Get Involved

Adopt-A-Farm Animal Project

Commonly asked questions & answers

May I adopt an animal at either the New York or California shelter?
Of course! If you have a preference, please let us know from which shelter you would like to adopt your animal. We’ll make sure that your new friend is at the shelter you request. There are animals in need of loving sponsors at both shelters.

May I visit my Farm Sanctuary friend?
Farm Sanctuary adopters have year-round visitation privileges! We encourage you to meet your special farm animal friend, and your adopted animal will love all the extra attention. We have a variety of tour programs, overnight accommodations, and visitor events at our sanctuaries. Please call us to help you arrange a visit today! Please be sure to call ahead whenever possible, as this will make it easier for staff to arrange your visit. While Farm Sanctuary staff will make every effort to allow you to meet your sponsored friend, due to several factors (including the size of the herd/flock and the comfort level your sponsored friend has with new people), we cannot guarantee you will be able to interact directly with your friend, but in most cases this is possible.

Does an animal have more than one sponsor?
Because all of the animals at Farm Sanctuary are victims of “food animal” production, many of them have special care needs, including costly veterinary expenses. For many animals, we found it too costly for one person to provide for their care; therefore, we provide for these animals with additional sponsors. Not only does your contribution provide for your adopted friend, it also goes into a general fund that provides care for all of our shelter animals. The more sponsors we have for cows, for example, the more cows we can commit to caring for, and so on.

How are fees determined?
There are different fees for different animals. Monthly fees are based on average shelter costs for the specific type of animal. This is why the adoption fee is more for a pig than for a chicken.

How do I pay my adoption fees?
We ask that you sign up for an automatic payment program if choosing monthly, quarterly or biannual payments. Your sponsorship can come directly out of your checking or savings account, or be charged to a debit or credit card. Enrollment forms will be provided if needed.

The automatic payment programs are a convenient way to assure ongoing daily care of our shelter animals. They also cut down on administrative costs, which means your contribution goes directly to the animals!

If you are more comfortable sending a check each month, we will provide you with payment coupons and return envelopes. We do not send out monthly statements.

Will I receive updates on my adopted animal?
We want you to stay in touch with your special friend. Adoption sponsors receive our Adopt-A-Farm Animal newsletter, and a personal notice when something happens in your animal’s life. Of course, you are always welcome to call or write us, too!