My Nonprofit Reviews

Can never express enough gratitude for AAVS and Sue Leary for suing the USDA to get basic protections for birds. You fought the battle for decades and won! And now you are fighting to make sure promises made are promises kept by the USDA and working to ensure that standards for birds are all that they should be. Thank you for taking on this critical issue ignored by the rest of the humane community.

CCR combines passion with know how, zeal with tested experience, and is highly deserving of support. No funds are wasted by this nonprofit, and dollars are stretched for the benefit and health and well-being of the dogs, and the occasional other species in need. It is the small rescues/sanctuaries which are well run, as this one is, that make a heroic difference for animals in need, though the large organizations play a vital role as well. What matters is how wisely donations are used and the expertise and knowledge of all involved. No hesitation in recommending Cochise Canine Rescue to potential donors.

I am the director of Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

When the GFAS learned that all the animals of Montana Large Animal Sanctuary and Rescue needed to be placed, due to the failure of the sanctuary, GFAS was happy to step into a leadership role and create teams to place the animals. But after the first people were on site to help, it soon became apparent that we were dealing with a cruelty situation and that the caretakers would need to leave.

Thank goodness for Animeals. Karyn Moltzen saw a need and filled it. She literally moved into the sanctuary, sacrificing (as it turns out) her Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years. I don't know what we would have done with Karyn and her staff from Animeals. They were there 24/7 caring for the animals in horrendous conditions, and the state of the animals I'm sure will haunt Karyn's dreams for a long time. What she and her team did is very difficult physically and emotionally.

Many nonprofits came together and thanks in large part to Karyn, all the animals were out of the sanctuary into foster or permanent care in just about a month. It was the largest sanctuary evacuation in the history of the US and Animeals was the shining star.

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I'm director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Matt Smith, the founder and Executive Director of Project Perry, the Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary, is one of the outstanding leaders in the sanctuary field. As a colleague noted, "One of the ways that Matt is exceptional is that he recognizes the big picture beyond the walls of his facility and he’s committed to being proactive in stopping birds from entering the pet trade and unprepared homes. He has investigated bird mills and has contacted large, national groups, like HSUS, in an effort to get them more involved in parrot issues."

Parrots: In terms of sheer numbers, their intelligence, their rich emotional lives, and their longevity, they are the most serious captive wildlife problem in the US. Most are kept in isolation, despite the fact that they are flock animals with rich social lives and strong bonds and almost never alone or outside calling range of another flock member, and most are deprived of their most basic mode of locomotion: flight. Kept in cages far too small with very little enrichment.

Matt is actively engaged in changing this. His sanctuary features spacious and interesting aviaries, where captive birds can full express their natural behavior while living with others of their own kind. Anyone who has seen a parrot in one of these aviaries instantly understands how needlessly cruel the traditional bird cage is.

Add to this the fact that Matt is a true executive director, with expertise in nonprofit management and an eager willingness to learn more every day.

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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 in the United States and abroad. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders representing top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Anti-Vivisection Society, and International Fund for Animal Welfare, now joined by National Anti-Vivisection Society. These founding leaders sit on the GFAS Board of Directors to continue guiding the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. I serve as executive director.

One of the main focuses of GFAS is accrediting animal sanctuaries/rescues. To become accredited, each organization has to meet operational standards covering governing authority, finance, guidelines, education and outreach, staffing, physical facilities, security/safety, and the veterinary medical program. In addition, the sanctuary/rescue must meet rigorous standards regarding animal care, confirmed in a site visit. It is a demanding process, but in the end, it is a highly meaningful stamp of approval to guide donors and those with animals in need.

Equine Voices Rescue and Sanctuary was one of the first equine sanctuaries to become accredited. We set the bar high, and our expectations were met and exceeded! I am extremely proud to state that Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary is fully accredited by GFAS and one our shining stars.

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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 in the United States and abroad. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders representing top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Anti-Vivisection Society, and International Fund for Animal Welfare, now joined by National Anti-Vivisection Society. These founding leaders sit on the GFAS Board of Directors to continue guiding the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. I serve as executive director.

One of the main focuses of GFAS is accrediting animal sanctuaries/rescues. To become accredited, each organization has to meet operational standards covering governing authority, finance, guidelines, education and outreach, staffing, physical facilities, security/safety, and the veterinary medical program. In addition, the sanctuary/rescue must meet rigorous standards regarding animal care, confirmed in a site visit. It is a demanding process, but in the end, it is a highly meaningful stamp of approval to guide donors and those with animals in need.

Angel Acres was one of the first equine sanctuaries to become accredited. We set the bar high, and our expectations were met and exceeded! I am extremely proud to state that Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue is fully accredited by GFAS and one our shining stars.

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