TAOS - The Association of Sanctuaries - We accredit superior animal sanctuaries for wild animals, farmed animals, and companion animals and assist animal sanctuaries in providing quality rescue and care for displaced animals who live in an animal sanctuary.

About Us

What is The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS)?

TAOS was founded in 1992 as a not-for-profit organization to assist sanctuaries in providing quality rescue and care for displaced animals. We accredit superior sanctuaries for wild, farmed, and companion animals. We work to improve the quality of life of sanctuary animals and to be a voice for change in the attitudes that lead to the need for sanctuaries.

TAOS Mission Statement

TAOS works to improve the quality of life for animals by:

•	Establishing standards for animal care and organizational excellence and accrediting those facilities that qualify.
•	Providing support and consultation to member sanctuaries, advice to those considering applying for accreditation, and guidance to individuals who wish to start sanctuaries.
•	Facilitating the rescue of wild, exotic, farmed, and companion animals and their transfer to reputable facilities.
•	Educating the public about the causes and conditions of displaced animals, encouraging more respectful relations between humans and other animals, and advocating for regulatory and policy changes that will better protect them.

What is a sanctuary?

An animal sanctuary is a place of refuge where injured, abused, or displaced animals are provided with appropriate lifetime care or, when possible, rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Farmed and companion animals can be adopted to carefully screened homes. Sanctuaries exist in recognition that all lives have value and that we have an obligation to attempt to right the wrongs that some humans have done to animals.

Where do animals needing sanctuary come from?

Many are bred and kept by dealers in the wild and exotic animal trade. Others are considered surplus by zoos and research institutions. Domestic animals in sanctuaries had been intended for slaughter. Companion animals were abandoned or homeless. The attempt to make "pets" of wild animals who cannot adapt adequately to such conditions leaves many needing sanctuary. The common denominator is that animals have been displaced from natural or appropriate conditions and cannot return. Sanctuaries provide a substitute for the niche they would have occupied in nature or elsewhere. The alternative for most would be the misery of inadequate or abusive conditions and the inability to lead anything like a satisfactory life for creatures of their kind.

What are TAOS' core expectations and values for sanctuaries?

•	Animals in Accredited or Approved facilities are not allowed to breed. All animals share a need and a right to live natural lives and to allow them to be born without the opportunity to live that kind of life insults their dignity and contradicts the message of respect for life that TAOS is committed to. (The only exception to this would be an animal whose species was in danger of extinction and where a scientifically-based breeding plan coupled with credible plans for reintroduction of the offspring to native habitats was in place.)
•	Animals will not be used for purposes that are essentially commercial, such as for entertainment, amusement, or recreational exhibition.
•	Accredited and Approved facilities accept lifetime responsibility for animals placed with them except in emergency situations that include a plan for transfer to another reputable facility that will provide such care.
•	Member facilities will adhere to the TAOS Code of Ethics.

How does TAOS operate?

TAOS has a very small staff and large number of volunteers. Our governing Board of Directors and Advisory Board are composed of leaders in animal protection from around the country as well as others with strong interest in our work. In addition to board service, volunteers assist with site visits to sanctuaries seeking Accredited Sanctuary Membership and in finding placements for displaced animals, preparation of animal care protocols, and education and advocacy activities. TAOS is funded by donations, grants, and member support.

Who can join?

Supporting Members

Any individual or organization who shares our values and goals is welcome to become a Supporting Member. All Supporters receive our newsletter, TAOS Horizons, and occasional updates on important animal-related issues and know they are helping sanctuaries help victimized animals.

Accredited Sanctuary Members

Any qualified sanctuary may apply to become an Accredited Sanctuary Member, which means that they represent the highest standards in animal rescue and care.

TAOS is a Member of

The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS)

P.O. Box 925, Stillwater, MN 55082

Phone: 763-772-3087 • Fax: 651-275-0457

E-mail: info@taosanctuaries.org • Web Site: http://www.taosanctuaries.org