Beautiful sanctuary where animal rescues live out their natural lives in peace and safety, served by compassionate human beings. Established in 1986, it was the first of its kind and easily the most impressive animal sanctuary I've ever been to. Situated in upstate New York, it's a marvelous vision, the scenery is paradise. We visited for my daughter's thirteenth birthday; this is the trip she wanted most in the world. Last time she was here, I was wearing her in an infant wrap. Five years from now, I expect she will be FS staff. Scott was our tour guide today and he is perfect at his job. He introduced us to the animal ambassadors and the mission of Farm Sanctuary's founding. My girls, their friend and myself loved interacting with the wonderful animals, learning their names, hearing about their origin stories and seeing how they've adjusted to the kindness of vegans after lives of suffering at human hands. I highly recommend anyone reading this make the trip to Farm Sanctuary someday. It's a life-affirming experience. YES : VEGAN AF YES : FAMILY FRIENDLY AF read more

Visited this farm a few years ago, very well managed however the sanctuary farm in Clayton ny is another story. It appears that nobody live on farm with roughly 80 animals. If something drastic happens, nobody's there. read more

It was a very educational tour. We picked the 1pm tour and it was very hot so some of the animals were staying inside and in the shade- the kids were able to brush the goats and pet the sheep. The rest of the animals we saw from afar. The bull was guarding the entrance so we were unable to pet or brush the cows. Overall a positive experience. In the summer heat I'd suggest an earlier tour read more

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Very educational and touching. They do an amazing job in helping farm animals live good life's. You get to interact with most of the animals, who love to be pet and loved. read more

This is definitely a place that has an agenda. It sells its self as a cool place to come see rescues but it is actually a place of propaganda. Time with the animals is very limited. Instead they push crazy vegan presentation on you. Guilting you that meat is bad and cow farts a killing the planet. Not worth the time or money. Sorry you have a nice property but the vibe is all wrong. read more

The farm setting is beautiful, and the animals are cared for very well. I knew from the website that I would get a "go vegan" message, but didn't think the guide would go as hard as she did. The people who run the FS are clearly more concerned with animals than people, which is fine, their choice. The reason I'm reviewing this is in case you want to bring your child to see a real farm or to visit the animals. The video they show before the tour is somewhat graphic, and the information given during the tour is quite graphic, so be aware. read more

My husband and I recently met a friend of ours for lunch at the new cafe which is called The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary. The menu is 100% vegan (hooray!) and everything we tried was delicious. The staff were all friendly and helpful, adding to our very pleasant experience. We look forward to our next visit! FYI, the cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Find out which days and hours it's open by emailing: thekitchen@farmsanctuary.org. read more

If I could give this beautiful place a hundred stars rating I would! We stayed on the property in one of the cottages- it's prettier then the pictures. It truly is a Sanctuary for animals and people! You will decompress and truly appreciate these animals and the simplicity of the farm. Breakfast was adorable as it is given to you in a picnic basket! The tours are a MUST! One side note is bring warm clothing as weather changes and is cooler especially in the mornings. We packed a cooler of vegan foods so didn't venture much off the property except to go to Watkins National park for a hike. Kitchen is perfect for cooking and everything you will need is there! Everyone is beyond helpful and their passion for their jobs is refreshing. Such wonderful people as well as other people visiting the farm. Can't recommend enough! read more

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We went out of our way during our vacation exploring upstate NY to visit this farm. We went on a 12 pm tour that stated promptly and our tour guide was well informed and shared interesting, educational, eye opening information about the farm industry. The highlight of course was interacting with the animals. They would approach if wanting to be petted. Many were so friendly. We came with our 13 yr old and 6 yr old sons. Both enjoyed it very much. I bought a tee shirt as a souvenir. read more

Farm Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Watkins Glen, New York

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This place is amazing!!! What they do for animals is incredible. Our tour guide was Amy, a volunteer here from Scotland and she was great. She gave us so much information, knew the animals by name, told us how to approach them. The tour was amazing and we will def be back. Motivated me to again be a more conscious eater, def moving towards being vegetarian. Their tiny houses look very interesting and hope to be staying there soon. I highly recommend!!! read more

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If you care about animals, want to know more about animals are / should be treated, want to be in a peaceful place, then I highly recommend visiting Farm Sanctuary or even better staying there. We stayed over a weekend and had an amazing time. If you stay there, you get to go on a tour in the mornings with other people who stay. Your are surrounded by very kind people that are very kind to everyone including animals. That creates this very peaceful atmosphere. read more

