Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes criminally abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals.
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes criminally abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals.
Rescue – working in cooperation with law enforcement and county humane organizations, we provide our service to Ohio and any state beyond requesting assistance.
Rehabilitation – providing the veterinary attention, nutrition and maintenance care and nurture to each animal who enters the sanctuary.
Re-home – networking to find loving and forever homes for each animal based on the best match of people, personalities and facilities.
Amish Horse Retirement Initiative
In an effort to supersede equine surrender to one of Ohio’s multiple livestock auction houses, HTFAS founded the Amish Horse Retirement Initiative to provide an option for the Amish community when an equine in their care must be re-homed. HTFAS will approve any request for an equine to be accepted into our program when this request originates from the Amish community. Requests will be prioritized on basis of urgency and intake will be prioritized as capacity allows and secondary to requests made by law enforcement.
Livestock Auction
Ohio is home to multiple livestock auction houses. Along with a large population of Amish in the community many equines are discarded at these houses. For many, their fate is to be sold to a ‘meat-buyer’ and transported to slaughter for consumption. It is for this reason that HTFAS will attend these livestock auctions when capacity is low and/or demand for an animal (there is often specific request for donkeys, mini horses or ponies) is present. Equine will be bid on and purchased only when death is eminent, proven by interest from the auctioneer or meat-buyer. HTFAS will never knowingly bid/compete with a fellow rescue or private buyer.
Owner Relinquish Initiative
In response to the fluctuating request for criminal case assistance and realizing the growing need for help in our community, HTFAS introduced the Owner Relinquish Initiative in 2021. Owner relinquish requests will be reviewed on a case by-case-basis. The decision for intake will take into consideration 1) urgency of need; 2) effort of placement made by owner with guidance from HTFAS; 3) condition of animal(s) requiring attention. Requests will be prioritized on basis of urgency along with Amish Retirement requests and intake will be prioritized as capacity allows and secondary to requests made by law enforcement.
Looking for a special addition to your animal family? Consider the journey of adoption. Whether farm animals are dear to your heart or majestic horses are your fancy, Happy Trails has many animals of all shapes, sizes, colors, ages and riding levels. Follow the steps below to arrive at your Happy Ending!
Are you fond of farm animals? Do horses have your heart? Do you believe in compassion and kindness for all animals and the importance of the Happy Trails’ mission? Become an animal sponsor or contribute to the sanctuary as a whole. Help ensure the continued care of the rescued animals as well as our ability to answer the call – to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the next farm animal or horse in need.
Choose your favorite HTFAS animal or animal group and be their support as they continue their journey toward a forever home. Animal Sponsors play a critical role at Happy Trails. Many of the animals have special needs that require extensive care and rehabilitation. The Sponsorship Program allows supporters to contribute to the cost of food, shelter and veterinary care for farm animals and horses rescued from situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment on a one-time or ongoing monthly commitment.
Receive a color portrait of your animal and a personal invitation to visit the sanctuary during our Sponsor Day in spring and fall.
Receive a color portrait of your animal and an official logo t-shirt as well as a personal invitation to visit the sanctuary during our Sponsor Day in spring and fall.
Receive a color portrait of your animal, 2 free tour passes and an official logo t-shirt as well as a personal invitation to visit the sanctuary during our Sponsor Day in spring and fall.
Join the Team!
Thank you for your interest and dedication to helping Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary continue rescue and education efforts across Ohio and Beyond!
Ready to take the first step? First a few points to consider and then let’s get started!
2. Submit your volunteer application fee. Our Fee is $30 per application. We offer a discounted fee of $20 to honor our college students, senior citizens and veterans.
Await our call to Arms! After reviewing your application, we will email to schedule your orientation. Thank you for caring!
All volunteers are guided by the HTFAS Volunteer handbook.
Group volunteer days are welcome! Start by completing our group volunteer application and email your application to volunteer@happytrailsfarm.org.
Annette Bragg founded Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary seventeen years ago when she asked to take ownership of Janice, an injured pot belly pig, in lieu of payment for pet-sitting. (Read the complete story) Recognizing a serious need to provide rescue, rehab and recovery services for abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals in Ohio and to provide support for law enforcement in the prosecution of farm animal abuse, Annette created Happy Trails.
With seventeen years of experience and education in animal welfare along with her certification as a humane officer, Annette has appeared as an expert witness in courts across Ohio, has given proponent testimony before Congress to support stronger laws, has been a speaker and educator, and is recognized as an expert in farm animal cruelty and abuse by national animal welfare organizations.
In July 2016, Annette stepped down as Executive Director of Happy Trails to work in a broader capacity in animal welfare to reach even more people and to continue to advocate for animals through her writings, public speaking, and consulting.
Laurie Jackson became involved in Happy Trails when she was introduced to the founder at a foster home in 2001. She has been a long-time supporter, volunteer, member of the rescue team, emergency foster home and most recently adoptive parent. She served as 6-year veteran dispatcher for the city of Akron and is a 9-year member of the Summit County Mounted Unit. She owned and managed Moxie Stables in Mogadore, Ohio for 8 years before leaving it in the hands of her long-time business partner. Laurie became employed with Happy Trails in January of 2013 and has worked diligently to learn each part of the organization as well as holding seat on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for 2 years.
April 2016, she received the coveted George Award for her dedication to Happy Trails and was appointed Director of Operations following the retirement of Founder/Director, Annette Bragg. “I am personally committed to upholding the mission of Happy Trails while honoring the foundation that our founder has set in to place. I am honored to have been chosen to guide the organization and appreciate the support of all. I often say, I cannot do this alone, but surrounded with the skills, loyalty and dedication of the friends, volunteers and staff of Happy Trails, we can do anything.” ~Laurie