I have wanted to visit Catskill Animal Sanctuary for a while, and now that spring weather is here, we took a trip to visit the farm.  Located in Saugerties, New York, this sanctuary rescues farm animals.  Years ago in college, I did an internship where I worked at a farm animal rescue, and I have been a vegetarian since I was a child (plus my kids are vegetarian), so I was looking forward to checking it out.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

We had no problem finding the farm, which is just over an hour south of Albany, and about two hours north of NYC.  Signs guided us as far as where to park, check in, and begin our tour.  There is a welcome building where you can buy tickets, get information, and also has a gift shop inside.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

It was fun to see the sheep roaming free around the farm as we waited for our tour to begin.  We thought these synchronized grazing sheep were pretty cute.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

Although some were shy, it was adorable when this sheep came over to visit us.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

The rules of the tour are simple, and include to be respectful, no running or being loud (so as not to scare the animals), and not feed the animals.

We took a family tour, and one of the first stops was to visit the pigs.  The pigs were cozy in the barn (as it happened to be pretty cold out), but came over to visit us, which was so cute.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

We visited the chickens, learning about things like their personalities and how they are smarter than most people think.  Our guide knew so many things not just about the farm in general, but the animals too, and it was nice to see such compassion.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

We walked around the rest of the farm, visiting cows and other animals.  We enjoyed interacting with different animals, respecting those that were shy or did not feel like having visitors.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

It was nice to learn about the animals, the history of the farm, and more, as we took the tour.  We just love animals, and truly enjoyed getting the chance to see what the farm does for the animals that are rescued as well as educating people.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

There is an information center near the welcome building, which talks about animals and farming.  The kids were able to see what a battery cage looks like, which is how hens are housed when it comes to factory farming.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

We had a great time visiting Catskill Animal Sanctuary!

Some tips:

~ wear boots or shoes that can get muddy or dirty (its a farm!)
~ put food away before going on the tour (we were informed that pigs have an amazing sense of smell and will know all about those snacks in your pockets!)
~ If you have younger kids, you may want to bring wipes on the tour if you want to wipe hands in between petting the animals

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties New York

Visit Catskill Animal Sanctuary at

https://casanctuary.org/