Farm Sanctuary is a place for animals taken by the state from the agricultural farming field. They bring in these animals, and provide them with a quality life, and medical treatment. We came down for the first race of the year at Watkins Glen International, and I remembered this place from the movie Forks Over Knives. Emailing the group, Natalia agreed to give us a private tour, since they don't officially open for a few more weeks. First off, if you're driving a race car, you will jack up your ride. If you can, approach from the west. The approach from the north is a terrible drive, with large pot holes, inches deep of mud, and up to six inch deep ruts. A normal vehicle can be okay if you're careful, and an SUV will be fine. The path from the west is much calmer, and much shorter. There is no mobile phone service out here for Verizon, and I'm assuming the other carriers. Note 7, Note 5, iphone 6s and 7+ all had zero service. So, what's the point of coming out here? THE ANIMALS. The farm is absolutely massive. At this time, they have over 600 animals. You'll meet sheep, pigeons, goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys, and cows. If you're really lucky, you may meet a couple of kitty cats. The sheep are absolute dolls! They can be a little, dare I say, sheepish, but they will warm up to you, and start begging for love. They appreciate some good scratches, though they will probably be shaved down when you get there. The pigeons are with the sheep, and they just kind of hop down or flap about and say Hi! There are also goats here,  and they will be right there with you and the sheep. We met the pigs next. Most people think pig = bacon, but if you are more knowledgeable of them, you know they are big guys. Well, I'm no expert, and it is quite daunting when a 650 pound pig comes waddling up to one. They have specific instructions to follow here (as they do everywhere since this is essentially a hands on experience with animals. Of course! Lol), and it's critical to follow them. One doesn't want to get bit by a pig. Similar to sharks, it's not just a bad bite, but the bacteria that is the biggest hazard. They take them to the doctor, feed them, clean up, and make sure they have all medication needed for a quality life (remember, these are factory farmed animals). One of the goats has a wheel chair, even! It doesn't get much more compassionate than that. The turkeys and chickens are wicked cool. From the little poofy guys with sideways grumpy dance, to the butt scratches for the friendly folks. Of course, follow directions,  but with the feathered friends who wanted to visit, one could reach under them as if they were picking them up (think cupping water with your hands. Note: Do NOT try to pick them up. You picking them up is like a T REX trying to scoop you up, so be courteous :) ), and start scratching. They love it!!!! One little guy (I think it was actually female) would get very flustered and poor up when we would stop. Who knew a grumpy turkey could be so cute!!!! FYI, mostly the chickens couldn't care less. Pull up some green grass, though, and you may make a friend ;) Finally, we met the cows. Big bosses on campus. They had a bit of a situation going on, so we decided not to show too much love, but they were happy to be around people, and love attention. Overall, it was an awesome experience. Everyone was friendly and courteous. Animals, people, it was all compassion. Honestly, I don't think there is a more peaceful place. read more

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Farm sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Not only was it educational, it was heartwarming. I hope I get to visit again very soon! read more

Farm Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Watkins Glen, New York

It's a beautiful place. And knowing that at least these few farm animals are allowed to live and grow old is... amazing. While I've been a meat eater for my entire 60 years, I was always conflicted. A hypocrite. I have seen factory farming and know the brutal, inhumane short life the animals have as objects. This visit gave me the extra insight to make the change. Since visiting several months ago I haven't eaten meat (but a I do eat free range eggs and fish). I've discovered a world of excellent "veggie meats" and have had no problem adjusting. While Farm Sanctuary is but a symbol in the scheme of things, it does have the power to mobilize change. Check it out for yourself. read more

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If you are an animal lover this is a must. If you have kids who like animals, especially city kids who've only seen cats and dogs, they will totally have a blast. (However, supervise your kids - these are big animals and while the guide makes an effort to bring you to the friendlier animals... these are not pets, and as you know, even the gentlest pets can sometimes snap.) The farm is somewhat out of way, a good 15 minutes drive from Watkins Glen, but not difficult to find. The place is very beautiful and truly feels like a paradise for animals. Do join the tour so they can take you close to the animals: sheep, goats, chicken, cows... I was so excited to see a herd of sheep coming home to the barn, and one was running on prosthetic leg. (Which may give my husband pause when ordering his leg of lamb). There is a short video before tour about farm animal abuse, which is educational but also very sad. BTW, you can "adopt" farm animals for a monthly fee. read more

