Animal sanctuaries are often born from the most beautiful intentions. The desire to rescue, heal, and give animals a second chance runs deep. But after interviewing many sanctuary founders on the Better Life for Animals Podcast, one thing becomes abundantly clear; running a sanctuary is much more complex than most people realize.
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During a recent reunion of graduates from Victoria Moran’s Main Street Vegan Academy, Victoria expressed her concern about the growing number of sanctuaries opening on a shoestring budget. Her words resonated with me. I have spoken with countless founders who face daily struggles just trying to keep their sanctuaries afloat. The number one issue they mention, again and again, is the challenge of raising funds.
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The Emotional Pull and the Practical Realities
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Anyone who knows Victoria Moran, knows she is a devoted advocate for animal sanctuaries. They hold a sacred place in her heart. But she also understands that love
alone cannot sustain operations.
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In a 2012 interview on the Responsible Eating and Living Podcast, Victoria shared a deeply emotional moment from a visit to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. At the time, she and her husband William were navigating profound grief. During their visit, a steer who had typically kept his distance slowly walked over to William and rested his head on his shoulder. He stood there quietly, almost as if he knew.
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“This steer … put his head on William’s shoulder and just leaned it there … as if to say, ‘I know you’re suffering … and I’m going to stand here until you feel better,’” she recalled.
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Victoria described this as one of the most remarkable experiences of her life. It is a powerful reminder of the emotional connections that sanctuaries make possible. But it is also a reminder that compassion must be supported by structure, funding, and foresight.
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Source: Responsible Eating and Living Podcast, June 13, 2012
https://responsibleeatingandliving.com/favorites/victoria-moran-interview-6132012/
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Common Challenges Sanctuaries Face
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Whether brand new or well-established, sanctuaries of all sizes face a unique set of ongoing challenges. The longer a sanctuary operates, the more likely it is to encounter complex situations that require time, funding, resilience, and strong support systems.
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Funding shortfalls
Ongoing funding is one of the biggest and most persistent obstacles. Feeding animals, veterinary care, fencing, shelter, staffing, and facility maintenance all require 
continuous resources. Many sanctuaries operate with limited budgets and few fundraising systems in place.
Extreme weather events
With shifting climate patterns, sanctuaries are increasingly vulnerable to wildfires, floods, snowstorms, and extreme heat. Without proper planning and infrastructure, these events can put both animals and caretakers at serious risk.
Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Even the most passionate founders and staff can reach a breaking point. The physical labor, emotional strain of rescue work, and financial pressure create conditions ripe for burnout, especially for those operating with limited help.
Legal and zoning issues
Zoning laws, insurance requirements, land use regulations, and compliance issues can affect both new and long-standing sanctuaries. These hurdles often come with little warning and can require significant legal or financial resources to resolve.
Lack of long-term sustainability
Sustainability planning is a must, yet many sanctuaries struggle to set up emergency reserves, build leadership teams, or develop board governance. Without long-term planning, even established sanctuaries can become vulnerable over time.
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A Smarter Way to Make an Impact
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One recommendation I often share is this. Before starting a sanctuary, consider helping one that already exists. If you have an affinity for a particular sanctuary, support
it. Help them fundraise. Share their content. Donate when you can. Your impact may be far greater this way.
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I understand the pride that comes from directly helping animals. But direct help comes in many forms. Volunteering. Providing marketing support. Hosting fundraisers. Running social media. Donating toward vet bills. Featuring founders on podcasts. All of these are meaningful contributions.
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If you are still feeling the pull to start a sanctuary, begin by volunteering at one. See the day-to-day. Ask questions. Learn what happens when a cow falls ill or when a frightened horse injures itself during a thunderstorm. Talk to people who have had to rebuild after a storm. The unknowns are many. And without funding, they become even harder to manage.
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Why GFAS Accreditation Matters
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If you are serious about starting or sustaining a sanctuary, I highly recommend learning about the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
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Website: www.sanctuaryfederation.org
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GFAS is the gold standard for animal sanctuary accreditation. Their program ensures that sanctuaries meet rigorous requirements for humane care, ethical operations, and organizational integrity.
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Key GFAS standards include:
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- On-site evaluations
- Species-specific care guidelines
- Strict policies against breeding, animal sales, and petting zoos
- Focus on veterinary care, enrichment, and safety
- Emergency preparedness and disaster planning
- Nonprofit governance and financial transparency
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Benefits of accreditation include:
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- Greater donor confidence
- Eligibility for grant funding
- Peer networking and shared resources
- Public listing in the GFAS directory
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Animals Deserve Love and Security
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There is no question that sanctuaries are places of compassion and hope. But animals deserve more than love. They deserve lasting security, proper care, and a team that can be there for the long haul.
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Victoria Moran has voiced concern that perhaps we need to slow down and rethink how new sanctuaries are formed. While she has not officially called for a moratorium, the message is clear. We need sanctuaries that are sustainable. We need sanctuary founders who are supported, informed, and financially prepared.
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If you are feeling called to help animals, know that your heart is in the right place. The next step is to make sure your plan is too.
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Be sure to check out the Better Life for Animals Podcast to hear from men and women involved in day to day operations of animal sanctuaries. Their stories will amaze you. https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/
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About Cheryl Moss
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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. 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.
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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.
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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.
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https://www.facebook.com/BLFAnimals/
https://x.com/betterlife4anim
https://www.instagram.com/betterlife4animals/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylmossabetterlifeforanimals/
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