Guide to New England Animal Sanctuaries
Interested in helping New England’s rescued animals and the people who care for them? These New England animal sanctuaries are a great place to start.
By Bethany Bourgault|Jul 13 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanVolunteer your time, donate money or supplies, or even just spread the word about the great things these animal sanctuaries do — every effort helps improve the lives of the rescued (and yet-to-be rescued) animals in our own backyards.
New England Animal Sanctuaries
Peace Ridge Sanctuary | Penobscot, ME
As a catch-all sanctuary for both farm animals and pets alike, Peace Ridge Sanctuary offers a safe and secure home to any animal it has room for. It currently houses over 240 animals who’ve come from backgrounds of cruelty, neglect, or exploitation. Peace Ridge ensures that these animals have the clean space, care, and food they need to lead happy and healthy lives. Educational programs held at the sanctuary promote humane lifestyle choices and spread the words about social issues like animal abuse. Browse through the many ways you can help, listed on the sanctuary’s website, or call (207)326-9507 for more information. info@peaceridgesanctuary.org
Blue Star Equiculture Draft Horse Sanctuary | Palmer, MA
As profiled in the 2016 Yankee Magazine feature “The Promised Land,” the Blue Star Equiculture Draft Horse Sanctuary serves as a home to the great working horses who have spent their lives clearing our land, plowing our fields, and pulling our carriages in city parks. Volunteers and staff devote much time and effort to the care and love of these gentle hardworking giants. For more on Blue Star, visit their website or call (413)289-9787. info@equiculture.org
Photo Credit : Cheryle St. Onge
Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption and Education Center | Swanzey, NH
Dedicated to finding forever homes for retired racing greyhounds, Fast Friends facilitates the transition from life on the race track to life with humans, making them a favorite on our list of animal sanctuaries for canine-lovers. Greyhounds enjoy lots of attention, playtime, and love during their stays at the facility until they are ready to enjoy those same amenities with their new families. The center also offers grooming, boarding, daycare, and training for current dog parents. The center is volunteer-based and largely relies on both the proceeds from their many fundraising events and donations from the community. Check out their website for information on these events, or call them at (603)355-1556. info@fastfriendsgreyhounds.org
Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary | East Burke, VT
Situated in a peaceful and natural location, this sanctuary for larger animals like horses, sheep, pigs, and cows allows the once neglected and abused creatures to roam freely and live happily. It educates its visitors on the humane treatment of animals through both example and programs, including summer programs for young children. The sanctuary shares its 440 acres of rolling Vermont landscape with a picturesque inn, and guests are always welcome to visit the animals at their leisure. Visit the website or call (802) 626-9924 for more information. info@mvfas.org
VINE Sanctuary | Springfield, VT
What began as a small sanctuary for rescued chickens has grown into a multi-species rescue mission in Springfield, VT. It’s now home to chickens, geese, doves, ducks and pigeons rescued from lives of cockfighting or zoo-confinement, and other animals like cows and sheep rescued from their respective animal industries. The sanctuary works tirelessly on rescues, rehabilitation, and educating the public in the hopes that animal cruelty may someday brought to an end. Learn about the many ways you can help (including donating and volunteering) on the sanctuary’s website, or contact its staff through their online contact form.
Animal Adventures Family Zoo and Rescue Center | Bolton, MA
This haven for abandoned, orphaned, and neglected exotic animals is one of the animal sanctuaries that places a heavy emphasis on education. Programs like school field trips and presentations and other events like birthday parties and corporate visits help the staff at Animal Adventures spread the word about proper animal care prevent future neglect. The animals they tend to are cared for with exemplary compassion and expertise. Check out their website for information on visiting the zoo, or call (978)779-8988 to ask how you can help. info@animaladventures.net
New England Wildlife Center | South Weymouth, MA
The New England Wildlife center (one of our favorite animal sanctuaries thanks to their engaging Facebook page) is an extensive hub of education, veterinary medicine, and sanctuary for a wide variety of animals. Between the Odd Pet Vet and the Jane Carlee Wildlife Hospital, it seems as though the New England Wildlife Center is equipped to treat just about any critter that finds itself there. The center is committed to returning animals to their natural environments after they are rehabilitated. Contact them through the form on their website, or call them at (781)682-4878.
Maple Farm Sanctuary | Mendon, MA
Maple Farm Sanctuary is dedicated to the lifelong care of over 100 abused, neglected, abandoned or unwanted farm animals. Its founders were inspired to start the sanctuary after both had heart-wrenching experiences in animal-related industries, where they were able to witness firsthand the cruelty that for-profit animals are treated with. The sanctuary’s staff passionately believes in the dignity and protection of farm animals that would have otherwise been slaughtered or abused by the meat, dairy and fur industries, and encourages veganism as a lifestyle choice. Check out their website for information on donating, volunteering, sponsoring an animal or scheduling a tour, or call them at (508)473-7539. info@maplefarmsanctuary.org
Sunny Meadow Sanctuary | Holden, MA
Sunny Meadow Sanctuary provides wide, open fields for rescued farm animals to roam and graze freely. The natural environment greatly reduces stress for these animals that have survived horrors as part of various industries. The center is entirely volunteer-run, and gives tours on specific dates. info@sunnymeadowsanctuary.org
Our Companions Animal Rescue | Manchester and Ashford, CT
Dedicated to the lifelong care of abused or unwanted pets, this animal sanctuary rescues and tends to older or traumatized animals that would have been otherwise been euthanized at other shelters. Its staff is trained to respond to animals who have been through harrowing ordeals, and the shelter provides a cozy and predictable, low-stress environment for them to adjust to normalcy in. Adoptions, volunteers, and donations are always appreciated. The center also offers educational opportunities, spaying and neutering procedures, and animal training courses. Email the center through its website, or call (860)242-9999.
