Introducing GFAS’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan –
a plan to strengthen animal sanctuaries and rescue centers, expand support services, and enhance internal organizational sustainability.
Our vision for this next phase emphasizes the refinement and expansion of our primary work of certification for animal sanctuaries, rescues, rehabilitation, and transition centers, ensuring that sanctuaries uphold the highest Standards of animal care, ethical practices, and operational excellence. Through continuous improvement and outreach, we aim to bring more facilities into the GFAS network, reinforcing best practices across the field.
Recognizing the evolving needs of sanctuaries and rescue centers, we look to introduce additional resources, benefits, and training opportunities. By enhancing direct support and engagement, we strive to equip sanctuaries with the tools they need to thrive, from capacity-building workshops and events to networking initiatives that strengthen the global sanctuary community.
To maximize our impact, we are intensifying efforts to diversify fundraising initiatives and cultivate strategic alliances. By strengthening partnerships with donors, advocacy groups, and industry leaders, we will enhance our ability to support sanctuaries and rescues and advance animal welfare worldwide.
Explore our infographic summary for key highlights of the plan and how GFAS is shaping the future of certified animal sanctuaries!
Impacted By Save This Life Microchip Shutdown? BuddyID Can Help
Do you care for any animals microchipped and registered with Save This Life microchips? Wondering what to do next? Creative Science®, a leader in animal health solutions, is stepping up to support pet owners, veterinary clinics, and shelters affected by the recent shutdown of the Save This Life (STL) pet microchip registry. Through its trusted microchip and recovery brand, BuddyID®, Creative Science is offering free lifetime registration for all pets (really any animal) with impacted STL microchips, ensuring they remain protected in the event they go missing.
As part of this initiative, Creative Science is also extending free registration to any remaining Save This Life microchips still in possession of veterinary clinics and shelters. By transitioning these microchips into the BuddyID registry, animal care professionals can continue providing reliable pet identification and reunification services without disruption.
Pet owners, veterinary clinics, and shelters (including rescues and sanctuaries) with STL microchips are encouraged to call 800-434-2843 or email for assistance with free registration.
Pro-Tip: Kudos to Sanctuary Volunteers, a cool way to show your volunteer appreciation
April 20-26 is Volunteer Appreciation Week and volunteers are such a crucial part of sanctuary work. Without them, where would we be? There are lots of ways to demonstrate your organization’s appreciation for their time and support, but we were on the lookout for something that doesn’t cost a lot (nonprofit budgets, right?!) but that are thoughtful and really demonstrate your gratitude. For that we recommend Kudoboard!
Kudoboard is an employee recognition and engagement software that can be classified as a replacement for greeting cards, online group greeting card, or e-cards. Basically, for $9-$20 (depending on the features and size you want), Kudoboard is like a big digital whiteboard where anybody can write messages, upload pictures and videos, etc conveying appreciation, gratitude, and more. You can share it through a link via email and have staff, board members and other supporters in your community write encouraging messages for your volunteers. The Kudoboard can then be shared as a digital card, slideshow, or printed as a poster or book. Posters could be hung in a barn or meeting room or at a volunteer appreciation event. This is a fantastic visual tool to create a meaningful gift for your volunteers which they can keep.
Upcoming Event: Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit
May 15-18, 2025
Los Angeles, CA
GFAS will once again be tabling at the AVA Summit this year! Last year, we got to talk to so many supportive advocates about reputable sanctuary work and the importance of sanctuary to the animal protection movement.
Join Us at the 2025 NAPSA Workshop!
Our friends at NAPSA are set to present, Climbing the Ladder, a workshop focused on equipping entry to mid-level sanctuary staff to grow into management and leadership roles. The Workshop features a welcome reception, two days of presentations, a recognition dinner, and a local sanctuary tour to Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, FL on May 8. Special keynote presentation by Patti Ragan, Founder and Director of NAPSA member sanctuary Center for Great Apes!
WHO: NAPSA Workshops are open to the public and focus on primate sanctuary staff and supporters
WHEN: Monday, May 5th through Thursday, May 8th
WHERE: Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina in Stuart, Florida
DETAILS AND TICKETS: Workshop 2025 website and Eventbrite page for registration
For questions please email Andy: .
Congratulations to Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance!
Congratulations to the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA) for achieving their goal of becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization! The alliance consists of 14 member sanctuaries, and 12 partner organizations speaking as one unified voice on wild cat protection issues like the exotic pet trade and big cats exploited in entertainment.
GFAS is proud to serve on the board of directors of this hard-working alliance that features representatives from the top wildlife sanctuaries in the United States. The BCSA board just wrapped up a spring retreat at GFAS Verified, Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary in St. Genevieve, Missouri, where plans are underway for the next conference to be held in October. For more information, please visit: www.bigcatalliance.org
Pro-Tip: Setting Up Accounting Methods – What’s Best for Animal Sanctuaries?
Managing a sanctuary isn’t just about saving and caring for lives, it’s about sustaining them. One of the most important financial decisions sanctuary leaders face is choosing the right accounting method: cash or accrual.
Here’s a quick, practical breakdown from GFAS partner, Non-Profit Books, to help you decide what’s right for your sanctuary:
Cash Accounting: Keep It Simple
What it is: Income and expenses are recorded only when money changes hands.
Pros:
- Easy to manage and understand
- Reflects real-time cash position
- Great for smaller, donation-driven sanctuaries
Cons:
- Doesn’t show upcoming bills or incoming funds
- Can give a distorted picture of long-term financial health
Accrual Accounting: Plan Like a Pro
What it is: Income and expenses are recorded when earned or incurred, not when paid.
Pros:
- Offers a more accurate view of finances
- Crucial for long-term planning and grant compliance
- Tracks restricted funds more effectively
Cons:
- More complex – requires strong bookkeeping
- May not reflect actual cash on hand
So, What’s Best for You?
- Small sanctuary with minimal complexity? → Cash accounting may work just fine.
- Growing sanctuary managing multiple programs, grants, or fundraising campaigns? → Accrual accounting will offer the clarity you need.
- You can switch methods as your organization evolves. Just make sure it’s done with professional guidance from a non-profit accountant to stay compliant.
Choosing the right method isn’t just about bookkeeping—it’s about making informed decisions that support your mission. Strong accounting = strong sanctuary. And your animals deserve nothing less.
Need more help or information? Through an exclusive partnership, GFAS certified sanctuaries and rescue centers can access the services provided by the experts at Non-Profit Books. Depending on the services requested, a discount may be available. For inquiries or questions, email or fill out the contact form at https://non-profitbooks.com/contact.
Certifications and Renewals
Over the past month GFAS has renewed two groups!
Congratulations to these groups!
Renewal
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas
Wildwood Farm Sanctuary & Preserve, Oregon