Visiting an Ontario farm animal sanctuary is a great alternative to the zoo. I won’t get into the problems with zoos; that is a topic for another time.
These sanctuaries depend on donations and fundraising to support their animals. Consider including them in a fundraising effort this year. Often a gift of animal feed or other items (even second hand!) is appreciated.
Volunteers are also the backbone of these organizations. If you would like to get to know the animals and support their initiatives, please consider submitting an application!
You’ll find the Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary list below. Please note, not all these sanctuaries are part of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario. They must meet specific standards to become a member. For more information on this association and their standards, click here.
Table of Contents
The Ass Menagerie | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Wainfleet, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
The Ass Menagerie is an old dairy farm that was purchased in 2017 along with a lone hen, she was written into the deal under “chattel.” Chattel is now the thriving head hen! Soon one animal turned into forty that call the Menagerie home. You can find goats, horses, potbellied pigs, alpacas, cats, chickens, ducks, turtles and a dog at this sanctuary. They are currently at capacity.
Tours: Not specified
Organization Type: Non-Profit Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Beaver Creek Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Wainfleet, Ontario
Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Beaver Creek Farm Sanctuary provides forever homes to farm animals and adoption services for dogs. They also offer owner surrender services but with a strong focus on reviewing alternative solutions first. Rescuing runs in the family, the owner’s mother used to take in unwanted farm animals in the 1980s, and this created the strong connection with animals that formed Beaver Creek Farm Sanctuary.
Tours: Not specified
Organization Type: Registered Charity Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Benevolent Barn | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Woodstock, Ontario
Benevolent Barn is a Microsanctuary that provides yoga services to raise funds for their rescued farm animal companions. Their primary residents are goats! Follow them on Facebook to see upcoming fundraising events and updates.
Tours: They offer special events including goat yoga
Organization Type: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Birds of a Different Feather | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Ontario (Not disclosed)
Birds of a Different Feather is home to rescue chickens, ducks, dogs and cats. The owners have spent 20 years rescuing stray cats and dogs, wildlife and farm animals. Their home is also their microsantuary. Follow them on Facebook to connect with them and their animals.
Tours: Not specified
Organization Type: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Kemptville, Ontario
Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary started as a hobby farm but found that the animals’ needs soon exceeded what could be considered a hobby. They currently have over 150 domestic and farm animals. Big Sky Ranch runs a rehabilitation and adoption program that has helped nearly 3000 animals. They are a no-kill facility but will follow vet recommendations when recovery is not possible. Any animals that are not adoptable are given a permanent home at Big Sky Ranch. They currently house horses, donkeys, cows, alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, pigs, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, peacocks, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more.
Tours: Yes, escorted tours by appointment within regular visiting hours.
Organization Type: Non-Profit Organization
Black Goat Farm and Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Smithville, Ontario
Website, Facebook, and Instagram
Black Goat Farm and Sanctuary is a small farm that houses goats, turkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and cows. They hope to begin fruit and vegetable farming to help financially support their residents.
Tours: Yes, by appointment only during set visitor days during the spring and summer months.
Type of Organization: Registered Non-Profit, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
The Browns Microsanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Ontario (not disclosed)
The Browns Microsantuary offers a permanent home to chickens rescued from egg and meat farming operations. Check them out on Facebook to meet the chickens and stay up to date on their day-to-day!
Tours: Not specified
Type of Organization: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Carrol’s Animal Sanctuary & Rescue | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Hanover, Ontario
Website, Facebook, and Instagram
They take in both domestic and farm animals that need a safe place. For those that are unadoptable, they provide a forever home. They have a cat adoption program for their healthy cats. They also grow organic vegetables to help offset the cost of running the sanctuary. This Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary does it all! They currently house goats, pigs, cats, and chickens.
Tours: Yes, by appointment
Organization Type: Not a Registered Charity, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Lakeside, Ontario
Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary provides a loving home for farm animals. They now have the acceptance and support of the farming community that surrounds them despite their initial pushback. Local businesses have come together for fundraisers and donate regularly.
Tours: Limited to work visits (they include a potluck!) and open houses twice a year
Type of Organization: Not-for-Profit, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Charlotte’s Freedom Farm | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Comber, Ontario
Website, Facebook, and Instagram
Charlotte’s Freedom Farm rescues animals from the farm industry and provides them with a forever home. Advocating for animals is another important aspect of their message; “friends not food!” They are currently home to donkeys, goats, sheep, a pony, dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
Tours: Not specified
Type of Organization: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Contented Clucks Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Ottawa, Ontario
Contented Clucks Farm Sanctuary provides a forever home to hens and roosters. They want to educate the public on how unique and individual each animal they care for is. To see their beautiful birds and support this Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary, check out their Facebook page.
Tours: Not specified
Type of Organization: Not Specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Dara Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Blenheim, Ontario
Dara Farm Sanctuary is a permanent home for farm animals, and they keep a vegan household! They currently house pigs, goats, ponies, ducks and turkeys. Check them out on Facebook to see photos and videos of their animals!
