Join the Rescue Movement


Since its formation in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has been a leader in the farm animal rescue movement, connecting thousands of abused, discarded, and neglected farm animals with safe and loving homes through our Farm Animal Adoption Network (FAAN).
The Rescue and Placement team receives daily requests for assistance from all across the country. In 2023 and 2024, we received 2,225 requests, representing more than 14,000 animals in need. These individuals are often survivors of animal agriculture. Some have been seized by authorities or abandoned or surrendered by their guardians. Some have fallen from transport trucks or are survivors of cruelty and neglect. All are in need of safe homes dedicated to providing lifelong, individualized care.
10 billion land animals are raised and slaughtered annually within the food system in the United States alone. Sanctuary space is finite, and our ability to assist directly may be limited by location, staffing, and physical capacity. Therefore, we work with the sanctuary community and adopters in our network to save as many lives as possible.
Finding safe homes is challenging because society views farm animals as commodities rather than companions. Individuals with significant care needs and those who are most frequently in need, such as roosters, male ducks, and potbelly pigs, are even harder to place. By engaging each potential home in a screening process, we get to know each adopter and seek to understand who will be the right fit for their circumstances. In collaboration with sanctuaries and private homes, we maintain a compassionate community of adopters that is committed to protecting farm animals from exploitation and ensuring that each rescued individual leads an enriching life.
Please note: The FAAN program is for those interested in adopting farm animals into their homes. If you have questions about our joining network, or if you are aware of an animal in need of placement, please contact us at [email protected] or call 607-583-2225, ext. 223.
If you are looking for information about our Adopt a Farm Animal Program to financially sponsor a Farm Sanctuary resident, please contact [email protected] or call 607-583-2225, ext. 225.
Frequently Asked Questions
Placement Assistance


If you need help finding a companion-only home for a rescued farm animal, our Farm Animal Adoption Network Facebook group is a great way to connect with prospective homes. Our team handles preliminary screening for any interested adopters based on our adoption criteria. If we find a possible appropriate match, we then connect you directly with the potential adopter. In most cases, arranging transport to a new home will need to be coordinated by you and the adopter. Requests to post animals must be submitted by their legal guardian. If you would like us to post about your farm animal in need, please email us at [email protected].
While we do provide a screening process for all interested adopters, you are ultimately responsible for making the final decision on placing the animal in a new home. Potential adopters and sanctuary settings need careful vetting to ensure that the animal(s) receive the lifelong care they deserve in an appropriate, safe, and stable home. We recommend personally visiting a prospective home in advance whenever possible. You can contact our placement team at any time to discuss concerns or ask questions at 607-583-2225 x223 or [email protected].
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Featured Adoption Stories
Featured Adoption Stories
Why Is This Pig So Happy?
Happy pig was once lonely. Now, she's surrounded by love.
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July 1, 2024
Viva Rescue & Farm Sanctuary Collaborate to Save the Lives of 51 Chickens
When Viva Rescue leaped into action to save 51 chickens, Farm Sanctuary was there to help.
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May 3, 2023
Persistence and Perseverance Saved Dottie and Her Boys
A sweet sheep named Dottie gave birth to twin boys on January 21, 2021, in Dutchess County, NY. What should have been a joyous event for Dottie was likely one of great stress. Dottie’s baby boys – Freckles and Patches – entered the world to severe neglect. Yet the persistence and determination of compassionate neighbors and our Farm Animal Adoption Network have given them a second chance.
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October 31, 2022
The Oklahoma Cows: Dozens Rescued After Farmer’s Change of Heart
Earlier this year, Dan, a former beef farmer, asked Farm Sanctuary to help rehome his herd. Impressed by the cows' intelligence, Dan began to reconsider his relationship with them. Ultimately, he decided he could not, in good faith, send thinking, feeling beings to their deaths.
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