GFAS Accreditation and Verification are comprehensive, multi-step processes designed to support organizations in meeting high standards of animal welfare, ethics, and organizational sustainability. The process is intentionally thorough and educational, helping organizations strengthen their practices while demonstrating accountability and transparency.
From start to finish, it is not uncommon for the process to take up to one year. Once an application is opened, organizations have up to one year to complete and submit all required components.
Before You Begin
Before starting an application, organizations are encouraged to review the following resources to understand the scope of the process and prepare in advance:
- The GFAS Standards of Excellence, which outline the expectations for animal welfare, ethics, and organizational sustainability
- The Required Documents Checklist, which details the materials you will be asked to upload during the application process
- PDF versions of the Operations and Animal Care Applications, which allow organizations to review application questions and prepare responses before entering them into the application system
- The GFAS Certification Handbook, which provides detailed guidance on the application process, documentation requirements, and what to expect during evaluation
These resources are intended to help organizations plan thoughtfully, identify any areas that may need attention, and move through the application process with confidence.
The GFAS Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Self-Assessment Checklist
The self-assessment checklist helps organizations evaluate alignment with GFAS eligibility criteria and Standards and identify any areas that may need attention before moving forward.
Completing the self-assessment does not commit your organization to applying, but it is required before opening an application.
Step 2: Submit the Application Fee
Once the self-assessment is complete and your organization is ready to proceed, the next step is submission of the application fee. This fee helps support the cost of application review, evaluator time, and site visits.
Details about application fees here.
Step 3: Complete the Application and Upload Required Documents
After submitting the application fee, organizations will complete the Animal Care and Operations sections of the application and upload required supporting documents within the same online system.
This stage includes providing information about:
- Animal care and welfare practices
- Facilities, safety, and veterinary care
- Governance, leadership, and staffing
- Financial management and sustainability
Supporting documents include a census of animal residents, governance policies, financial records, plans, insurance documentation, and other materials that demonstrate compliance with GFAS Standards.
Step 4: Schedule a Site Visit
Once the application and documentation are substantially complete, GFAS will contact your organization to schedule a site visit.
Site visits are conducted in person and allow GFAS evaluators to observe animal care and facilities, review records, and meet with staff and leadership. The site visit is an opportunity for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.
After the Application Process
Organizations that successfully complete the GFAS evaluation process will receive formal notification of their accreditation or verification status, along with an official certificate.
GFAS Accreditation and Verification reflect a commitment to high standards of animal welfare, ethics, and organizational responsibility. Information about application fees, ongoing costs, and the three-year renewal process is available on the GFAS website:
Ready to Get Started?
Begin with the GFAS Self-Assessment Checklist to determine readiness and take the first step toward applying.