Shelter Alberta Farm Animals at Peaceful Pastures Farm Sanctuary

We have been asked to take in more animals, including horses and senior cows, but we cannot responsibly say yes until we build more shelters and secure reliable water access.

We have the land, the experience, and the heart to help. What we do not yet have are the shelters, water setup, insurance, and formal approvals needed to safely grow.

Our sanctuary started small with rescue animals, compassion, and the belief that every animal deserves safety, care, and a healthy environment to thrive.

For the past several years, our family — including my husband Darren and our two children, Stephanie and Alex — has cared for horses, cows, chickens, and other farm animals. Many of them came to us as rescues or animals who needed a safe place to land.

Many arrived with difficult histories and needed time, patience, love, and trust. Over time, they became the heart of the sanctuary we are working to build here in Alberta.

I bring more than 12 years of animal rescue and welfare experience, including serving on the boards of two Alberta animal rescue societies. I understand that rescue work takes more than love. It takes proper shelter, food, water, care, planning, insurance, and the ability to say “not yet” when the resources are not in place.

Right now, shelter is the biggest barrier.

We have two extra paddocks and a larger 5–7 acre pasture that could help support more animals, but those spaces need proper shelters before we can safely accept additional horses or senior cows. Each shelter costs approximately $3,500, and we need at least four more shelters before we can responsibly expand.

We also need reliable water access for the pasture, along with basic animal care supplies.

Animal care costs add up quickly. Hay, grain, supplements, bedding, deworming, fencing, and veterinary needs are ongoing expenses. Deworming larger animals costs approximately $25 per animal twice per year, and grain and supplements can cost approximately $200 per month. Hay is also a major expense, especially because we currently rely on small square bales that can be moved safely by hand and wheelbarrow.

Funds raised will help with:

This fundraiser is not about taking in more animals without a plan. It is about doing this responsibly: building the shelters, securing water access, setting up insurance, completing the proper applications, and creating a safe foundation before accepting more animals.

Our long-term dream is to grow into a sustainable farm animal sanctuary where animals are safe, cared for, and valued. In the future, we also hope to offer animal-assisted learning and community programs that allow people to connect with animals in a peaceful, supportive rural setting.

But the first step is simple:

Build the shelters. Secure the water. Care for the animals. Do this properly.

Every donation helps.

$12 helps purchase one small square bale of hay.

$25 helps provide feed or care supplies.

$50 helps with bedding, basic care, and sanctuary preparation.

$100 helps with feed, fencing, or safety supplies.

$250 helps offset insurance, county application, or nonprofit setup costs.

$500 helps sponsor the launch of the sanctuary foundation.

$1,000+ helps become a founding supporter of the sanctuary’s first stage.

$3,500 helps sponsor one full animal shelter.

Thank you for helping us build a safe place for Alberta farm animals in need.