We’re not far from where Catskill Game Farm used to be, but we are two very different places. The game farm closed in 2006, but the names are similar enough that people sometimes confuse us. We know a lot of people have happy childhood memories of the game farm, but sadly life behind the scenes wasn’t so good for the animals. Some of our residents came here when the Game Farm closed and are still here to this day! They hope you come visit!

We are a farmed animal sanctuary, so unfortunately we cannot rescue cats or dogs. If you need to rehome a cat or dog, we encourage you to contact your local No Kill shelter.

Our hearts are with you; please contact your veterinarian.

Sadly, we can’t. Please contact Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center to report an injured animal.

Our Sanctuary is pronounced Cat-skill, and we’re named after the Catskill Mountains that form the beautiful backdrop of our 150 acres. The Dutch settled the area, and their word for creek, kill, ends the name of many towns in the area, including Fishkill, Peekskill, Bushkill and Plattekill.

Yes, if you register before April 1, you’ll get a 10% discount on registration! If you’re mailing in your registration, it must be postmarked March 31 or earlier.

Yes, the second child, and any additional children, will receive a 10% discount. In fact, your children can even attend different sessions and still get the discount; and, the discount can be combined with the early registration discount, prior to April 1.

Fill out the registration form for the first child, and then email Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org to unlock the discount.

It’s easy, simply choose the payment plan option when you’re registering. You’ll pay $100 up front, and we’ll be in touch to set up a plan for the balance. All discounts also apply to payment plans.

Scholarships are available for children who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial hardship. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and we may not be able to offer scholarships to all applicants. All inquiries and financial information will be kept strictly confidential.

To apply, fill out the registration form and select “Scholarship Applicant” in the payment section. Then, download and fill out the Scholarship Application, which is included with your confirmation email, and send it us, along with your supplemental materials, as directed on the form.

Yes, if you refer a friend, you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a free night at The Homestead , our on-site guest house! Here’s what to do:

1. Sign your child up for a session.
2. Tell your friends, and make sure they write your name in the referral section of their registration form.
3. Your friend registers their child for any session (which doesn’t have to be the session your child is attending), and writes your name in the referral section.
4. You’re in — and every referral section mention counts as an entry.
5. Get more entries by referring more friends!
6. One person is randomly selected by August 9, and notified via email.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the facilities for kids to stay overnight (and all of our barns are full!). But, we hope to offer this in the future!

Of course! Our staff works hard to make sure that every child is safe and comfortable. Please describe your child’s needs on your registration, and we’ll be in touch to discuss them as necessary. You can also always reach out with questions to Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org or +1 845 336 8447, ext. 205.

Meals vary throughout the week, and include meals like pasta, sandwiches and pizza. We also offer snacks such as fruit, cookies and popsicles. Peanut (or other nut/seed) butter and jelly sandwiches are also always available.

If your child is a picky eater or has medical needs relating to diet, you are welcome to send them with their own food. However, out of respect for our mission and residents, we require that all food and drinks brought on site be vegan and free of all animal products. If you need suggestions or have any questions, contact Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org or +1 845 336 8447, ext. 205.

You’re in luck! We have on-site accommodations in our historic, restored guest house, The Homestead. You’ll stay on the sanctuary grounds and enjoy a delicious vegan breakfast before your child starts their day. Plus, if you book the full week during your child’s session, you’ll earn 10% off the price of your Homestead stay. To get the discount code, email Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org, or Alex Freimuth, Homestead Manager, at Alex@casanctuary.org.

If we’re booked, don’t fret — there are all types of other accommodations nearby. The Hudson Valley is beautiful in the summer, with vibrant towns, natural spaces, special events and festivals, and plenty of great restaurants.

While we ask parents not to volunteer with Camp Kindness during their child’s program, you’re certainly welcome to explore our other volunteer opportunities — for one day, or all five! Email volunteer@casanctuary.org for more information.

Your child should wear weather-appropriate clothes that can get wet, muddy, and dirty. Shoes must be closed-toed for safety reasons, and waterproof footwear is highly recommended.

We also suggest:

• Large water bottle, filled with water, to be refilled during the day
• Sunscreen (spray preferred; please apply before arriving, and pack it so your child can re-apply as necessary)
• Bug spray
• Hat
• Towel
• Bathing suit
• Extra change of clothes, including socks
• Extra boots or shoes
• Rain gear (i.e., raincoat, rain hat, and rain boots), as needed
• Any medications or other medical needs

Your child is welcome to bring a camera or cell phone for photo taking. Cell phones can also be used during downtime, like snack and lunch; however, we encourage everyone to participate in the here-and-now and discourage frequent phone usage.