Foster Parrots | Hope Valley, RI
As the largest bird rescue organization in the northeast, the 25,000-square-foot facility at Foster Parrots is home to over 400 displaced birds (and a few other animals, too), making it one of the most unique animal sanctuaries in New England. Its staff believes in the freedom and dignity of all wild animals, and believes that “no cage is big enough” for an animal that should be able to fly free. The sanctuary allows adoptions, runs educational programs about the environment and proper animal care, and provides life-long care to animals in need.Email the center through its website. Donations and volunteers are always welcome, and tours of the facility can be arranged by appointment.
Are we missing any New England animal sanctuaries on our list? Let us know!
This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.
SEE MORE:
The Best Places to Watch Wildlife in New England
The Man Who Watches Bears
Wild Turkeys in New Hampshire | Return of the Native
Wonderful list…but you forgot the best…in my humble opinion: Central New England Equine Rescue (CNEER). It is a horse rescue, rehab, and adoption shelter/home for abused horses and donkeys. Many of it’s residents come from animals on their way to slaughter. They are purchased by the pound. Sigh. CNEER Inc.-96 New Braintree Rd.-West Brookfield, MA 01585 * Online cneer.com.
You missed a very important sanctuary in Norton, MA. The Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary. It is an incredible experience and you must visit there sometime.
Hi there–here are two you missed. Winslow Farm Sanctuary in Norton MA and also Wolf Hollow in Ipswich I think. great article none the less!!!
Other fabulous places in Maine are Ever After Mustang Rescue in Biddeford, ME, MSSPA in Windham, ME which is also a horse (and more) rescue and Nevins Farm in Methuen, MA which rescues, rehabs and adopts out almost any domestic or farm animal you can think of. All are incredible places
As an animal lover and someone who serves on an animal rescue board, I loved that you compiled this- thank you so much!
Save Your Ass Long Eared Rescue, 23 Saw Mill Road, South Acworth, NH, 03607 (603) 835-2971, http://www.saveyourassrescue.org/index.html
Love New England Wildlife Center! The phone number in your mention of them got cut off –it’s 781-682-4878
Thanks, Ami! We’ve made the correction.
There are quite a few Equine Rescues in Southeastern CT that allow visitors.
My son has recently settled in Cheshire, Ct and is very interested in sanctuaries near him. We are originally from NH.
How about the Hope Sanctuary in Maine for elephants?
It closed.
Oh my, you missed Western Mass.’s premier horse sanctuary: Central New England Equine Rescue (CNEER). It is located in West Brookfield. Horses are rescued from slaughter trucks; auctions before kill buyers purchase; surrenders by individuals who can no longer care for their animals; and confiscations from abuse cases. Most arrive in poor shape…starving or in need of veterinary care in other ways. CNEER provides them with vet, farrier, and dental care, as well as training at Peter Whitmore’s if needed. Mix that with lots of love and it is a great place to find a horse if you are interested in adopting. Why buy when you can adopt and be matched to the perfect animal!!
Were all of these sanctuaries visited to ensure their claims? Because I have been to Animal Adventures in Bolton, MA and it’s awful. The animals are in tiny enclosures and they look unhappy. I would never go there again.
First hand knowledge of a sanctuary is essential. Running a sanctuary is extremely expensive and labor intensive. It’s easy for a sanctuary to get in over it’s head. Keeping animals alive should not be the only goal. EDUCATION for the public and QUALITY CARE for the animals is paramount. Only a lucky few make it into great sanctuaries. These lucky few are ambassadors for the millions who will never know kindness. And for many, euthanasia is the one kindness they will know. There are worse things than death….think the life of any animal on a factory farm.
Gerda’s Animal Aid in Townshend VT! Gerda Silver is a force of nature who rescues horses of all kinds and ages from auction for slaughter. She carefully nurses them back to health, evaluates them and finds wonderful adoptive homes. 5826 Rte. 30, Townshend VT 05353 http://www.gerdasanimalaid.org
I would like to add two wonderful rescues. Live And Let Live Farm in Chichester, NH rescues horses as well as just about all other animals in need and run an amazing program rescuing at risk pregnant dogs. They have weekly tours and are an amazing organization http://www.liveandletlivefarm.org/ And Connecticut Draft Horse Sanctuary. They are very dedicated to rescuing draft horses bound for slaughter and assist with neglect and abuse cases. http://www.ctdraftrescue.com/index.html
A Place Called Hope, a sanctuary for wounded birds of prey in CT.