I don't even know where to start. I'm so grateful for farm sanctuaries. I can now tell anyone who is concerned that cows might get extinct if we don't exploit them not to worry, as cows can live in farm sanctuaries. This Farm Sanctuary is awesome. They give hourly tours and tell about the terrors of the meat and dairy industry in a very accessible and even child-friendly way. I am at awe of the work they are doing and will continue supporting it. read more

Great tour to hang out with some friendly farm animals. Our guide was very nice and informative. The price for the tour compared to how long it lasts can be a little steep. And everything in the gift shop costs an arm and a leg, but that is to be expected in all gift shops. Either way, it was a nice experience. They support veganism highly without shoving it down your throat toooo too much. read more

Farm Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Watkins Glen, New York

Frog Farm Sanctuary is an excellent nonprofit whose mission is to take in animals (especially farm animals) who need a home and provide for them on their 42-acre farm. They especially focus on animals who have been neglected or abused, or who are older. They keep people informed about their work through fantastic and often humorous posts about the antics on the farm from their llamas who need monthly injections of ivermectin to precious Harry pup's aquatherapy treatments. Sadly, Harry just crossed rainbow bridge, but this sanctuary takes people on the journey with them through all the heartbreak as well as the joy. I love how they engage people with great stories about each individual animal's personality. How can you not love and support Frog Farm Sanctuary? read more

I was expecting something totally different. I had hoped to learn more about the sanctuary, instead we had a vegan propaganda tour. I'm not against vegans. I myself have been trying to eat fewer animal products, but this approach totally put me off completely. Maybe they should learn that you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. Not sure their methods are totally appropriate for kids, who made up the majority of the tour. read more

Don't go to the zoo, don't go to the circus. If you want to become acquainted with real, i.e., happy animals- get thee to the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen. Cows, pigs, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, etc., all for you to pet and learn about in a serene setting. Go there. read more

This place is a little slice of heaven. My husband and me and our two children (ages 3.5 and 1) visited here last week. We stayed in one of the 3 cabins right on the sanctuary property. The cabins are large and very well kept, with two double beds and a nice front porch (important when you have children that go to bed at 8pm)! There is no bathroom inside the cabin, but an extremely clean washroom, with shower facilities, is literally steps away from the cabin. There is also a drinking water fountain, also steps away. The Sanctuary itself is wonderful. The whole place has this relaxed, serene, peaceful feel to it. I am positive that it stems from the fact that it is filled with happy animals and kind hearted people. On the tour, you can go right into the enclosures with the animals, and there are many opportunities to touch and pet the ones that are eager for affection (and there are many). I love the low-key vibe here. The staff are all super nice and laid back, and there aren't a whole bunch of ridiculous rules. You are asked not to bring any animal products onto the sanctuary, but I think this is completely fair given that it is a sanctuary for rescued farm animals. My husband and I spent evenings relaxing on the porch with beers (lots of local micro breweries in the region!), reading, and watching deer. Days can be spent exploring the sanctuary and the surrounding area, which is STUNNING. Watkins Glen is a gorgeous little town, and there are lots of gorges and waterfalls nearby. As mentioned above, lots of micro breweries and wineries around too. This is an impressively beautiful area. I left here feeling an incredible lightness of being and a calm that lasted for days. If you get a chance to visit here, I highly recommend it. read more

I went to the Farm Sanctuary over Memorial Day weekend. I haven't eaten any birds, cows, pigs, etc, since. I would say that that is an excellent review of a non-profit whose mission is to stem the the mistreatment of farm animals, and also to completely stem the farming of them for food. The Farm itself is absolutely impeccably kept. It is literally a farm paradise that those mistreated sweet creatures greatly deserve. I loved every second of my visit. (The intro visit ruined my life, but still...) I would love to go back sometime and see the calf named Elliot. read more

Just awesome!!! We came on a Monday after driving for three days at the nearby racetrack. They don't offer tours on Mondays but could not have been friendlier. One can join for only $20 a year and then do a self guided walking tour. Someone even opened the gift shop for us so we could purchase a few t shirts and beverages. The big welcome barn is great and gives some insight into the terribly sad plight of today's farm animals. I'm sort of glad I did not have to watch the movie that's part of the tour. I'm a vegetarian and borderline vegan and have enough info in my head to make me sad when I even think about what happens each and every day to millions of poor animals on farms! Walking around the amazingly well kept grounds was a joy. The resident animals are tame and curious and will come to the fence to meet you. We had a great time and I'll try to come back for sure Very inspiring and special place! read more