Your child will have their own storage space during the week. Items can stay overnight, as long as they are not wet or dirty!

Catskill Animal Sanctuary is not responsible for lost, damaged or destroyed items.

Please leave all valuables at home, so they are not lost or broken. We also suggest leaving money at home, as our on-site gift shop is only open to campers on Friday afternoon.

Weapons and dangerous objects are also prohibited.

If the matter is not urgent, please email Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org; if you need to speak to staff immediately, call +1 845 336 8447, ext. 205 or 200.

You are also welcome to contact your child on their own phone; however, to discourage regular cell phone use, we ask that you only do so in case of emergency.

Email Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org, or call her at +1 845 336 8447, ext. 205. We appreciate the advance notice, so we aren’t worried about your child!

During Camp Kindness, we discuss the relationships between humans and animals, and the way that domesticated animals are treated by humans. We also share information about vegan food and lifestyle choices. Our caring staff is trained to instruct in a warm, non-judgemental way, adjusting their tone and content to ensure all lessons and games are developmentally and age-appropriate.

We aim to empower all children at Camp Kindness to connect with animals in new ways, think critically about our relationship with animals, and make their own decisions about their life.

Definitely not! In fact, nearly 70% of our past campers were not vegan. While we do encourage children to think critically about their choices, we do not judge them or their actions.

Camp Kindness and all our other youth programs are run by Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, who has worked in science and environmental education since 2010 at state and national parks, as well as numerous schools in the Hudson Valley. She joined the Catskill Animal Sanctuary team in February 2017, with the goal of creating a kinder world for all beings through youth programming.

For Camp Kindness, specifically, we also employ an additional educator and two Interns.

All Camp staff are trained in first aid and CPR, and attend a week-long training in the first week of July to familiarize themselves with our Sanctuary residents, practice communication skills and prepare for a fun, educational and engaging summer.

Sure, simply contact Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org or +1 845 336 8447, ext. 205.

Please let us know as soon as possible! Our refund policy is as follows:

• If you request a refund prior to May 14, you will be issued a full refund, less a $20 processing fee
• If you request a refund between May 15 and June 14, you will be issued a 50% refund.
• We do not issue any refunds for requests received after June 15.

In the event of low registration, we may choose to cancel a session or aftercare. If so, we will contact you about transferring your registration to another session or refunding the full amount.

Contact Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org or +1 845 336 8447, ext. 205.

We can present to any size group, from an individual classroom to a multi-class auditorium. We can also present to different ages at the same time, though we ask that the groups’ ages are relatively similar to better serve the needs of the group as a whole.

We can also hold multiple sessions on a single day, either on different topics for the same group or on the same topic for multiple groups of students.

We need a projector system, computer, and wall, screen or other surface on which to project, plus a separate table for setting out educational materials.

The content varies for each program but, in general, all programs are presented in a highly interactive format through discussions and questions. Some programs include games to assist in the learning process, while others take a critical eye to media and marketing. Plus, there are plenty of pictures, videos and stories of the residents of Catskill Animal Sanctuary!

The program itself is free! Of course, we do welcome and greatly appreciate donations.

Groups located more than 30 miles from the Sanctuary will be asked to cover travel costs, based on mileage and tolls. This amount is relatively minor, typically totaling $30 to $60, depending on where you are located. However, if you are a Title 1 school, we can waive the fee due to grant support!

We are located in Saugerties, NY, and serve the Hudson Valley, New York City and northern New Jersey regions.

The program fees are based on a sliding scale and we will work with any school that wants to participate in this program. Additionally, we welcome, and greatly appreciate donations. Groups located more than 30 miles from the Sanctuary will be asked to cover travel costs based on mileage and tolls. This amount is relatively minor, typically totaling $30 – $60, depending on where you are located. However, if you are a Title 1 School, we can waive the fee due to grant support!

While we are currently unable to write an entirely new program for your group, we’d be happy to customize one of our six program topics to focus on a particular interest.

For example, rainforests are covered in “Our Choices and the Environment,” but if your students have been focusing on rainforest diversity and habitats, we can expand this section to build on their experience.

To request customization, please contact Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, at Lauren@casanctuary.org or +1 845 336 8447, ext. 205, at least two weeks prior to your program.

We are unable to bring animals off site at this time, but you can meet them if you sign up your school for an on-site tour!

Youth programs are run by Lauren Barbieri, Youth Programs Manager, who has worked in science and environmental education since 2010 at state and national parks, as well as numerous schools in the Hudson Valley. She joined the Catskill Animal Sanctuary team in February 2017, with the goal of creating a kinder world for all beings through youth programming.