Another amazing animal sanctuary is Rolling Dog Farm in Lancaster NH who taken in disabled animals especially dogs and horses
I must agree with the texters who mentioned Winslow Farm in Norton Ma……wonderful experience.The place seems like a playground in the woods ,with a pond and amusement areas,except it’s not for humans! We can only watch in wonder as a variety of animals large and small do their thing without a care in the world. Unforgettable.
also should add Graze in Peace Farm Animal Rescue in Durham, Maine — a wonderful place just north of Portland (near Freeport and LL Bean). They rescue and give lifetime homes to all the animals there. They also offer many opportunities for people to volunteer and spend quality time with the animals. Check them out at http://www.grazeinpeace.org.
This is great! Tomten Farm and Sanctuary, a 5013C, just moved to NH, less than 2 years ago and provides peace, protection and possibility to animals in need of all kinds, horses, pigs, donkeys,goats, cows, sheep and more.
Draft Gratitude (Draft Horse Rescue), 148 Ashuelot Street, Winchester, NH, United States (603) 762-3266. http://www.DraftGratitude.com All volunteer, 501(c)3 organization.
Villi Poni Farm; Newfoundland Pony Sanctuary in Jaffrey NH. Only sanctuary in the U.S dedicated to the critically endangered Newfoundland Pony. Less than 400 left in the world. Only 43 in the U.S. About half of those are located in NH!
Wolf Hollow, in Ipswich, Massachusetts, is a great wolf sanctuary that has been going strong for almost two decades now. They have a very personable education program, including volunteers that interact with both the wolves and the public. It is iconic in stature. Located just northeast of Boston, outside Gloucester and Salem. Very friendly. A walk around town shows off homes from the 1600s. You’ll visit more than once. Come for the clams, stay for the wolves.
You left out NEER North in West Newbury, MA – they do a great job of rescuing horses and donkeys and re-homing them. See their Facebook page and website NEER North.org or facebook.com/neernorthplace
Should have mentioned Center for Wildlife in York ME — they handle hundreds of birds and animals each year with the goal of reintroduction to the wild.
What about the Odd Cat Sanctuary in Danvers, MA. Cats who would otherwise be euthanized because of age, deformity, special needs, FIV…
I agree with Martha’s comment on the Animal Adventures in Bolton. I felt sad for the animals esp the big cat, when leaving 3 yrs ago and have never gone back. I think of them often and hope they will all get space to run around in a more natural environment.
Have a racing pigeon that flies to my back porch every morning to be fed for the last 3 months. I need help finding it a home where there are other pigeons and no racing or calling.
Culling, not calling!
You don’t have to yell; it doesn’t make you “righter”.
Tomten Farm and Sanctuary located in Haverhill, NH. An animal welfare organization, striving to raise awareness, promote kindness and impact the lives they touch. They believe in inclusivity and embrace all who love animals and are interested in making the world a better place for them. One by one, they save those forgotten lives lost at the end of the line with nowhere to turn and no one in their corner. Check out their Facebook page, it’s great.
Another fabulous sanctuary is Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, MA (Boston MetroWest area)! They have a whole host of adorable rescued farm animals and offer on-site public tours (and virtual tours during Covid-19)! Their website is http://www.unityfarmsanctuary.org or check them out on Facebook or Instagram (@UnityFarmSanctuary)
Thanks for this comment and link – I went there yesterday and was amazed. Planning another trip back very soon!
Berkshire Bird Paradise in Petersburg NY is right on the VT line and rehabilitates sick and injured birds of all types….
Guinea Pig Sanctuary, Salisbury, Ma, rescued Guinea Pigs are put up for adoption. Great place to visit and donate hay, food, or financial aid. Non profit, and doing a great job. I adopted 2 girls. https://www.guineapigsanctuary.org/
Amazing Grace Sanctuary, Sullivan, NH?
Hi,
Our pet turkey we rescued from going to slaughter a few years ago died and we are now looking to get another pet turkey, but not a meat turkey since they have such short lives.
We are looking for a female turkey to have as a pet. I prefer to rescue one in need but I will consider buying one that is young and not needing rescuing. In any case, since you are in this business, do you happen to have more turkeys at present than you need or know of anywhere to direct me to rescue or buy a pet turkey?
Thank you so much for any help with this!
Best,
Cheryl
Runs with The Wolves Sanctuary in Limington, CT for wolves and wolf-dogs. Certified non-profit. It’s an amazing place! https://rwws.org
Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center, Barnstable, MA on the Cape.
Are there any elephant sanctuaries in New England?
Thanks you for highlighting animal sanctuaries. I’m a Board member at the West Place Animal Sanctuary in Tiverton, RI. https://www.westplace.org/. It’s really a magical place, worthy of it’s own feature story. I’m happy to talk about it with you and could connect you with Wendy Taylor the ED as well. My email is tom03033@yahoo.com