Animal sanctuaries in Ontario
These animal rescue facilities provide veterinarian attention, shelter and nourishment for their resident animals to start living their best lives in a safe, loving environment. Some sanctuaries also commit to rehabilitation programs to help prepare native Ontario wildlife for release back into the wild.
Most animal sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitation facilities are volunteer-driven. From sponsoring and donating to volunteering, there are several ways you can help support them and learn from the guardians who care for these animals.
Note that wildlife rescue centres and animal sanctuaries in Ontario have a very different mandate from zoos or animal attractions. Not all are open to the public; however, some may provide tours and opportunities to meet the host of furry and feathered friends who have been given a new lease on life.
Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on over 150 hectares of natural habitat in the heart of Muskoka, this non-profit organization welcomes injured and orphaned wildlife, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintroduction back to the wild.
Some animals transition to permanent residents if they are too habituated or injured and can no longer survive in the wild. In this case, volunteers and staff provide them with all the care and comfort they could ask for.
Book a guided tour in advance. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide who will lead your group through the property and introduce you to some of the sanctuary residents, including black bears, bobcat, arctic fox and Ella the moose. Check out the Aspen Shop for hats, cards, stuffed animals and more adorable gifts.
Location: Rosseau
Muskoka Goat Away
Meet the friendly goats at Muskoka Goat Away and set out on a fun goat walk.
These gentle and adorable animals are well-trained and walk easily on a lead. They make excellent companions to enjoy a relaxing stroll along forest trails and country lanes.
Location: Huntsville
Northeastern Ontario
GLO Farm Sanctuary
GLO Farm provides a safe home for rescued farm animals, including sheep, goats, cows, pigs and horses, in a loving and compassionate environment on Manitoulin Island.
Get a look behind the scenes and discover what it takes to run an animal sanctuary on a private sanctuary tour. Organize tours well in advance.
Location: Manitowaning
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary
Named after a plucky pig named Esther, this rescue facility is filled with former farm animals, including horses, cows, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens. And more pigs.
Check out the Volunteer Work Day calendar to sign up for a sometimes messy, but always rewarding experience, helping out on the property and spending time with the adorable farm family.
Location: Campbellville
York, Durham and Headwaters
Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary
Canada’s only primate sanctuary is home to monkeys and lemurs, many of which have been rescued from roadside zoos and illegal or inhuman captivity. Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary is also a safe place for monkeys that are retired from research facilities.
The sanctuary opens to the public for tours on a few select dates each year. Space is usually limited, so purchase tickets early.
Location: Sunderland
Pegasus Animal Sanctuary
Rescued farm animals are well cared for and provided a safe home to live their natural lives in a cruelty-free environment.
Tours are available to support the animals. The sale of merchandise helps the sanctuary feed and take care of the animals.
Location: Port Perry
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Promised Land Animal Sanctuary
You’ll fall in love with the resident horses, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, dogs and cats at this country animal refuge. It’s a heartwarming experience to be greeted by a gentle animal in a tranquil setting.
Farm tour visits are offered on select dates in the fall. To ensure more animals in need get the love, shelter and nutrition this sanctuary provides, sponsor a farm animal or donate your time as a volunteer. You may also be interested in experiencing a vegan farm stay.
Location: Campbellford
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Serendipity Farm Alpacas & Llamas
Serendipity Farm is a rescue sanctuary for camelids in need of a place to live out their lives safely and happily.
Private walking tours are offered by appointment only and must be booked in advance. Shop for a wide assortment of yarns and hand-made products.
Location: Lanark
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
Located about an hour west of Toronto and just 20 minutes drive south of Guelph, the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is devoted to the care of donkeys, mules and hinnies. If you’ve ever been around donkeys before, you’ll know these members of the equine family are intelligent, playful and full of personality.
Visitors are invited to join guided small-group tours to meet the donkeys on select dates. Purchase tickets in advance. Shop for donkey-themed merch at Long Ears Boutique and learn how you can become a donkey sponsor.
Location: Puslinch
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Ivy's Wish Sanctuary
Operating as a haven for farm animals in need, Ivy’s Wish is also committed to creating an environment where humans can learn how to be kinder and more responsible stewards towards each other, animals and the environment we both share.
Learn how to get involved, from a private tour to meet some of the pigs, goats, sheep and cows to volunteering your time to unique and whimsical overnight stays at the sanctuary.
Location: Markdale
However you choose to get involved, supporting Ontario’s animal sanctuaries means standing on the side of compassion and helping create safer, brighter futures for animals in need.
Last updated: March 16, 2026