Sanctuary Care

Objective: Lifetime welfare provision for non-adoptable animals.

• Sanctuaries MUST comply with DAWN’s Five Freedoms-based standards.
• Regular veterinary and behavioral evaluations are REQUIRED.
• Recordkeeping and oversight MUST be continuous and transparent.

Shelter Operations

Objective: Provide transitional care aligned with rescue protocols.

• Intake procedures MUST include:
  • Identification scans
  • Health and behavioral assessment
  • Quarantine as needed
• Facilities MUST maintain capacity limits aligned with staff and resources.

Minimum Standards of Animal Care

Foundational Standards: Based on the Five Freedoms

• Adequate, clean water and species-appropriate nutrition
• Clean, safe, and temperature-regulated housing
• Prompt veterinary care, pain management, and parasite control
• Enrichment, exercise, and social interaction
• Low-stress handling and behavioral support

Applies across:

• Companion Animals
• Wildlife and Indigenous Species
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Small Mammals
• Farm Animals
• Equines

Medium to long-term kennelling of animals

• Enclosure Standards: All enclosures must allow animals to move freely, rest comfortably, and express natural behaviours meeting or exceeding the "Five Freedoms" standard.
• Sanitation: Daily cleaning and disinfection of kennels must be performed to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Environmental Enrichment: Long-term residents must be provided with toys, social interactions, and opportunities for exercise to prevent boredom and stress.
• Health Management: Regular health checks and vaccination schedules must be maintained. Quarantine areas should be available for newly rescued or sick animals.

Minimum Standards of Animal Care

Members must adhere to the minimum standards of animal care as outlined by DAWN, which include providing adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

• The Five Freedoms:
  • Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: By providing sufficient, nutritious food and fresh water.
  • Freedom from Discomfort: Through appropriate shelter and a comfortable resting area.
  • Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease: Via timely veterinary care and preventive measures like vaccinations and sterilization.
  • Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour: By allowing space, companionship, and environmental enrichment.
  • Freedom from Fear and Distress: Through handling methods that avoid stress and ensure psychological well-being​
• Preventive Care:
  • All animals must be checked by a veterinarian upon rescue and at regular intervals thereafter
  • Routine vaccinations, parasite control, and sterilization are mandatory for all animals.
  • Microchipping and proper identification tags should be implemented upon intake, where age appropriate.
• Daily Care:
  • Clean water and food must be replenished regularly.
  • Proper grooming and hygiene practices should be followed, including nail trimming and coat care.