Our Story
February Star Sanctuary (FSS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, family-run animal sanctuary located in Frederick County, Maryland. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and provide refuge for horses and cats in need.
But, February Star Sanctuary is more than a rescue organization.
It is our home.
It is a place of healing.
It is a magical place filled with new beginnings and second chances.
We believe rescue isn't just a verb, it's a promise.
Every horse and cat that arrives at February Star Sanctuary carries a story. Some come from neglect. Some from abandonment. Some from racing careers that have ended. Some from the streets. And, many come from loving owners who simply want to ensure their horse or cat has the best possible future. We accomplish our mission through equine and feline adoptions, fostering and refuge, TNR services, caring for cats of the homeless and community outreach.
A Nationally Recognized Standard of Care
February Star Sanctuary is 1 of only 3 ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners in the state of Maryland and 1 of only 44 in the entire U.S. We are also 1 of only 49 organizations accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, of which we were 1 of 9 newly accredited in 2025.
Only 83 sanctuaries in the world are verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and we are 1 of them. We’re also 1 of 128 horse rescues to receive Equus Guardian status.
Additionally, February Star Sanctuary is among the top 0.1% of U.S. charities to earn the GuideStar/Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, demonstrating the highest standards of financial accountability, governance and measurable impact.
Why We Do What We Do
February Star Sanctuary strives to improve the overall health and quality of life for horses and cats by combatting animal abandonment and abuse, cat overpopulation and high numbers of shelter animal intake and euthanasia.
Each year, in the United States:
Over 200,000 horses are considered “unwanted.”
Thousands of horses face neglect, abandonment, or slaughter.
Approximately 3.4 million cats enter shelters.
Nearly 40% of abandoned cats are euthanized.
These are not just statistics to us.
They are the reason our gates open every morning.
We work to combat:
Equine
neglect &
abandonment
Irresponsible transitions for Off-Track Thoroughbreds
Cat overpopulation
High shelter intake and euthanasia rates
Lack of safe options for families in crisis
We believe every animal deserves dignity, protection, and a future.
Report A Lost Pet
If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you don’t have to search alone. Report your missing pet through Petco Love Lost, a free, nationwide database that uses photo-matching technology to help reunite pets with their families. By creating a report and uploading a photo, you increase the chances of being matched with a found pet in your area. Start your search today and bring your best friend home.
