Sanctuary is a term with implicit meaning associated with refuge and safety. In the animal husbandry setting, we have used this term to describe many different types of enclosures, with very little standardization of what this term should mean in terms of physical space, much less welfare in a broad sense. Here, I consider how extreme space, the deemphasis of the human–cetacean relationship, breeding restrictions, donation-based funding models, and current practices in public messaging create potential challenges for cetacean sanctuaries moving forward. I then offer experimental approaches to assessing the potential effectiveness of cetacean sanctuaries in improving cetacean welfare. To ensure the success of sanctuaries in maximizing animal welfare, it is essential to critically evaluate sanctuary standards against what is currently known about animals under managed care, as well as to determine what data are necessary to fully evaluate animal welfare in sanctuaries before these facilities are constructed.