GFAS Sanctuaries: News Updates

February 4, 2026. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, recently awarded Accredited status to IAR Costa Rica. Accreditation means that IAR Costa Rica meets the criteria of a true animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Accredited status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must…

January 15, 2026 (Howell, MI) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accreditation status to Horses’ Haven as of December 25, 2025. Horses’ Haven, located in Michigan, achieved GFAS Accreditation, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Horses’ Haven has achieved GFAS Accreditation. This certification signifies that Horses’ Haven meets GFAS’s rigorous and…

January 8, 2026 (Bend, OR) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accreditation status to Happy Trails Horse Rescue as of December 15, 2025. Happy Trails Horse Rescue achieved GFAS Accreditation, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Happy Trails has achieved GFAS Accreditation. This certification signifies that Happy Trails meets GFAS’s rigorous…

December 18, 2025 (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verification status to Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc (CTA) as of December 15, 2025. Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, the first organization certified in Puerto Rico, achieved GFAS Verification, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, CTA has achieved GFAS Verification. This…

October 28, 2025 (Huntington Beach, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accreditation status to Free Rein Foundation as of October 20, 2025. Free Rein Foundation achieved GFAS Accreditation, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Free Rein has achieved GFAS Accreditation. This certification signifies that Free Rein Foundation meets GFAS’s rigorous…