We recommend it! We offer tours for groups of all ages, and our Sanctuary tours and outreach programs complement each other by building on similar ideas to deepen the learning experience and connect the participants to the residents themselves.

To learn more about our tours for schools, visit our Private Tours Page and fill out a Group Tour Request.

Public tours are held at the Sanctuary from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays from April through November.

If you’re looking to spend extra time enjoying the company of our rescued residents, you should sign up for a Day Pass. If you have a Day Pass, you may roam the property on your own between 11:00 AM and 4 PM, and/or join — at no extra charge — any guided tour with available space.

Day Passes do often sell out so, if you know you want one, it is best to reserve it in advance. To reserve a Day Pass, click here.

Upon arrival at the Sanctuary, pick up your pass at the Welcome Hut.

All Sanctuary tours, including “Break All the Rules,” are held rain or shine; however, in extreme weather, we may need to make adjustments to the start time and/or duration of your tour. If your tour is canceled due to weather, a full refund will be issued.

Unfortunately, as a small nonprofit organization, we are unable to issue ticket refunds if you are unable to attend.

Of course, we love having children at the Sanctuary! They are the future, and there is nothing more wonderful than watching their faces light up when interacting with friendly goats, pigs, chickens and cows. However, it is important to note that we are a mission-driven sanctuary, and during the tour we talk about the plight of farmed animals, which may be difficult for some young people.

Each of our tour guides is highly trained, and strives to be mindful of the makeup of their group, adjusting content and language accordingly.

Of course, you can always choose to step aside during any part of the tour; or, you can sign up for a slightly shorter family-friendly tour, designed for maximum youth engagement.

Gosh, we hope so! We try hard to make sure everyone gets the chance to experience the warmth and love that our animal residents provide; our tour guides are trained to lead tours toward locations where there’s the greatest likelihood of animal connection, but the animals are the final decision makers. If they are sleepy, hot or simply not in the mood, then it is possible that you might not get to hold or pet anyone. So, we can’t guarantee you will.

We know how fun it can be to feed animals; however, allowing “snacks” encourages inappropriate behavior. Further, many of our friends had a tough life prior to coming to the Sanctuary and are on special diets. For a few, the wrong snack could be life threatening. For these reasons, we can’t let you feed them and are grateful for your understanding.

We love dogs, but for the safety of our animals we have to ask that you please leave them at home. This even includes leaving them in your car with the air conditioning on, as this is a violation of state law in New York.

Our tours take place every hour, starting at 11 AM, with the last tour starting at 3 PM. If you arrive and a tour is full, you can wait for the next tour to begin. To keep you entertained, we often have activities and food demos at Peabody’s Place, or you can explore the Welcome Hut.

Unfortunately, we cannot let members of the public wander the Sanctuary grounds. This is to ensure the safety of both our residents and our visitors. However, if you are a guest of The Homestead or Day Pass holder, you may walk around without a formal tour. (For more on Day Passes, please refer to Question 2, above.)

Sanctuary members enjoy a number of benefits, including the ability to reserve free weekday tours year round, plus free weekend tours during the off season, from December through March. To learn more about membership, visit our Membership page.

Our member tours are smaller and more intimate than our public tours, but we can’t guarantee your guests and you will be the only members on the tour. If you would like a tour exclusively for your group, we recommend that you visit our Private Tours Page and fill out a Group Tour Request Form.

Public tour prices are:

Adults (Age 13 to 64): $12
Children (Age 3 to 12): $8
Seniors (Age 65+): $8
Veterans: $8
Children (Younger than Age 3): Free
Sanctuary Members/Homestead Guests: Free

Private group tour prices are:

Nonprofits and School Groups: $8
All Other Groups: $10

Please note: tours for particularly large groups, or groups with special requests, may require additional costs; grants are available that may help school groups pay for field trips.

Day Pass prices are:

Adults (Age 13 to 64): $20
Children (Age 3 to 12): $15
Seniors (Age 65+): $15
Veterans: $15
Children (Younger than Age 3): Free
Sanctuary Members/Homestead Guests: $10

Members-only tour prices are:

Parties of 6-9 (Age 3+): $15
Parties of 2-5 (Age 3+): $20
Individual (Age 3+): $40
Children (Younger than Age 3): Free

We have more than 300 rescued farmed animals.

Eleven species of beautiful farmed animals call Catskill Animal Sanctuary home, including horses, donkeys, cows, farm pigs, potbelly pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys and ducks. You’ll also see lots of geese — some of whom live here officially, while others simply know a good hangout when they see one!

