13 Animal Sanctuaries Across The US Where You Can Visit Farm Animals

Zoomars River Street Ranch, owned and operated by Dan Almquist and the Almquist family, opened in 1980. It runs daily from 10 am to 4 pm except on major U.S. holidays. Zoomars is a unique blend of a farm animal sanctuary and a kid entertainment center, offering visitors access to 100 critters and 8 attractions. Tickets range from $10 to $15, and visitors must sign a waiver to gain admission to the facility. 

The stars of Zoomars include camera-loving Thor the Norwegian Fjord, rascal Pinto the pony, and self-care guru Sheffield the alpaca. Of course, species-confused Maddie the sheep, protective Lili the llama, and intimidating-but-big-softie Angel the Emu are right up there. You can feed Zoomars' animals only with the fresh fruit and vegetable mix on sale. Children can go on pony rides, pet the inhabitants in the guinea pig pen, and brush those in the sheep and goat pen. The guinea pigs here are a big hit and can be adopted. 

For amusement park fun, kids can hop on mini excavators, tractors, and kiddie trains or enjoy the thrills of the western-themed playground. End the day at the mining center and watch them pan for trinkets to commemorate the visit to South Orange County.

Safe Haven Llama & Alpaca Sanctuary is a refuge for over 30 llamas and alpacas. These animals are unadoptable primarily for their old age but also for reasons ranging from trauma and diet essentials to medical conditions and vet costs. They're incredibly sweet and ready to pose for a selfie — even Ruby, the reserved, elderly resident with toothless gums that requires a specialized $25 daily diet. But the pretty lady is not the only sanctuary member who needs financial aid. There are many, including alpaca Tiago for abscess drainage and llama Timber to ease the aftermath of a laceration. So, how does Safe Haven pay for it all?

The free-to-enter facility is a nonprofit and relies on your visits and donations to maintain this forever home. You can give anything, cash or in-kind contributions, but we recommend perusing its wishlist to strengthen your impact. You can also purchase organic llama poo fertilizer for your garden or donate your time. Safe Haven is run entirely by volunteers, and work awaits the willing. But it's not all heartbreaking stories here. The llamas and alpacas of Safe Haven are beautiful; you can observe them in a natural environment comprising water and an open field.

Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary is a refuge and rescue mission for animals subjected to laboratory research. The nonprofit was established in 2006 to offer a peaceful and comfortable environment to creatures that have suffered immense pain and discomfort in research labs. It's home to over 200 species of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, and sheep, and prides itself on being a compassionate, caring and second-chance facility. This is made possible on a 1,000-acre grassland nestled among picturesque rolling hills and backed by nutritious food and medical accessibility. 

Exceptional empathy and individualized care go into rehabilitating these traumatized animals. Most of the older dogs, for instance, have "never seen a TV, they've never heard a blender turn on, they've never heard a doorbell," Kindness Ranch Manager Craig Boyd said in an interview with Wyoming Public Media. In fact, their reaction to doggy treats is bewilderment. Rehabilitated dogs, cats, and rabbits can be adopted, but farm animals require expert care and remain at the ranch. Visitors are welcome to tour Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary and meet the residents. Opportunities to volunteer and donate to support the organization's mission also exist. Ensure to call or email ahead of time.

Llamas, alpacas, pigs, goats, ducks, sheep, geese, and chickens are among the 80-plus farm animals that call Maple Farm Sanctuary home. These delightful farm animals live on a safe, nurturing farmland spanning 120 acres. The sanctuary's mission is to promote compassion and respect for all critters and educate the public about the realities of animal agriculture. The residents of this refuge are free to live as they choose, miles away from the fear and exploitation they experienced in their previous lives. The staff and volunteers at the shelter provide the animals with daily care and attention, ensuring they are healthy and happy.

Co-founder Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis had previously worked as an animal control officer and had witnessed firsthand the mistreatment and abuse of animals in the farming industry. Along with her husband, Jim, Maple Farm Sanctuary has rescued and provided a refuge for animals from abusive and neglectful situations. The sanctuary also offers educational programs and tours to the public. These programs allow visitors to learn about the animals, their stories, and the realities of animal agriculture. The sanctuary also advocates for animal welfare and works to promote veganism as a way to reduce animal suffering.

The Gentle Barn operates three locations: California, Tennessee, and Missouri. The trio is open to the public on Sundays and requires advanced tickets. However, family, all-day, group, and party tours run on specific days. Established by Ellie Laks in 1999, The Gentle Barn rescues and rehabilitates animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The facilities provide a secure and caring home to around 200 animals, including cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. The sanctuary believes every animal deserves to be treated with love and respect, and that humans are responsible for protecting and caring for them.

Besides redeeming humanity in the eyes of farm animals, The Gentle Barn is also a place for people to heal. It offers programs for at-risk youth, children with special needs, and adults with disabilities. Visitors can learn about compassion, empathy, and kindness by interacting with the animals through touring and various therapies. In addition to its animal rescue missions and educational programs, The Gentle Barn advocates for animal rights and promotes veganism to minimize animal suffering. Overall, it is one of the best places to teach children about creating a kinder and more compassionate world for both animals and humans.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary is an extraordinary place, made so by the dedication and compassion of its staff and volunteers. They tirelessly ensure every animal is happy, healthy, and well-cared for. Visitors are always welcome to learn from their knowledge and passion, whether you're an animal lover, a vegan, or simply curious about farm life. A visit to Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a must for anyone who wants to deepen their appreciation for these amazing creatures and gain a better understanding of the impact our choices have on their lives.

This shelter nestles on 150 acres, and thousands of farm animals have found refuge within its borders since it opened in 2001. This is Kathy Stevens' vision; she aimed to create a place where farm animals could be rescued and cared for rather than being sent to slaughter. At present, Catskill Animal Sanctuary houses more than 200 animals, which include donkeys, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, horses, goats, and sheep. Tours are about an hour long and cost between $2 to $22, depending on age. But with a special day pass, you can schedule a visit and explore the sanctuary at your own pace. Note that only vegan foods are permitted on the premises, but eating is not allowed during an ongoing tour.

The story of Barn Sanctuary began in 2016 with Dan McKernan, a former technology professional who transitioned to animal welfare to pursue his passion. Today, the center is a bonafide hub for farm animal rescue and rehabilitation. 140 critters, including donkeys, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens, roam free on its grounds, all recovering from abusive pasts. Barn Sanctuary is a forever home for these animals, and they spend their days enjoying exceptional upkeep, nutritious food, medical care, and premium play and exercise spaces. 

All visits to the nonprofit must be scheduled by selecting one of six tour options. Public tours — perfect for a family — are the most popular, running from April to October. During the nearly two-hour-long excursion, you will explore the farm, gain personal information about the residents, and visit selected animal living spaces. Though the tour circles a one-mile area, you will work up quite the sweat due to the uneven terrain of Barn Sanctuary. Refrain from feeding the resident farm animals; most only consume veterinarian-approved diets, and offering them food would cause them more harm than good. You also should not enter the refuge with non-plant-based foods; keeping them in your car is considerate. 

The farm animal sanctuaries we have discussed provide a compassionate, safe, and nurturing haven. It is no easy feat, and their unwavering commitment to animal welfare impacts our world. We are confident you will gain the best memories from visiting these facilities — any donation can express gratitude.