Tours: They hold an annual open house in October
Type of Organization: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Puslinch, Ontario
Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada originally started as a farm; the owner’s compassion drove her to save numerous donkeys from poor conditions and slaughter. After a nudge from her friends and reaching out to several donkey sanctuaries in England, she decided to open her own!
Tours: Yes, open May to October on Sundays and select Sundays during the winter. They allow drop-ins during their hours.
Type of Organization: Registered Charity
Farmhouse Garden Animal Home | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Uxbridge, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Farmhouse Garden Animal Home in owned by former farmers and cattle ranchers who had a change of heart! Now an animal sanctuary and organic vegetable farm. They are showing the world you can change. They hope to inspire and educate others. This Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary currently houses cows, horses, donkeys, ducks and chickens.
Tours: Yes, they host regular open houses and events (like paint night!) in their barn
Type of Organization: Not a Registered Charity, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Frog Hollow Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Princeton, Ontario
Frog Hollow Farm Sanctuary is home to various farm animals. They are a small family-run sanctuary that promotes a vegan lifestyle. They currently house horses, cows, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and more.
Tours: Yes, by appointment and occasional events
Type of Organization: Not a charity, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Green Living Organic Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
East Garafraxa, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Green Living Organic Sanctuary is a vegan run farm animal rescue and grower of organic fruit and vegetables. They currently house horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens.
Tours: Yes, they offer private and work visits by appointment
Type of Organization:Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Grey’s Haven Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Port Colborne, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Grey’s Haven Farm Sanctuary takes in domestic and farm animals. They hold a yearly open house where you can take a tour and visit their residents. They currently house goats, pigs, ducks, and chickens. The sanctuary is named in honour of their resident goose, Grey. This Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary also promotes a plant-based lifestyle.
Tours: They host an annual open house and various other events throughout the year
Type of Organization: Registered Non-Profit, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Campbellville, Ontario
Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary rescues abused, neglected, and abandoned farmed animals and provides them with a life-long home. They have a strong focus on public education. They originated after they adopted a “mini-pig,” Esther, into their family, and she was far from Mini. Esther inspired them to become a charity and rescue other animals. They currently house a horse and donkey, cows, goats, sheep, pigs (including Esther!), chickens, ducks, peacocks, rabbits and cats.
Tours: Yes, Public tours are offered from July to September, and Private Tours are offered from April to October. All are by appointment. They also host workdays and events throughout the year.
Organization Type: Registered Charity, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Harrowsmith, Ontario
Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary provides a home to farm animals. They have a strong focus on education and often have classes visit form elementary, secondary and postsecondary institutions. This Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary is open to visitors from May to October. They house daily tours, wellness events, PA day programs, school trips, an annual pancake breakfast and more. Happy Tails also has a program with the Canadian Forces to help military members with PTSD and other disabilities heal through hands-on work and contact with the animals. They currently house lamas, pigs, sheep, cats, rabbits, turkeys and chickens.
Tours: Yes, by appointment and they have special programs and events
Organization Type: Registered Charity, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Haven of the Heart | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Palgrave, Ontario
Haven of the Heart takes in domestic animals, horses and fowl. They run an adoption program for cats and dogs. Check them out on Facebook to keep up to date with new animals available for foster and adoption.
Tours: Not specified
Organization Type: Registered Charity
Hidden Haven | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Sudbury, Ontario
Hidden Haven is a new Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary and an established vegan household. They currently house cows, sheep, chickens and turkeys. Check them out on Facebook to stay up to date.
Tours: Not specified
Organization Type: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Home Free Farm | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Harrowsmith, Ontario
Home Free Farm is a farm animal sanctuary that promises to care, love and befriend each animal for the rest of their life. They currently house horses, goats, sheep, pigs, cats, chickens and more.
Tours: They hold an annual open house in October
Type of Organization: Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Karuna Lane Sanctuary and Farm Stay | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Mount Forest, Ontario
Karuna Lane Sanctuary and Farm Stay provides forever homes to farm animals and also offers cabin respite stays with a vegan menu. An Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary you can sleepover at, does it get any better? They currently house donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks and cats.
Tours: They hold regular events such as volunteer days and potlucks
Type of Organization: Unspecified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Land O’ Lakes Rescue Petting Farm | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Cloyne, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Land O’ Lakes Rescue Petting Farm helps injured and abandoned farm animals. They also work with the animals to offer therapeutic support to children and adults who have suffered trauma or are special needs. They currently house horses, cows, donkeys, llamas, goats, sheep, turkeys, peacocks, and more.
Tours: Yes, guided tours. They are open seven days a week in the summer and open weekends and PA days May, June, September and October. You can book a tour outside of those times by appointment.
Organization Type: Not-For-Profit
Love of Brian Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Meaford, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Love of Brian Farm Sanctuary provides permanent homes to farm animals. They are currently renovating to suit their space to the animals better. The sanctuary was named after their first resident Brian the Steer. They now house cows, goats, chickens and cats.
