With a culture of inclusion, diverse expertise and a spirit of try, HTFAS has rescued over 715 animals assisting 29 counties in Ohio and across 8 states in the last five years. 595 animals have been successfully placed into loving homes.  Learn more at http://www.happytrailsfarm.org/

Download press release here.