For many of us who enjoy a plant-based diet, we first came to it out of a love of animals, a desire to protect them from harm, and a rejection of the brutality of factory farms. We want to protect domesticated animals from the tragic existence they have come to have. We love the idea of them having happy, safe, long lives.

We are not alone. In fact, there are many out there doing what they can to help these animals. This country, and many others, have wonderful farm sanctuaries focused on rescuing abused farm animals and providing them with lovely homes. It’s something many vegans would love to do and should support.

With that in mind, here are some of the potentially lesser-known US-based farm sanctuaries that deserve some support in the coming year.

1. Ching Farm Rescue & Sanctuary (Utah)

Source: ABC4 Utah/Youtube

Rescuing animals that have not been respected and honored, Ching Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Riverton, Utah, put animals first on the farm. They are allowed to roam freely. It’s home to pigs, emus, horses, donkeys, cows, chickens, turkeys, and more. Guests are allowed to take tours in the summertime, and there are opportunities to volunteer.

2. Goats of Anarchy (New Jersey)

Source: TODAY/Youtube

A vegan farm through and through, Goats of Anarchy in Hampton, New Jersey, specializes in goat rescue, with over 150 at the farm. There are also horses, cows, sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, cats, dogs, and more. This farm was started by a former NY business exec gone full-force animal lover. The farm accepts visitors, volunteers, and donations!

3. Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary (California)

Source: Vegan.com/Youtube

Situated on 40 acres between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary was founded by Zoe Rosenberg when she was 11 years old. The sanctuary has tons of fowl, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and quail, as well as other barn animals. It has grown to be one of the largest sanctuaries in California. Tours are infrequent, volunteers must apply ahead of time, and donations can be made online.

4. Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary (Oregon)

Source: Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary/Youtube

Located in Scio, Oregon, Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary is “home to 400 non-human” animals and strives to provide them with freedom: from pain, from fear, and from oppression. Beyond the farm, the crew at Lighthouse does a lot of community outreach and awareness campaigning. Volunteers are appreciated, but they are asked to commit to at least two four-hour shifts a month for a minimum of six months.

5. Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (Texas)

Source: DonkeyRescueTV/Youtube

With outposts throughout the United States, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is headquartered in Texas, and the ranch is located there as well. This organization is all about donkeys, rescuing both wild burros and domesticated animals. They also have a rescue facility in Concord, Virginia, and several satellite adoption centers. PVDR rescued over 660 donkeys in 2021.

6. Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge (North Carolina)

Source: Talia Dalton/Youtube

In rural North Carolina, where factory chicken houses and pig farms are aplenty, Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge provides lifelong care for rescued animals. It also educates the public about the horrors of animal agriculture and promotes veganism as a lifestyle. The farm has “tour” events, paid positions, and volunteer opportunities.

7. Pigs Peace Sanctuary (Washington)

Source: Swinomish Casino & Lodge/Youtube

Established in 1994 about an hour north of Seattle, Pigs Peace Sanctuary is a safe haven for neglected, unwanted, and abused animals. Wilbur the pig was the farm’s first rescue, and it has been growing ever since, including the addition of other farm animals like chickens, cows, turkeys, geese, and dogs. There is a lovely timeline on the website telling the story of how and when all the animals came to live there.

8. Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary (Maryland)

Source: MoCoCouncilMD/Youtube

Established in Poolesville, Maryland, Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary is a beautiful 400-acre refuge for both farm animals and wildlife. Tours and visits are possible by appointment, and responsible volunteers are a big part of what they do here. This place is absolutely gorgeous, overlooking the Potomac River, dotted with ponds, and crisscrossed with streams.

9. SASHA Farm (Michigan)

Source: MLive/Youtube

A Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals, SASHA Farm has been saving animals for a couple of decades now, and it is now home to over 200 individuals. SASHA provides a permanent home for animals that have come from bad circumstances, often mistreated or abandoned. Each animal on the farm is beloved, and many are given full stories on the website.

10. Sunny Meadow (Massachusetts)

Source: atara schimmel/Youtube

With its first two rescued animals in 2009, Sunny Meadow Sanctuary in Barre, Massachusetts, began a mission to help needy animals find a good home and safe space. The farm is operated by vegans who wouldn’t allow the animals to be eaten or used for any purpose. Animals spend the remainder of their lives here intermingled with the local wildlife.

So, for those looking to do something good with their extra nickels and dimes, or perhaps even after a way to give back to the animal community a little, these are great places to investigate. And there are hundreds more throughout the United States. Feel free to post links to more sanctuaries in the comments below.

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