FAQ

When our co-founders decided to start a farm together in 2020, they had to learn how to compromise - big time. They eventually found a balance and the organization took shape. Don’t worry: We never compromise on quality or animal care!

Additionally, since we both grow food and keep animals from being food here, the organization is a happy compromise of explaining who we should not be eating (our friends) while also showing what we should be eating (nutritious and climate-friendly fruits and veggies)!

Basically, the name just stuck and it’s part of what makes HCF+S unique.

Currently, the main way to visit the sanctuary is by attending one of our Open Volunteer Days, where we do an informal tour at the end of our volunteer shifts. These are held every second Saturday and last Sunday of April through November. They start promptly at 10am and go until 2pm.

Additionally, it’s important to note that animal sanctuaries are not petting zoos, though they may seem similar. Petting zoos exist for human entertainment, while animal sanctuaries are nonprofit organizations that provide individualized care for rescued animals and don’t ever force animals to interact if they don’t want to. Farmed animal sanctuaries also tend to educate the public about veganism and how to live without causing harm to other species or other humans. For more on the distinction between sanctuaries and petting zoos, check out this article from our friends at Open Sanctuary.

While we truly wish we could offer limitless homes for animals in need, that’s not the reality of our financial, time, or space situation. Currently, we are near our capacity for animal residents. However, we will do our best to help you network with someone else who may be able to help if you reach out with details of the animal(s), your location, and the situation.

There are so many ways to get involved and support our work! Financial donations are currently our greatest need - please see this page for all of the many ways to make a donation. Donations are all tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

We are also always in need of in-person volunteers if you’re local to Waverly, NY! Check out one of our bi-monthly Open Volunteer Days or you can find our volunteer application here. Currently, we ask that anyone who is interested in becoming a regular volunteer attend an Open Volunteer Day first.

Think you would be a great board member? We are always interested in hearing from people who want to get involved in a bigger way. We ask that board members are vegan and have specific interests and skillsets that would benefit the organization. You can fill out a board member application here.

Looking for a big-picture way to help? If you haven’t already, please consider switching to a vegan lifestyle. It’s our hope that animal sanctuaries aren’t even needed in the future because so many people will have woken up to the cruelties of animal exploitation and decided to live healthier lives for themselves, the animals, and the planet.

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we provide sanctuary to animals and grow food is the occupied territory of the Susquehannock and Haudenosaunee people, who stewarded this land throughout generations. As an organization, we pay our respect to elders both past and present.