Tours: No, but they are hoping to be open to tours by appointment for Spring 2020
Type of Organization: UnknownMember of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Milo’s Mission Animal Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Keswick, Ontario
Milo’s Mission Animal Sanctuary began when they received word that a backyard hen operation was sending their hens to slaughter. Twenty-five spent hens were rescued. This Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues abused and unwanted animals.
Tours: Unknown
Organization Type: Unknown, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Penny Lane Farm Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Saint-Pascal-Baylon, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Penny Lane Farm Sanctuary provides forever homes for horses and farm animals. The facility is vegan run. The sanctuary is currently at capacity and unable to take on more animals. They currently house horses, donkeys, cows, llamas, sheep, goats, pigs, turkeys, ducks, and chickens.
Tours: They are unable to accommodate private tours, but they host public events a few times a year
Organization Type: Registered Not-For-Profit, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Pie Bird Farm Sanctuary (Vegan FarmStay) | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Nipissing, Ontario
Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Pie Bird Farm Sanctuary is a farm animal sanctuary and vegan farm stay. Beautiful cottage rentals are offered from May to September. It has a full vegan kitchen and comes with resident cats that will be sure to greet you! Another Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary that allows you to stay and spend a few days, how amazing is that? They currently house goats, turkey, ducks, chickens and cats.
Tours: Yes, they offer select open house and tour dates
Organization Type: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Promised Land Animal Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Campbellford, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Promised Land Animal Sanctuary provides forever homes for farm animals and adopts out when appropriate. They currently house horses, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, ducks and chickens.
Tours: Yes, they offer tours on pre-registered select dates
Organization Type: Registered Non-Profit, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
St. William, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Ralphy’s Retreat provides a haven for potbellied pigs. Their sanctuary is also home to horses, donkeys, guinea pigs, a rabbit, cats, dogs, and roosters. They provide humane education programs to children and adult groups.
Tours: Yes, summer guided tours and education programs from Monday to Friday by appointment.
Type of Organization: Registered Not-For-Profit, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Refuge RR | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Alexandria, Ontario
Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Refuge RR rescues all types of in-need animals. They offer emergency services, rehabilitation, rehoming and permanent homes. Their 250 plus animals have free roam of over 70 acres of land. They do allow visitors but with minimal interference to the herds. They currently house horses, cows, pigs, turkeys, ducks and chickens.
Tours: Yes, by appointment
Organization Type: Registered Charity Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Ruby Ranch Pig Sanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Kenilworth, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Ruby Ranch is named after a potbellied pig they took in in 2005. They take in a couple of pigs a year and offer pig boarding on a limited basis. They are also home to a couple of sheep, a rooster and one dog. This Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary is small and houses 20-25 animals at a time.
Tours: Yes, by appointment.
Organization Type: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Shady Pines Microsanctuary | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Ontario (Not disclosed)
Shady Pines Microsanctuary provides forever homes to chickens from egg and meat operations. To keep up to date with this Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary, check them out on Facebook.
Tours: Not specified
Organization Type: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Smokey Rock Farm | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Muskoka, Ontario
Smokey Rock Farm provides a forever home to horses, pigs, and chickens. To keep up to date on their residents, follow them on Facebook.
Tours: Not specified
Organization Type: Not specified, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue | Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List
Carleton Place, Ontario
Website, Facebook and Instagram
Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue takes in and rehabilitates horses and farm animals. They also promote a plant-based diet. The sanctuary started in 2016 with the rescue of 7 horses that were about to be sent to slaughter, since then they have added farm animals into the mix. They currently house horses, goats, pigs, cats and chickens.
Tours: Yes, they host regular visitor day you can register for
Organization Type: Registered Not-For-Profit, Member of the Association of Farm Sanctuaries Ontario
Thanks so much for checking out the Ontario Farm Animal Sanctuary List! Save this list for later by pinning it!
Does this list need updating? Send us an email at thevegquery@gmail.com, and we will do just that!
I didn’t realize that there are so many of these sanctuaries new me. And I had no clue thatI some of the sanctuaries offer tours. I think that’s a great idea, not only to bring awareness about animal cruelty but also to expose ‘city’ kids to farm animals.
Yes, it’s not often talked about as an alternative! You don’t have to visit zoos for kids to have an animal experience. There are also numerous wildlife sanctuaries that you can visit if you’re hoping to see more “exotic” creatures. Either way, it’s good to know that you’re supporting a place that has the animal’s best interest at heart! And they need all the support they can get!
What a great list of some incredibly dedicated and passionate people and places. I’m just in awe of how many wonderful people there are in the world that give of themselves so selflessly. I don’t live in Canada, but regardless, i found this so inspirational and now want to see what we have locally that I can be supportive of. Thank you for sharing all this.
Thanks so much Kim! Yes, there are so many great sanctuaries to visit and support their rescue efforts! I would love to do a road trip one day and visit as many of them as I can! I think that would be so fun. If you ever visit Canada, you’ll have to pay one of them a visit!