04/24/2026
Helpful, important information regarding animal rescues and sanctuaries. Please have a read and share.
"Deciphering who is doing real, lasting work from who is not has never been more important, and with social media making every organization look equally worthy, it has also never been harder. Your giving matters more than you know -- and so does making sure it lands in the right hands."
With the recent and heartbreaking news of more than 60 horses seized from a Florida equine rescue, and more than 300 animals removed from a Massachusetts animal sanctuary earlier this year, it feels like the right time to share something we hope helps.
If you love animals and you give to organizations that care for them, this list is for you.
Deciphering who is doing real, lasting work from who is not has never been more important, and with social media making every organization look equally worthy, it has also never been harder. Your giving matters more than you know -- and so does making sure it lands in the right hands.
According to the most recent data available, animal and environmental organizations together receive just 3% of all charitable donations in the United States. Of that already small share, the vast majority goes to companion animal organizations, leaving farm animal sanctuaries with a very thin slice of a very small pie. Every dollar matters enormously, and it matters deeply that it finds its way to a true organization doing true work.
Sadly, not every rescue is a real rescue, sanctuary, or organization. Differentiating on Facebook between the dealer in disguise, the organization that has lost its way, and the up-and-coming nonprofit doing real work can be genuinely challenging.
This list is built with sanctuaries in mind, but every question on it applies equally to rescues. Here is what our community shared, with a few of our own added in. We hope it helps.
CREDIBILITY
Is the organization a 501(c)(3)?
How long have they been in existence?
Do they have a website?
Are they listed on Candid (formerly Guidestar), and what is their rating?
Are they rated on Charity Navigator?
Do they have reviews on GreatNonprofits?
Is their nonprofit status verifiable on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search?
Is their IRS Form 990 publicly available and current?
Have they ever faced legal action, complaints, or regulatory scrutiny? A quick online search goes a long way.
TRANSPARENCY
Do they explain in detail where funding goes?
Do they have a clear mission and vision?
Do they share the highs and lows, victories and losses?
Do they communicate and post frequently?
How do they accept donations? Legitimate organizations use their own website or an established platform. Personal Venmo, Cash App, or GoFundMe etc. as a primary giving method are warning signs.
OPERATIONS
Do they have a named, verifiable team of professionals -- vets, farriers, trimmers, dentists -- who can speak to the organization's work?
Do they show their facilities (pastures, turnouts, shelters, barns) in photos and videos?
Are the grounds and facilities clean?
Are they educated in their area of mission?
Are there procedures and policies in place for long-term sustainability?
Is there an active Board presence?
Do they answer questions?
Do animals have a permanent home there? A true sanctuary does not trade, loan, or move animals without clear explanation.
COMMUNITY
Do their views resonate with yours?
Is the organization personable and friendly?
Are there real people to connect with?
Do they extend gratitude, and how?
Do they allow others on the property via volunteers, events, or tours?
Do they collaborate with other organizations?
RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
Do photos show the full bodies of the Rescues, or only head shots?
Do they show animals over time, not just at intake? Organizations that only ever show new arrivals and never show long-term residents are a concern.
Does their content focus almost entirely on crisis and urgency rather than care and outcomes?
If there is something you think belongs on this list that isn't here, please add it in the comments. Thank you for joining together to share what you know. Good nonprofits need you -- they need your contributions of any size, your shares and comments, your presence at their side. Most, like us, give everything they have to this. I can promise you they (and we) feel your support deeply.
None of us can save lives and support those lives without you. Today, as we are every day, we are very, very grateful you are part of Tomten Farm and Sanctuary. Thank you for being on this journey with us.
(Photo of BenAgain this week)
