As part of the GFAS Accreditation and Verification process, we require sanctuaries to submit a variety of supportive documents that help us assess their care, operations, and governance practices. Once you are working on your GFAS application, you will have access to samples and templates of many of these documents. You can also download a list of Application Documents.
| Application Documents | Required for Accreditation | Required for Verification | ||
| SECTION 1: ANIMAL CARE & HOUSING | ||||
| Labeled map of layout of all relevant facility(ies) |  |
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| Written preventative medicine program | |
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| SECTION 2: STAFFING | ||||
| Employee Manual (if applicable) | |
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| Volunteer/Intern Manual (if applicable) | |
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| Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manuals | |
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| SECTION 3: SAFETY & SECURITY | ||||
| Disaster preparedness/emergency plan | |
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| Firearm policies (if applicable) | |
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| Escaped animal protocol | |
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| First aid plan | |
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| Species-specific protocols (e.g. Herpes B, rabies protocols) (if applicable) | |
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| SECTION 4: GOVERNANCE & FINANCE | ||||
| GOVERNING AUTHORITY | ||||
| Proof of non-profit status | |
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| Proof of ownership or copy of leasing agreement | |
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| Lease Contingency plan, if property is not owned by sanctuary or its governing organization | |
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| Anti-discrimination policy | |
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| List of Board of Directors | |
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| Job descriptions for key personnel (e.g. sanctuary manager, executive director, animal care manager) | |
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| Succession plan | |
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| By-Laws and amendments | |
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| Sample of Board meeting dates for the previous or current year (Standard G-6) | |
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| One set of Board minutes | |
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| Copy of grievance procedure | |
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| Copy of conflict of interest policy | |
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| Code of Conduct/Ethics | |
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| ORGANIZATION & MANAGEMENT | ||||
| Copy of current licenses and permits, if required by law | |
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| Strategic plan 3 years | |
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| FINANCIAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT | ||||
| Most recent tax/financial document filed to maintain non-profit status. | |
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| The current year annual operating budget indicating which operating expenses are essential to the proper care and welfare of the animals. | |
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| Proof of checking account (such as voided check) (Standard F-4) | |
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| Repayment schedules for any personal loans to the rescue/sanctuary | |
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| Description of emergency financial reserves, financial stability and challenges | |
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| Declarations Page from Liability Insurance | |
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| Proof of financial of reserve | |
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| Long term financial projections | |
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| Declarations Page from D & O Insurance | |
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| Most recent Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, and Statement of Cash Flows | |
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| SECTION 5: POLICIES | ||||
| Euthanasia policy | |
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| Adoption policies/requirements | |
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| Adoption application (if applicable) | |
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| Adoption contract (if applicable) | |
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| Foster policies (if applicable) | |
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| Foster home application (if applicable) | |
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| Foster home contract (if applicable) | |
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| Acquisition and disposition policy | |
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| Education and outreach policy (if applicable) | |
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