5 Upstate Animal Sanctuaries To Visit This Fall

We understand the dilemma. We understand it well.

The idyllic idea of starting life on a farm can be appealing. With the hustle and bustle of the city all around us, who doesn't occasionally yearn for a life pulled straight from the world of Charlotte's Web every once in a while? But deep inside, you know there would be much more work (and money!) involved than just hanging out with some cute pigs and chickens. Lucky for you, if you want a taste of that life without the commitment, there are plenty of animal sanctuaries upstate that you can enjoy without the price tag or the hassle of running the operation yourself. And the best part is that by visiting them you get to help some noble causes as well!

1. Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

Based in Poughkeepsie, the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, or HVARS for short, provides a safe place for a wide variety of rescue animals, domestic and wild, big and small. You can drop in to spend some time with these animal rescues every weekend from 12 to 4 PM, or visit their website if you want to schedule an appointment for an adoption visit!

2. TevaLand Sanctuary Farm

This Hillburn sanctuary farm serves as a haven for farmed animals and allows you to visit with them in a therapeutic capacity. TevaLand offers hour-long healing sessions, where you ‌can cleanse away any stress or otherwise negative energy you've been holding onto in collaboration with these rescued animals. The sanctuary also offers parties and educational events to get even closer with their animals. Visit their site to plan a trip or donate to the cause! 

3. Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

Much like TevaLand, this animal sanctuary in High Falls serves as a place of refuge for farmed animals. For the safety of their furry residents, the site has elected to offer only virtual tours for the time being. Go live with them on their Instagram or Facebook page to hang out with some cute baby goats or any of their other (over 350!) animals.

4. Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary

This sanctuary was named after its first resident, a pig named Arthur—what could be sweeter? You can meet him at his peaceful Parksville home along with lots of chickens, cats, and other fluffy friends when you schedule a tour via the sanctuary's website. 

5. HeartsHerd Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Center

The herd at HeartsHerd in Buskirk comprises everything from kittens to cows. The sanctuary offers plenty of opportunities to engage, including healing days with its animals, adoption and sponsorship visits, and even an on-site Airbnb for more extended visits. To learn more about all the wonderful work HeartsHerd is doing and how you can engage with them, read up on their site.

This is just a small sampling of the animal sanctuaries you can visit upstate to satisfy your farm life yearnings, with some great opportunities to help animals in need, too. Whether you take a long-weekend trip to go visit them all, or just scroll through their socials during breaks, we hope this list comes in handy for you.

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