As a part of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to recognize nature’s positive impact on mental health. Another important aspect of mental health is finding a sense of purpose and belonging. One way to ignite both is through volunteering and giving back to your community. Whether joining a local cleanup organization, working with the unhoused, or starting a community garden, there are various ways to give back. If you’re an animal lover, volunteering at an animal sanctuary is a great way to get outside, engage with your community, assist animals, donate your time and money, and serve the greater good.
From farm animals and exotic birds to cats and dogs, there are amazing sanctuaries all across the country dedicated to helping and healing neglected and abused animals and giving them a second chance to live freely and without harm. Sancaturaires provide refuge to all animals in rehabilitation and a peaceful place to call home.
The mental health benefits of working with animals are tremendous and undeniable. The “pet effect” involves the release of feel-good neurochemicals like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, through touch and quality time with animals, and can help people feel calm and relaxed. There is also evidence from the University of Missouri that animal-human interaction improves both species’ physical and mental health. Overall, animal shelter and sanctuary volunteers have reported that their cognitive functioning and quality of life have significantly increased due to their time volunteering with animals.
If you’re interested in working with animals and want to give your mental health a little furry boost, we have put together a comprehensive list of animal sanctuaries—one in each state—dedicated to protecting vulnerable species, so you can learn where and how you can show your support and make a difference close to home.
Alabama
Alabama Wildlife Center
Alaska
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Arizona
Tucson Wildlife Center
Arkansas
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
California
Animal Place
Colorado
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Connecticut
Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary
Delaware
Barn Hill Preserve
Florida
Peaceful Ridge Rescue
Georgia
Sweet Olive Farm Animal Rescue
Hawaii
Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Idaho
Idaho Farm Animal Sanctuary
Illinois
Harmony Hill Farm Sanctuary
Indiana
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
Iowa
Iowa Farm Sanctuary
Kansas
Mt. Hope Animal Sanctuary
Kentucky
Refuge Ridge
Louisiana
Chimp Haven
Maine
Cottontail Cottage Farm Sanctuary
Maryland
Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary
Massachusetts
Maple Farm Sanctuary
Michigan
Sasha Farm
Minnesota
The Wildcat Sanctuary
Mississippi
Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary
Missouri
National Tiger Sanctuary
Montana
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Nebraska
Nebraska Wildlife Rehab
Nevada
Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary
New Hampshire
Live and Let Live Farm
New Jersey
Goats of Anarchy
New Mexico
Kindred Spirit Animal Sanctuary
New York
Farm Sanctuary
North Carolina
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
North Dakota
Hawkes Homestead
Ohio
Sunrise Sanctuary
Oklahoma
Safari’s Sanctuary
Oregon
Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary
Pennsylvania
Chenoa Manor
Rhode Island
West Place Animal Sanctuary
South Carolina
SC-Cares Coastal Animal Rescue & Education Sanctuary
South Dakota
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
Tennessee
The Elephant Sanctuary
Texas
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
Utah
Best Friends Animal Society
Vermont
Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary
Virginia
Peaceful Fields Sanctuary
Washington
Pasado’s Safe Haven
West Virginia
Saving WV Wildlife
Wisconsin
Heartland Farm Sanctuary
Wyoming
Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary
Whether you’re a passionate animal advocate or nature enthusiast, sanctuaries offer as many benefits to human beings as it does to animals. What’s critical to remember is that part of respecting (and protecting) nature involves advocating for creatures of all types. Creating a brighter future for the environment needs to include us all—animals and humans alike.