For the safety of our rescued animals and our human visitors, we do not allow any food on our tours. Snacks are available when the Welcome Hut is open, but please enjoy them before or after your tour. Also, out of respect for our community and our mission, we require that any food brought on site be vegan.

This one is complicated. Our tours do traverse some unpaved roads that can get muddy and messy, but the terrain is still mostly flat. So, you’ll have to use your best judgment, based on your needs. If it hasn’t rained much in the days leading up to your tour, the roads will be fine for wheelchairs and scooters, but a few of the residents’ yards are not wheelchair accessible. Fortunately, your tour guide will remain near the fence so you can still participate.

We have handicapped accessible port-a-potties. Unfortunately we have to close the public restrooms in the off-season, due to winter weather, at which time tour goers use the restroom located in our office, which must be accessed by a short flight of stairs.

In addition to our regular weekend public tour schedule from April through November, including holiday weekends like Easter/Passover, we are also open on the following weekday holidays in 2019:

• Memorial Day – Monday, May 27
• Independence Day – Thursday, July 4
• Labor Day – Monday, September 2

Absolutely! Please contact communications@casanctuary.org before joining a tour, so we’re able to greet you and answer any questions you may have.

New Leaf mentors around the world don’t all share the same background, but they have this in common: they’re vegans who are non-judgmental, respectful, kind, responsible and resourceful — and they’re dedicated to educating and empowering mentees. They’ve all been screened through our application process and have completed a comprehensive training to prepare them for their role. No matter which mentor you choose, they’ll meet you wherever you are on your path toward vegan living, and help you reach your goal.

Mentors and mentees create their own personal profiles, and our matching software produces a list of mentors whose profiles most closely match the mentee. As a future mentee, you then choose the mentor you want to work with and send them a mentoring request through the same platform.

It’s easy! Complete and submit a brief application, create your profile, and pick your mentor.

The New Leaf Vegan Mentor Program is free for all mentees and mentors! We’re a nonprofit, and donations help us help people like you.

That’s up to the two of you. There is no time limit. Some mentors and mentees work together for the suggested initial period of three months, while others share ideas and inspiration for longer. Of course, you can always match up with another mentor at any time if your match isn’t working or your mentor becomes unavailable.

You can connect directly through our software on your desktop, tablet or mobile; or, you can choose to talk on the phone, video chat, email, or text. If you want to meet in person, go for it!

We’ll try our best! The New Leaf Vegan Mentor Program is global, and there just might be a vegan mentor match who lives near you. However, do not be discouraged if available mentors do not live nearby. Mentors can help you wherever you live and we have many successful matches that live in different countries.

Of course. This program is designed to help you, and we always want the best match! We’ll check in periodically with you to ensure your satisfaction, and you can always return to our matching software to select a new mentor.

Vegans need help sometimes, too! We’re here to support you, and we’d be glad to match you with a mentor who can help you meet your needs and goals.

People sponsor animals for a variety of reasons. Some want to reconnect with a particular species for whom they have fond childhood memories; others bond with an animal on a Sanctuary tour; and some people want an animal in their lives but can’t have one in their homes. Sponsorship is a meaningful way for all to connect with our mission and provide the ongoing support we need.

Yes! If you’ve bonded with someone specific, please let us know their name. If you don’t already have someone in mind, simply pick a species and we’ll match you with an animal friend. We know the personalities of our residents very well, so we’d be happy to help you find the perfect match!

Absolutely. When you’re donating, simply indicate that it’s a gift and include the recipient’s information, as well as any personal message. We’ll mail them a Sponsor Welcome Packet and, shortly before their sponsorship expires, we’ll contact you to determine whether you’d like to renew.

Sponsorship rates vary by species, and we have levels to suit every budget. Visit our Animal Sponsorship page for more information. You can choose to set up recurring monthly payments or pay once annually. Payments can be made online, over the phone, or by mail using a check or credit card. To pay by phone, call 845 336 8447, ext. 201; to pay by mail, send your check or credit card information to Catskill Animal Sanctuary, 316 Old Stage Road, Saugerties, NY, 12477.

We ask for a minimum commitment of one year.

Yes, Catskill Animal Sanctuary is 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so your donation is fully tax deductible.

If you have any further tax-related questions, please contact your tax adviser.

We are a leader among U.S. farmed animal sanctuaries and are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for having the highest standards of animal care. The independent reviewer Charity Navigator awarded Catskill Animal Sanctuary with its highest rating of four stars for our commitment to accountability and transparency; and GuideStar awarded us its highest honor of Platinum. In fact, we’re the only farmed animal sanctuary that can boast all three!

