Source: 24-7 Press Release
Solid Rock Community School in Tarpon Springs, Florida, has become the first school worldwide to operate an animal sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). Sanctuary at Solid Rock provides lifelong, individualized care for rescued animals while supporting the private K-12 school’s focus on compassionate humane education. GFAS accreditation evaluates areas including animal welfare, Veterinary practices, safety, staffing, governance, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. Students learn about animal behavior, species-appropriate care, conservation, responsible stewardship, and ethical treatment while respecting the welfare and autonomy of sanctuary animals.
High school students interested in animal-related careers can participate in S.A.V.E., the school’s multi-year Veterinary and Humane Education Program. The program covers Veterinary assisting, Veterinary medicine, animal welfare, rescue and rehabilitation, wildlife conservation, and other subjects while offering supervised practical learning opportunities. School founder Michele Fasnacht said the accreditation demonstrates that compassion requires knowledge, responsibility, consistency, teamwork, and lifelong commitment to animals.