Inside the Global Standard for Animal Sanctuaries

Not All Sanctuaries Are What They Seem

Anyone can call themselves a sanctuary. That is the uncomfortable truth.

There are no universal regulations. No required standards. No guarantee that animals labeled “rescued” are actually living in safe, ethical conditions.

That is exactly where this conversation begins.

In this episode, Cheryl Moss sits down with Jessica Harris, Farmed Animals Program Director at the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). GFAS is the only internationally recognized organization dedicated solely to accrediting and strengthening animal sanctuaries.

What unfolds is a behind-the-scenes look at what real sanctuary work requires and why it matters more than ever.

The Work Behind the Word “Sanctuary”

Most people assume a sanctuary is automatically a safe haven.

Jessica explains why that assumption can be misleading.

Without oversight, facilities that breed, sell, or exploit animals can still use the word sanctuary. GFAS exists to create a clear distinction between true refuge and harmful imitation.

Accredited sanctuaries must meet rigorous standards that cover everything from animal care to governance, finances, and long-term sustainability.

This is not about appearance. It is about accountability.

A Life That Led to This Work

Jessica’s path began with a deep love for animals and a moment that changed her perspective.

As a teenager volunteering at a county shelter, she witnessed the reality facing neglected and homeless animals. That experience stayed with her.

She went on to spend more than 12 years as a veterinary technician before moving into farmed animal sanctuary work. When the opportunity at GFAS appeared, it aligned with both her experience and her purpose.

This is not simply a career. It is a commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Why Standards Matter More Than Ever

The GFAS accreditation process is not quick or easy.

Sanctuaries must demonstrate that they are not breeding, buying, or selling animals. They must show ethical care practices, responsible education programs, and thoughtful long-term planning.

There is extensive documentation, followed by an in-person site visit.

What makes this process powerful is that it does not simply pass or fail.

Sanctuaries are given feedback. They are guided through improvements. They are supported in becoming stronger and more sustainable.

Because the goal is to protect animals for life.

From Statistics to Connection

Data alone does not change hearts.

You can talk about billions of animals. You can share statistics. But most people do not feel a connection to numbers.

Meeting one animal changes everything.

A pig with a personality. A sheep who seeks affection. A chicken who shows trust.

Sanctuaries create that connection.

They give people the opportunity to see animals as individuals. That shift is often where real change begins.

The Emotional Reality of Sanctuary Work

Sanctuary work is physically demanding, but the emotional toll is just as significant.

Every intake request that cannot be accepted. Every loss. Every day that begins again with responsibility for lives that depend on you.

Jessica shares that many sanctuary operators live in a constant cycle of grief and resilience.

And still, they continue.

Because the work matters.

Why Sanctuaries Are Essential to the Movement

There is ongoing discussion within the animal advocacy world about where to focus energy.

Policy change matters. Institutional change matters. Systems change matters.

But sanctuaries play a unique role.

They show what a different relationship with animals can look like in real life.

They are not theoretical. They are living examples of compassion in action.

And that makes them essential.

How You Can Make a Real Difference

Support does not have to look one specific way.

Recurring donations provide stability and predictability for sanctuaries.

Volunteering can go far beyond physical labor. Skills like writing, technology, organization, and outreach are all needed.

Sharing their work helps expand their reach.

Even visiting a sanctuary and forming a connection can have a lasting impact.

Every action contributes to something larger.

A Model for a More Compassionate Future

If we are asking the world to treat animals with respect, we have to model that behavior.

Sanctuaries do exactly that.

They are places of accountability, healing, and possibility.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction

[01:30] GFAS overview

[03:00] An animal lover since childhood

[07:15] Number of GFAS accredited sanctuaries is small but growing

[11:15] The process for accreditation helps clarify systems

[15:15] Fees for accreditation is offset with fundraising

[18:00] What our relationship with animals could look like through awareness

[22:30] The difference between a petting zoo and a sanctuary

[24:30] Sanctuary workers work extremely hard, often with very little funding

[28:00] We need systems change and social movement

[30:15] Whatever your skill, sanctuaries need help

About Jessica Harris – Program Director – Farmed Animals

Jessica Harris joined GFAS in 2021 after working in multiple capacities with the Farm and Equine programs since 2019. She is a lifelong animal advocate with over 15 years of experience in the animal welfare and veterinary fields.

Her first shelter experience was at a municipal shelter in the Southeast United States: it forever solidified her dedication to homeless animals and improving their lives. Since then, she has worked in a variety of roles with both municipal and private shelters, including managing a cat shelter in the Greater Boston area, with a particular interest in shelter medicine and effective shelter models. Jess furthered her impact on animals as a veterinary technician for over 12 years in general, specialty, and shelter practices.

Pivoting to the issues facing farmed animals, she spent several years doing grassroots and statewide advocacy with both HSUS and The Humane League. However, her connection to the animals led her to extern and volunteer with both Farm Sanctuary, NY and Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, NC and instilled a deep appreciation for these unique spaces for mutual healing, support, and learning.

Jess holds a BA from North Carolina State University and a MS in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

https://sanctuaryfederation.org/

About Cheryl Moss

Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. She is also the founder of the Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries summit designed to empower those involved with sanctuaries sustainable funding streams.

A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.

Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.

When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.

https://www.facebook.com/BLFAnimals/