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Wolf Haven's Global Accreditation Journey

  • Emily Evans
  • Jun 19
  • 4 min read

Updated: 14 hours ago

By Amy Pottharst, Communications Intern
Published in Wolf Tracks vol. 42, no. I (read more about this story in The Chronicle)
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At the end of 2024, Wolf Haven became the honored recipient of the Outstanding Wildlife Sanctuary Award from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). Selected from hundreds of animal sanctuaries around the world, we were recognized for consistently meeting & exceeding GFAS standards for animal care. This award has excited and humbled us, affirming our commitment to providing the highest quality of care for the wolves and wolfdogs in our sanctuary. But as many of you know, we didn't get here overnight. Join us as we look back on our journey to accreditation and the people who made this award possible.


GFAS is a nonprofit organization based in Arizona that operates worldwide to set the standard for animal care in sanctuaries, rescue centers, and rehabilitation facilities - offering the only global animal sanctuary accreditation program to support these organizations in their work. The animal care industry is often poorly regulated, which is why GFAS is instrumental in ensuring that animals in vulnerable situations receive the highest quality care possible.



First accredited in 2015, Wolf Haven remains the only wolf sanctuary in the world to have achieved an official GFAS designation. Our path to accreditation began two years earlier, spearheaded by former Wolf Haven Executive Director Diane Gallegos and former Board President John Sleeter. The process involved a rigorous evaluation to demonstrate that Wolf Haven met GFAS eligibility requirements, and GFAS staff conducted a critical assessment of our programs to ensure they aligned with our values as a sanctuary and our goals as an organization. Many of our operational systems were upgraded from 2013 to 2015 – we implemented a visit reservation system, decreased the number of visitors in the sanctuary, and reduced the number of days the sanctuary was open – all to lessen potential sources of stress for the wolves.


These changes generated hesitance from some staff and donors, but by pursuing GFAS accreditation and raising our standards of care, we knew we were doing right by the animals and the community that supports us. In the end, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, the transition went smoother than anticipated. We now reevaluate our programs with GFAS every three years in order to renew our accreditation and keep up with evolving animal care best practices.


Female gray wolf, Lonnie, at Wolf Haven
Female gray wolf, Lonnie, at Wolf Haven

Diane Gallegos recalls that the staff at GFAS were thrilled to work with Wolf Haven during the accreditation process and “could not have been better partners.” Over the course of their onsite visits and ongoing communications, GFAS staff learned a lot about wolves, and Wolf Haven staff gained knowledge about how to further elevate the standards of care inside the sanctuary. This exchange of insight and information was a rewarding experience for all involved, and the success in becoming accredited was something that brought Gallegos the greatest joy in her time at Wolf Haven.


GFAS accreditation allows Wolf Haven to align with an organization that shares similar values and holds us to the highest standards while putting the animals’ best interests first. We continually reassess our priorities and evaluate how we serve the animals under our care. Beyond just meeting the wolves’ physical needs, we strive to provide them with companionship and enrichment, allowing them to flourish as much as possible in their captive environment. By earning and maintaining GFAS accreditation, Wolf Haven is making a public and formal commitment to use and apply the world’s highest criteria of care - whether it's animal housing, well-being, and handling; financial records and stability; education and outreach; or veterinary care. It’s a pledge to always improve and refine our existing practices, and as board member John Sleeter notes, “it means that we are acting as a major global leader in the provision of wolf care.” The 2024 Outstanding Sanctuary Award from GFAS honors this philosophy and our guiding principles.



This award, and Wolf Haven’s regularly renewed GFAS accreditation, is a testament to the hard work of so many people. The vision and determination of Diane Gallegos and John Sleeter, as well as the entire Wolf Haven Board of Directors, who enabled us to reach GFAS accreditation in the first place. Our amazing animal care team – Judah, Dan, Gelane, Ursula, Pamela, and Wendy – as well as our committed animal care volunteer, Beth, and our partners at Evergreen Veterinary Hospital who, rain or shine, are there every step of the way for the incredible animals under our care. Wolf Haven’s dedicated supporters, donors, and volunteers, who have been essential to everything we have accomplished since 1982. None of our work would be possible without all of this support and we hope you know that we share this award with each and every one of you.


Kristin Leppert, the Wildlife Program Director at GFAS, put it beautifully: “It takes heart and skill to consistently chip away at society’s long history of vilifying wolves and speak to the beautiful truth of who they are. This is who Wolf Haven is and the work they love to do and do so well.” We consider GFAS accreditation and this recent award to represent both a constant challenge and an important source of inspiration as we continue to do this essential work and strive to consistently reach and exceed animal sanctuary standards.

 
 
 

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3111 Offut Lake Road SE

Tenino, WA 98589

info@wolfhaven.org

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2024 GFAS Outstanding Sanctuary Award

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