Farm animal sanctuaries provide lifelong care for rescued animals. Understanding what genuine sanctuary standards look like helps supporters identify legitimate sanctuaries and distinguish them from facilities misusing the term.
Farm animal sanctuaries serve a critical function in demonstrating what good welfare for formerly exploited animals looks like, and in educating the public about farm animal cognition and personality. But the term 'sanctuary' is unregulated and misused. Genuine sanctuaries provide permanent, high-quality care; have transparent governance; and never profit from the animals in their care through sale or breeding. Animals at genuine sanctuaries receive species-appropriate space, social groups, enrichment, and veterinary care. Supporting legitimate sanctuaries is both a welfare contribution and an investment in public education - the stories of individual animals at sanctuaries have proven to be powerful tools for shifting public perception of farm animals.