Phoenix, AZ – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) has been awarded a grant from The Right Horse Initiative to expand the Federation’s Accreditation program for equine rescues and sanctuaries.

Funding will help the GFAS Equine Program to attend and speak at equine events throughout the country to market the benefits of accreditation, highlight the work being done by, and garner support for equine rescue and sanctuary organizations. It is the goal of the GFAS Equine Program to then increase the number of accredited equine organizations over the previous year’s average, maximizing support for the animals whose lives are dependent upon the success of these rescues and sanctuaries. Funding will promote GFAS’s position as an advocate of equine adoption, where appropriate, through the distribution of webinars and educational opportunities, and endorsement of adoption policies and agreements which provide for lifetime humane and responsible care of equines-in-need.

“As more than 80% of GFAS accredited equine rescues and sanctuaries currently perform adoptions, collaborating with The Right Horse Initiative’s priority to massively promote and increase adoption is a vital way for GFAS to support capacity building at these facilities, and to have a greater impact on many more animals cared for over time,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Growing the number of accredited equine groups and providing support for responsible and quality adoption through the GFAS Standards of Excellence furthers our mission to improve the quality of care for animals requiring rescue and sanctuary.”

About The Right Horse

The Right Horse Initiative is a collective of industry professionals and equine welfare advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition through a dialogue of kindness and respect. Through collaboration with over 50 industry and adoption partners, The Right Horse is able to innovate new and better adoption standards and practices. Together, the goal is to shatter the stigma and reframe the conversation around equine adoption in order to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To learn more, visit www.therighthorse.org.

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.