Farm Animal Rescues in Michigan

Most people tend to think that animal rescue organizations are for dogs and cats in need. Although many dogs and cats are in rescues, they are not alone. In fact, many farm animals are in rescues and sanctuaries. As a state with an abundance of farmland, Michigan is home to many organizations caring for chickens, cows, donkeys, goats, horses, and other farm animals in need. Most of these animals can be adopted into suitable forever homes, but when adoption isn't possible, there are other ways to help. These include fostering an animal, donating supplies or money, and volunteering time and skills.

The following list of organizations dedicated to helping farm animals in Michigan is not exhaustive. However, this list of ten such organizations is a good resource for anyone interested in helping their cause.

1. Black Sheep Crossing is a 100-acre sanctuary for farm animals, dogs, cats, and birds. Located in Northport, Black Sheep Crossing does not offer animal adoptions. Instead, the sanctuary provides a permanent home for the animals, which include cows, goats, pigs, and donkeys, to name just a few.

2. The Equine STAR Foundation in White Lake is dedicated to helping mistreated, unwanted, and retired horses. Potential adopters should be prepared for the substantial cost of keeping a horse. They must also agree to abide by Equine STAR's rules, which include having shelter available for the horse during the brutally cold Michigan winters. If a potential adopter does not have suitable accommodations, it may be possible to board the horse at Equine STAR's facility.

3. Northern Michigan Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation is located in Gaylord. Adoption fees for the horses vary, and potential adopters who have never owned a horse are welcome to apply.

The remaining organizations are listed at Petfinder and can be found by going to the page that lists animal shelters by state, selecting "Michigan" from the dropdown list, entering the name of the organization, and hitting the "Go!" button.

4. Broken Road Rescue in Bath is dedicated to rehabilitating and finding homes for neglected and abused horses, dogs, and cats. This organization rescues horses and other equines at auctions where they would otherwise have been purchased for slaughter. The dogs and cats are rescued from local shelters; their adoption fees help fund the horse rescue.

5. Crossroads Donkey Rescue in Dimondale helps abused and neglected donkeys and places them in loving forever homes. The rescue has also helped mules and horses in need. The average adoption fee is $350 for one donkey or about $600 for a pair.

6. DHK Animal Rescue in Milan mainly rescues and adopts out dogs, horses, and cats. They have also helped goats, llamas, alpacas, turkeys, and many other animals.

7. Earth Services, previously known as Educated Animal Rescue and Teen Haven, is located in Bellevue. This organization takes in at-risk adolescent boys and gives each of them the responsibility of caring for an animal. These animals include llamas, goats, ducks, horses, and donkeys.

8. Horse North Inc. in Fife Lake offers horse rehabilitation and placement. Instead of adopting out the horses, Horse North retains ownership and offers lease agreements for $25 a year. Horse North requires periodic home visits and reserves the right to take the horse if the conditions of the agreement are not being met.

9. The Michigan Wildlife Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center that also takes in larger adoptable animals, such as horses, that cannot be accommodated in shelters. In addition, they have cared for many smaller animals, including chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and parakeets. The center, which is located in Lowell, welcomes visitors with advance notice.

10. Turning Pointe Donkey Rescue in Dansville is dedicated to helping miniature, standard, and mammoth donkeys find forever homes. Out-of-state adoption is possible, and some of the animals have even gone to Canada. Turning Pointe requires a contract, and every donkey adopted must have an equine companion in its new home. The average adoption fee is $650.

It is important to note that each organization has its own needs and adoption requirements. Anyone wishing to adopt or help out in another way should contact the individual rescue for more information.

Sources:

Black Sheep Crossing

The Equine STAR Foundation

Northern Michigan Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation

Petfinder