THE KINDNESS RANCH ANIMAL SANCTUARY
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Mission Statement
Providing sanctuary for former research animals.
About This Cause
Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary: A Safe Haven for Animals Rescued from Research Tucked away on 1,000 acres of serene pastureland in the rolling hills of Hartville, Wyoming, Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary is a place like no other. It is the largest sanctuary in the United States that welcomes and rehabilitates all species of animals retired from laboratory research, including dogs, cats, horses, goats, rabbits, cows, pigs and sheep, offering them a second chance at life in a setting designed for peace, healing, and love. Since its founding in 2006, Kindness Ranch has provided refuge to over 2,000 animals. Dogs, cats, horses, pigs, sheep, and others who have known confinement, fear, and experimentation now experience freedom, care, and kindness, often for the first time in their lives. Every animal is treated as an individual, with personalized attention from a team dedicated to meeting their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Our Mission The mission of Kindness Ranch is to provide a sanctuary and place of rehabilitation for animals who have previously been used in laboratory research. We are committed to helping these animals heal and, whenever possible, find loving adoptive homes where they can live the rest of their lives in safety and comfort. For those unable to be adopted—due to age, illness, or trauma—the sanctuary becomes a forever home, where they are cherished and never alone. At Kindness Ranch, rehabilitation isn’t just about veterinary care—it’s about creating a nurturing, stable environment where animals can learn to trust again. Our cat and dog yurts are specially designed to replicate the comfort of a home while meeting the animals’ unique needs. These cozy, spacious structures allow animals to live side-by-side with trained human caretakers, fostering stronger bonds and accelerating recovery. Dogs rescued from labs often arrive without any understanding of the outside world. They may have never seen grass, played with toys, gone for a walk, or interacted with another animal. Many are not potty-trained, and some have never been outside a cage. Our staff and volunteers work patiently and lovingly to help each dog adjust. Over time, they learn how to be part of a family and what it means to be loved unconditionally. Cats, too, may have spent their lives in metal cages or sterile enclosures with minimal social interaction. At Kindness Ranch, they are given room to roam, explore, and engage with others. They have soft beds, high perches, toys, sunshine, and human companionship—essentials that many have never experienced before. Not Just a Sanctuary—A Pathway to a New Life Kindness Ranch operates a robust adoption and foster program. Once animals are ready—physically and emotionally—they are matched with carefully screened adopters who understand their backgrounds and are committed to helping them thrive. We celebrate every successful adoption, knowing it represents not just a new chapter for the animal but also for the family welcoming them home. When adoption isn't an option due to an animal’s health or behavioral challenges, Kindness Ranch provides lifelong sanctuary. Our commitment is unwavering: every animal that comes through our gates is guaranteed compassion, respect, and quality care for the rest of their life. Our Species-Specific Approach What sets Kindness Ranch apart is our ability to care for a wide variety of former research animals, not just dogs and cats. We are home to horses who spent their lives in pharmaceutical studies, pigs who were part of surgical training programs, and sheep used in biomedical research. Each species has its own care protocols, enrichment needs, and social behaviors, and our staff is trained to provide species-specific rehabilitation plans. Horses at Kindness Ranch are given vast pastures to graze and roam. They receive expert veterinary and farrier care, and are slowly introduced to herd life if they’ve never known it before. Our pigs enjoy mud baths, sunshine, and rooting around in the earth—freed from small pens and stress. Sheep form tight-knit flocks and find peace in wide, grassy fields. These animals are not just survivors—they are individuals who deserve the same dignity and compassion as any beloved pet. A Focus on Humane Education and Advocacy In addition to our direct care programs, Kindness Ranch is committed to public education and advocacy. Through community outreach, volunteer programs, social media, and partnerships with research institutions, we help raise awareness about the plight of animals used in research—and the hope that sanctuary and rehabilitation can offer. We also support ethical alternatives to animal testing and work collaboratively with laboratories and researchers to facilitate the release of animals once studies have concluded. Our partnerships have helped increase the number of animals eligible for rescue, creating a bridge from the lab to a new life. Volunteers and Community Kindness Ranch thrives thanks to the support of our compassionate community. Volunteers are essential to our mission. They help with daily animal care, property maintenance, socialization, and events. Foster families provide transitional homes for animals needing more one-on-one attention before adoption. And our supporters and donors—from across the country and around the world—make our work possible through generous contributions of time, talent, and financial gifts. Whether someone spends a week in a yurt volunteering, donates to fund an emergency veterinary surgery, or adopts a dog who has never walked on grass, they become part of the Kindness Ranch family. Preparing for the Future As the number of animals released from research labs increases, so does the need for sanctuaries like Kindness Ranch. To meet this growing demand, we are continuously improving and expanding our infrastructure. Projects include: Renovating our horse arena heating system to protect animals during Wyoming’s harsh winters. Expanding and winterizing our dog yurts for greater capacity and comfort. Enhancing staff training programs in collaboration with partners like Command Canine, ensuring our team is equipped to handle complex behavioral rehabilitation. Investing in disaster preparedness, following a wildfire evacuation in 2024 that underscored the importance of emergency protocols and animal transport readiness. These efforts ensure that we can offer the highest standard of care, no matter what challenges come our way. Our Impact Every animal saved by Kindness Ranch is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of second chances. From the beagle who wagged her tail for the first time to the senior pig who now naps in the sun, each life is transformed by the sanctuary’s commitment to healing. And each adoption story is a reminder that love and patience can rewrite even the most painful past. Kindness Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our work is funded entirely through donations, grants, and the kindness of people who believe that animals deserve a life beyond the lab. How You Can Help You can be a part of this life-saving mission: Adopt a dog, cat, or farm animal and give them the home they’ve always deserved. Foster an animal in need of transitional care. Volunteer your time at the ranch or remotely. Donate to support medical care, housing, and rescue efforts. Spread the word about the importance of sanctuary and the reality of animals used in research. Together, we can create a world where every animal—no matter their past—has a future filled with safety, dignity, and love. To learn more, visit www.kindnessranch.org or contact us about visiting, volunteering, or adopting.