In animal agriculture, billions of animals suffer each year in all weather extremes, denied even the basic needs of food and water as they’re transported to slaughter.

Each day, farmed animals across the country are left largely unprotected from the effects of harsh weather during transport, sometimes across hundreds of miles.

We know we can’t rescue them all. Thankfully, the farm animals we can save not only become ambassadors raising awareness for those still suffering—but they also get to enjoy the comfortable, healthy lives they deserve. Part of that work is ensuring we keep them cool and safe throughout the hot months, especially during heat waves.

We provide plenty of fans for all the species in our care to keep the animals cool. We also adjust sliders and doors to block sunlight, offering more shady relaxing spots.

But that’s not all! There are species-specific ways that we help each animal and their herd or flock feel their best in the heat.

Shearing is the most significant comfort for our sheep residents in the heat. Sheep bred for wool produce an unnatural amount of wool—more than they can shed on their own. 

To keep our rescued sheep comfortable, we gently shear them in a gentle process that is nothing like the rough or even violent shearing in animal agriculture.

We also give hay to the sheep and goats at a time that helps them avoid venturing into the midday sun to eat in the pasture. They usually head out to graze early in the morning, spend midday inside, and then go out to eat more grass in the evening once it is cooler.

There is a common misconception that pigs wallow in mud because they’re dirty animals—but that couldn’t be further from the truth! 

Pigs like to stay clean. For example, they’re sure to eliminate waste far from where they eat. The truth is that pigs have few sweat glands, and spending time in mud helps them regulate their body temperature and provides a coating of protection from the sun’s rays. To help them engage in this natural behavior, we make sure their wallows are topped off with water so they can stay comfortable in the mud.

As seen above, we also offer misting fans and apply sunscreen, which is especially needed for our pink pig residents. They are particularly vulnerable to sunburns, which can lead to skin cancer. 

Our semi-aquatic duck and geese friends need lots of water, so we provide plenty of pools, sprinklers, dunk buckets, and footbaths. 

For the most part, the ducks and geese spend hot days lounging in and around their water and in the shade of trees and plants. 

These birds don’t only rely on the water to stay cool. It’s also an essential part of their lives and well-being year-round, helping them to keep clean and healthy.

Unlike our duck and geese friends, who like to be in the water when temperatures rise, many cattle prefer to beat the heat indoors. 

Above, you’ll see Greg steer, peering out of the barn on a hot summer day. 

Others, like Ted (seen below), lounge in the shade, where the trees help keep them cool.

In addition to ensuring that their environment helps make them comfortable, we treat the cows with fly spray when needed—because with hot weather come flies.

We hope this sheds some light on how we keep animals at the sanctuaries cool!

Most of our residents tolerate the heat well, but we watch for signs of someone overheating. If so, we will take their temperature, move them to a cooler area, or apply rubbing alcohol to their backs to help them cool down.

Follow us on social media and visit us in person to see more of our rescued animals and learn about their daily lives.