Central Virginia Horse Rescue in Fredericksburg is Now Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

January 10, 2023 (Fredericksburg, VA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Central Virginia Horse Rescue as of December 20, 2022.

Central Virginia Horse Rescue first achieved GFAS Verification in September of 2022, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Central Virginia Horse Rescue has now achieved Accredited status. Accreditation signifies that CVHR meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Central Virginia Horse Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Central Virginia Horse Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The determination with which this organization worked to achieve Accreditation is commendable. Despite a pandemic, the volunteer base of this organization remains dedicated and committed to helping at risk equines. Also, their educational programs such as the Barn Kids Club, promotes responsible horsemanship for potential future horse owners and supporters.”

“When CVHR moved to Fredericksburg from our previous long-time home of Brodnax, VA, we knew that achieving and maintaining GFAS Accreditation status was an important goal for our organization,” explained Lauren Dwyer, Board Member for Central Virginia Horse Rescue.” We believe strongly in the critical mission of GFAS and the standards it upholds. CVHR has worked hard over the past year to continue to evolve our policies and procedures while also ensuring that we deliver optimal care for every animal that arrives at our farm, and we hope that these improvements will help us to make an even greater impact in our community.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

 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.

About Central Virginia Horse Rescue
Central Virginia Horse Rescue, Inc (CVHR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the compassionate care of equines.  Our mission is to save, protect, and rehabilitate equines in need.  We rescue unwanted, abused, neglected, or abandoned equines; provide them with care and rehabilitation; and finally find them a compatible, loving home.  We believe that education is the long-term solution to improving the lives of equines.

For more information, visit Central Virginia Horse Rescue – A 501c3 Non Profit Horse Rescue serving Virginia and surrounding states. (centralvahorserescue.org)

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