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I just loved this place. Its just all heart. My husband and I stayed in one of the cabins on the way down from Niagara Falls. It was so peaceful and incredibly quiet in the evening. You can really rest here. It felt like summer camp but much more private. Really fun for the kid in you. We had a complimentary tour of the grounds and resident animals in the morning which was just so much fun. Their style is to educate without being in your face or guilt tripping at all. Just to show you animals that were once unhappy and now are very, very at peace. Id love to take our kid here one day! read more

You don't have to be a vegan or vegetarian to be a fan of Farm Sanctuary. It isn't all about that. There's much to be said about the need for compassion and humanity for those that cannot speak for themselves. And these folks do it in a very classy and non violent way. That being said, this particular charity has spots on both coasts; and as would be expected quite a lot of celebrity endorsement. They have also found some unique ways for us run of the mill folks to show our support; however meager it might be. Farm Sanctuary has ops for volunteering on site; if you have had enough of work in the big city, lovely green fields and pastures will definitely put you in perspective. A small group of students and I spent two days there; and a great experience was had by all. This time of year, as with other organizations, they do a walk. For some reason, and perhaps I was walking for something or someone else, I missed the one here in Chicago in September. So, the folks at Farm Sanctuary dreamed up a way to walk and still get your zzzz's. Yep, the Farm Sanctuary Sleep In for the Animals is up and running. (Bad choice of words) but I so love a cause with a pause that refreshes, complete with pledges, tee shirts, and that bottom line great feeling that you did something decent. Super idea for a super cause! read more

The Watkins Glen animal sanctuary was amazing! What a great way to spend 2 hours. Took a guided tour which was so nice. Was able to get up close and personal with all the animals. Petting cows, goats, pigs was so much fun. Learned a lot. So calm and peaceful. The animals were so loving. When you are in Watkins Glen you have to see this place. read more

Farm Sanctuary - Up close with a lovely cow - Animal Shelters Near Me - Watkins Glen, New York

Farm Sanctuary was wonderful. I don't have a whole lot to add to the other positive reviews, as they pretty much nailed it, but we had a great time. We did not stay overnight (they offer lodging on the sanctuary), but only did the tour. The countryside was beautiful, at the sanctuary and the area in general. The animals were incredibly sweet. Some of them were a bit skittish, but just as many are people-lovers. The staff were very friendly and informative. They do not lecture to you, but they also do not sugarcoat it for you, as Farm Sanctuary is not a petting zoo, and you will be shown (through poster/video) and told the sort of conditions that many of these animals are coming from, and the reason that Farm Sanctuary exists. After the tour we were allowed to walk around leisurely. Highly recommended to animal lovers of any sort. Make sure to grab something from the gift shop to help support Farm Sanctuary. A couple of tips. #1 - As somebody noted below, do not wear flip flops or any shoes that you don't mind getting a little bit dirty. #2 - Some people noted that they had an easy time finding the place. We didn't exactly get lost, but our GPS took us on a dirt road route that was less than ideal, and we ended up being a few minutes late. At any rate, I would recommend getting there a little bit early, just because it is off the beaten track, so you want some extra time to account for taking a wrong turn or a subpar GPS route. One last thing. Holy "cow"!!! Sometimes you forget how big pigs get until you're standing right next to one!!!! :) read more

Farm Sanctuary is great! I went for a former intern retreat (as a guest; it was my first time there) and got the pleasure of taking two farm tours and hearing Gene Baur speak (and getting to eat lunch with Gene!). I think that Farm Sanctuary does great work and it is a beautiful place. Seeing the animals being so happy after however they've been mistreated is great. I loved cuddling with sheep, goats, cows, turkeys, pigs, etc. I would definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area (and it's a beautiful area) so you can meet farm animals up close and learn about factory farming and what it does to those animals. You might just be affected enough to change your eating habits. read more

This place is actually amazing. This makes me want to do this when I'm older. I am vegan for the loving animals and so appreciated that they deserve the life they should have! read more