If you’d like to learn more about the Sanctuary’s financial well-being, you’re welcome to review our tax filings with the IRS.

Of course! As a sponsor, one of your benefits will be a complimentary family membership to the Sanctuary, which entitles you to free weekend visits and discounted day passes from April through November. You’ll also be able to schedule tours year round. For more information on scheduling a tour, visit our Private Tours page.

Of course — and it’s free! You’ll spend 30 minutes with your sponsored animal and then be able to explore the grounds on your own.

Sponsor visits are typically offered Tuesday through Saturday; however, due the rapid growth of our animal sponsorship program, we can no longer accommodate day-of or other spontaneous sponsor visits and only allow scheduled quarterly visits. To schedule your free sponsor visit, email sponsorship@casanctuary.org or call 845-336-8447 ext. 201 at least three days in advance. Alternatively, you can visit your animal friend without scheduling a sponsor visit by purchasing a Day Pass.

No, an animal may have more than one sponsor; but, don’t worry, there’s plenty of love to go around!

While most residents are with us permanently because they have special needs or are unlikely to be adopted because of their size, we do try to find forever homes for as many animals as possible. This allows us to have room to rescue another animal in need. Therefore, there is a chance that your animal may be adopted and leave the Sanctuary. In this case, or if your animal dies, we’ll notify you, invite you to continue your sponsorship, and help you choose another special friend. There are many animals who need your love and support.

You may contact us at any time at sponsorship@casanctuary.org or +1 845 336 8447, ext. 201.

We have an application process, which includes an interview and a home visit, to ensure a safe, healthy and loving home is being offered. Not everyone who applies is approved, and we reserve the right to remove an animal if we discover that their living conditions have deteriorated.

We look for individuals or families who can’t wait to welcome farmed animals as a way of enriching their lives; meet or exceed our adoption criteria (which differ for each animal); and, preferably, have experience with the animals they’re interested in adopting — although we don’t rule out interested first-timers who are ready to do their homework.

Adopting farmed animals is an important decision — not to be undertaken on a whim. Adoption may be right for you if you understand farmed animals need daily care and attention, and as much as love as your indoor campaigns; and have the time and financial resources to not only provide for their basic care (e.g., food, shelter, bedding, and health care), but also their needs in case of emergency.

Yes! If you’ve bonded with someone specific, please let us know their name. If you don’t already have someone in mind, simply pick a species and we’ll match you with an animal who needs a forever home.

Our specified adoption zone includes all towns within a two-hour drive of Saugerties, NY; however, under certain circumstances, will also consider an adoptive home up to four hours away.

Farmed animals are herd species and become distressed if they are the only one of their kind. Thus, under most circumstances, if you do not already have someone of a particular species, you will be asked to adopt more than one. Occasionally, though, we can adopt out a rabbit or potbelly pig who would fare well alone.

Rarely. Usually, the horses who need our help need to be trained and would either not be suitable for a beginner or cannot be ridden at all due to age or injury. We may be able to refer you to other organizations, or to horses on our waiting list.

Sorry, no. It is against Sanctuary policy to adopt out horses for competitive riding.

No; however, if your animal is having health or behavioral issues, we may be able to refer you to someone who can help.

No. Animals only produce milk when they have a baby to feed. If we have a nursing mother at the Sanctuary, her milk is reserved for her baby. We don’t breed animals here, and breeding is against Sanctuary policy.

No. Living in a small classroom cage and being mishandled by children and taken home for the weekend to rotating families are highly stressful to sensitive rabbits. A social bunny might enjoy a well-supervised classroom visit as part of a humane education lesson.

Our adoption process includes a home and barn visit, as well as a meeting with all family members, so there’d be no way to keep your adoption a surprise. Your family member might not be ready or willing to take on the long-term commitment of caring for an animal, so we suggest surprising them with an animal sponsorship or a visit to the Sanctuary, which can begin a discussion about adopting.

Fees vary by species, and we ask for full payment at the time of transfer of guardianship.

Yes! Your donation is fully deductible. Please contact your tax advisor with any questions.

We are a leader among U.S. farmed animal sanctuaries and are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for having the highest standards of animal care. The independent reviewer Charity Navigator awarded Catskill Animal Sanctuary with its highest rating of four stars for our commitment to accountability and transparency; and GuideStar awarded us its highest honor of Platinum. In fact, we’re the only farmed animal sanctuary that can boast all three!

If you’d like to learn more about the Sanctuary’s financial well-being, you’re welcome to review our tax filings with the IRS.

Please feel free to email Animal Care Director Kelly Mullins at any time before or after you adopt an animal.