Knowledge becomes most powerful when people know where to turn, what questions to ask, and how to act on what they discover. This resource center brings together trusted organizations, government agencies, reporting tools, inspection records, and other sources that can help the public better understand the systems responsible for protecting captive and wild animals. Whether you are researching an animal facility, learning about sanctuary standards, reporting suspected wildlife crime or animal-welfare concerns, or simply looking for reliable information, these resources provide a starting point for becoming more informed, engaged, and effective. Transparency strengthens accountability—and informed citizens can help make both possible.
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the only globally recognized accrediting body for animal sanctuaries, rescue centers, and rehabilitation facilities.
The Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA) is a professional coalition of legitimate animal sanctuaries and partner organizations dedicated to eliminating the private ownership and commercial exploitation of wild cats in the United States. Founded in 2017, the alliance coordinates emergency rescues, shares animal welfare best practices, and acts as a unified voice for captive exotic felines
The USDA Animal Care Public Search Tool may be used by the public to query information pertaining to facilities, inspections, and annual reports. The refined Public Search Tool provides access to Animal Welfare Act (AWA) compliance records, allowing APHIS to make animal welfare information publicly available and ensure compliance with all applicable laws.**
The Born Free USA Incidents Databases track and catalogue dangerous encounters, escapes, and welfare issues involving animals across the United States. The organization maintains two primary trackers designed to inform the public and assist lawmakers in creating stricter animal protection regulations.
You can submit tips regarding animal crimes and federal welfare violations through the USDA Office of Inspector General's Hotline at 1-800-424-9121 or file an online complaint directly through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
You can report a wildlife crime to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) by calling their toll-free TIPs line at 1-844-397-8477 (1-844-FWS-TIPS) or by emailing FWS_TIPS@FWS.GOV. You can also submit details through the online federal reporting system.
Podcasts & Articles
The George Washington University Law School
"Artificial Intelligence, Animals, and the Law"
This conference explored how artificial intelligence intersects with animal law. Artificial intelligence and technologies that can be paired with AI may be the key to addressing previously unsolvable problems that impact humans, animals & our shared environment. Attorneys and experts discussed these intersections to provide key learnings and provoke meaningful discussions.
American Bar Association’s International Animal Law Committee virtual “lunch and learn”.
My presentation included topics such as the different levels of accreditations within the zoological world, to include AZA, ZAA, as well as GFAS accredited sanctuaries.
From Aerospace to Animal Advocate
Interview with Erik Crown, Producer/Director of the the documentary film “Harambe”:
Endangered Species: How Safe is Lowry Park Zoo (Zoo Tampa)