This place is heaven. Even if you aren't vegan or vegetarian, this is a great place to learn about animal rights issues, factory farming issues, and get to spend some quality, up close and personal time with rescued farm animals. The staff is friendly and non-judgmental, and the farm is absolutely beautiful. Tours are $5 for adults and $3 for children, and it's well-worth it! You get to spend about an hour learning about the farm, the animals, and getting to cuddle with some of them! The gift shop is also really great. Farm Sanctuary is also really active in the legislative and outreach side of animal rights issues, and they achieve these goals in a really reasonable way. I definitely recommend getting involved with Farm Sanctuary in some way or another, and visit the New York or California shelter if you get the chance! read more

Farm Sanctuary is an accurate description for the land, since it's not a working farm. It is a piece of land with barns, a visitor center, and cabins where people can stay overnight. Rescued farm animals live here, and you can come to visit and take a tour. I came here because I was on a vacation in the Finger Lakes to visit wineries and my friend really wanted to see this place. The tour begins with a video on the history of the place and why it exists. Farm animals are sometimes rescued or escape from death. For example, an abandoned delivery truck with animals inside was found on the road one day. The animals were brought to the Farm Sanctuary. Occasionally a goat will be found wandering the streets of Brooklyn after it escapes a slaughterhouse. And it ends up here. It is a very educational experience. Our tour began with visiting cows in the pasture. They were massive. I visited a dairy farm as a small child but I don't remember the animals being this big. Then we saw Turpentine the wild turkey, goats and sheep, other turkeys, wandering chickens, and pigs. I think the saddest part for me was the turkeys who have had their beaks and claws removed. I don't know why but I guess that bothered me the most. I had a cat and I wouldn't let her be declawed under anesthesia so I can't imagine what it feels like for them to have their beaks literally burned off with no painkiller. I am not a vegetarian, and there is a distinct message of vegetarianism and veganism that is pushed (at least by our tour guide). This makes sense, because animal rights and lowering the demand for animal products is the goal of the organization. However, I think the video shown, the information given, and the animals themselves send a powerful message. I think the guides should maybe give a gentler nudge toward the vegetarian lifestyle instead of being so overt about what people "should" do. Overall I think this is a great place. Someone else said not to wear sandals and I would agree that if you think of it, wear tennis shoes. I wore flip flops though and managed to make it without poop on my feet. You just have to watch where you are going. read more

Had an amazing time. Super cute gift shop, although a little pricy it was worth it. Definitely go on the tour it's so worth it and the allows you to be able to go into the enclosures. They have such cute animals and exactly what i was looking for! Very happy I went. read more

Such an amazing place. They do so much good for such beautiful animals. I was very moved by my visit here. Highly recommend visiting the sanctuary whether you're in the area or made a road trip of it (like i did 4.5 hours)! Thank you to the staff for saving these sweet and precious animals. It was such an eye opening experience visiting read more

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Amazing place! The residents at farm sanctuary really are living their best lives, and their destinies would be the most gruesome if they hadn't been rescued by farm Sanctuary. I praise you all for doing what you do for these forgotten and abandoned animals. read more

We stayed one of the tiny houses on the property and had a wonderful time. The tour of the farm was very enjoyable, as was just wandering around the area. Can't wait to visit again next year! read more

I'm not saying that coming here will make you turn vegan, but they make a pretty compelling case. Between the presentation of the state of industrialized and the friendliness of almost every animal you run into, it really makes your heart open. read more

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We spent a lovely afternoon touring the farm and playing with all the sweet farm animal rescues. The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. It's super-vegan-positive, so bear that in mind, but they don't hit you over the head all that much with it. Definitely a great family activity. read more

Came here this weekend for the thanksgiving event with my mom and sister and it was lovely. We loved it! I loved all the time i got to spend with the animals, especially the sheep! Great place to take children also for some real hands on animal interaction. The animals are well taken care of and really love people. Had a blast and will definitely be coming back again. read more

Pet and love friendly animals that have been rescued. A wonderful visit with the whole family to interact with pigs, goats, cows, donkeys, turkeys, in a warm and friendly environment. The staff are terrific and very informative. You get to pet and hang out with the rescue animals in the expansive fields and barns throughout the beautiful property. read more

This review is not for the physical farm, which is quite lovely, but for the fundraising practices of this organization. I have made donations in the past, and my name was sold to at least 15 other animal rights organizations, who in turn sold my name to even more - I literally cannot open the mailbox without some sad cat, dog, or horse staring up at me, pleading to be saved with my financial contribution. I won't support organizations that so willingly share my name and address with others - when they put a policy in place to stop this practice, I will happily give again. read more