Horse Rescue Standards

Promoting Professionalism in the Equine Rescue Community

The Homes for Horses Coalition is dedicated to advancing the highest operating standards for equine rescue and retirement facilities. Not only does this mean providing quality animal care but it also covers sound financial and management practices. While a good operation needn’t be fancy, caring for horses can be an expensive endeavor and it is without a doubt a time-consuming, long-term commitment not to be entered into lightly.

We are interested in helping pre-existing equine rescue facilities operate to the highest standard by offering resources, expertise and training in all aspects of horse rescue. The information and services we provide will also be useful to anyone seriously contemplating the launch of an equine rescue venture.

"Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility"

The Animal Welfare Institute and The Humane Society of the United States have partnered to publish a resource titled "Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility." The guidelines offer practical advice for anyone operating, or interested in starting up, an equine rescue or retirement facility. Developed on the premise that high quality equine management need not be restrictively expensive, the guidelines are a valuable management resource for those involved in equine rescue and rehabilitation. By making every effort to adhere to these standards, facilities can enrich their day-to-day operations while demonstrating to the public that the equine rescue community takes very seriously its responsibility to provide quality care to its animals.

Click here to download a PDF of the guidelines.

Click here to download a PDF of the corresponding compliance checklist.

Register for Voluntary Compliance with the AWI/HSUS Guidelines

The Homes for Horses Coalition is actively promoting use of the "Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility" by the equine rescue community. If you operate an equine rescue organization in compliance with these guidelines please consider registering for voluntary compliance by clicking here. Not only will you be added to a list of organizations shown at the bottom of this page, but you will be put on our list to receive future communications relevant to the professional equine rescue community including notices about training sessions, the availability of additional resources, the development of a comprehensive accreditation program and more.

Supporting the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Recognizing that a key element of any good set of standards is compliance and enforcement, The Homes for Horses Coalition is actively supporting and promoting the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) was formed in 2007 by nationally and globally recognized leaders in the animal protection field for the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries and rescue facilities in the United States and abroad.

With the establishment of clear, specific guidelines on the humane care of various species including equine and the provision of an objective and realistic accreditation process for the field on an international level, GFAS brings new opportunities for global cooperation and mentoring. GFAS aims to aid sanctuaries and rescues in striving for continuous improvement, in attracting more support from funders, and in providing the best care possible for rescued animals.

The AWI/HSUS "Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility" have been used to shape the GFAS equine standards. As GFAS begins to roll out its program, The Homes for Horses Coalition will work with its members to encourage and assist them in attaining GFAS accreditation.

Rescues Currently in Voluntary Compliance with AWI/HSUS Standards

The following organizations have signed a statement that they are in voluntary compliance with the AWI/HSUS "Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility." While we make every effort to ensure that the organizations are in good standing, their listing here is not a legal guarantee of compliance with said standards or an endorsement by the Animal Welfare Institute or The Humane Society of the United States. Individuals wishing to make donations or otherwise interface with the organizations listed here should be aware of this and make additional enquiries about the facility’s operations if necessary.

The Homes for Horses Coalition believes that registration with the I.R.S. as a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 organization brings an added level of credibility and transparency to equine rescue facilities. As such, this list shows whether or not an organization has received such status from the I.R.S. Non-US based organizations are not eligible for 501(c)3 status but are encouraged to file for the equivalent in their respective countries.