Rescue & Adoptions

Farm Animal Care

Farm Sanctuary has been providing lifelong, loving care for farmed animals since 1986. Since animals used for food production are rarely provided individual care on factory farms, our shelters have become pioneers in the care and treatment of farmed animals. We have developed many effective treatments and care procedures for ailments that are common in factory farmed animals. For example, turkeys and chickens, have been selectively bred to grow abnormally fast and large, resulting in many health problems due to excessive weight and overproduction. Pigs, bred to be five times larger than their natural weight, suffer from hoof abscesses and leg joint problems.

Our shelters have accumulated a wealth of farmed animal care information, obtained through research, experience and hands-on work. We are continually adding to our library of information, as our caregivers and veterinarians explore new treatment options and discover new care information. All health, nutritional and husbandry protocols are updated as new information is acquired.

Farm Sanctuary has developed species-specific animal care sheets that outline the basic care needs of farmed animals, including housing and feed requirements, common health problems, health care needs, and other basic care information. Click here to view our care sheets.

Farm Sanctuary hosts a website devoted exclusively to farmed animal rescue, care, and shelter news and information: www.farmanimalshelters.org. This site includes an adoption bulletin board, training and internship opportunities, farmed animal care information, shelter placement needs, shelter events, and tips on starting, operating and developing farmed animal sanctuaries.