Barn Sanctuary

Animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for farm animal refugees

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Farm Animal Sanctuary in Michigan

Mission

Barn Sanctuary is a hands-on animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for farm animal refugees. This includes any animals that have been abused, abandoned, sentenced to death or are victims of natural disasters. We educate the public about the horrific treatment of animals raised and slaughtered by modern day farm factories, and the positive impact that a plant-based diet can have on the environment and our health.

Vision

We envision a world in which animals are treated with empathy and compassion; a world where interacting with animals inspires people to make healthier dietary choices for the sake of animals and the environment. We strive to a lead a new and diverse generation of people towards a vegan lifestyle.

The Team

Dan McKernan, Founder & Executive Director

Dan McKernan, Founder & Executive DirectorDan is a seasoned technology and design professional who has built websites and apps for health/fitness companies, nonprofits, technology startups and more. He has worked on projects for Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Unified Relay, Mandela Kids, Boy Scouts of America, and Camp Fire USA.

Dan has hand on experience with farm animals after attending Farm Sanctuary’s Farm Animal Care Conference and is still in contact and guidance from Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary’s National Shelter Director. He is passionate advocate for animal welfare, environmentalism, and a plant based diet.

Tom McKernan, Co-founder & Operations Director

Owner of McKernan Farm, Tom is an active member of the Chelsea community. A former pharmacist, Tom is now the Township Supervisor for the township of Sylvan. Tom grew up on McKernan Farm when it was simply a family farm. He has hands on experience taking care of farm animals when growing up.

Become a Volunteer!

Volunteer support is essential to our organization and our animals. Barn Sanctuary is always looking for amazing volunteers to help us. Volunteering at The Barn Sanctuary is truly a rewarding experience, one that you will soon not forget!

Questions? Please fill out the form to your left and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.

Volunteer at Barn Sanctuary

Volunteer Activities

Typical volunteer activities include mucking barns and coops, raking, and pasture cleaning.  Many of the animals will come visit you while you complete your tasks but please remember that some tasks might not include much animal interaction.  Volunteering is physically intensive, so expect to get a good workout!

Age Restrictions

For safety and liability purposes, all volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, no exceptions. Volunteers who are ages 14 or 15 will need parent/guardian supervision for the duration of the day.

We are currently closed to the public because of renovations that are currently in the works!

Address: 20179 McKernan Rd. Chelsea, MI 48118

Donate Today

For a limited time, start a monthly commitment and your first gift will be doubled by another generous donor. That’s twice the help for the animals. Every dollar transforms the lives of farmed animals and the humans who meet and learn about them.

Your Support Matters

We greatly appreciate that Animal Planet has given us the opportunity to be featured in a show but we do not receive any direct compensation from the network. We rely completely on donations from individuals and foundations to support our work.

Every donation makes an enormous difference. We rely on contributions to operate as a sanctuary, to pay for the care of our residents, to respond to urgent rescues, and to create and run education and outreach programs.
Our Promise to You.

Your support is critical. We deeply value all monetary and in-kind donations and commit to administering them with the utmost responsibility with a focus on our mission.

Donate

How Your Contribution Helps

Rescue & Rehabilitation

Rescuing and rehabilitating farmed animals in need and providing highest quality of care and is our number one priority.

Urgent Medical Care

We commonly rescue animals in critical condition who require immediate medical attention, and we are home to many special needs residents. Hospital visits are frequent and often urgent.

A Safe & Dignified Home

A vital part of shelter work is maintaining a safe and clean living environment for the animals. Our facilities staff, volunteers and interns work tirelessly to ensure our residents have clean, safe and dignified homes.

Education & Outreach

Our educational and community programs allow us to touch the hearts and minds of the people who meet the rescues, hear their stories and learn about the plight and lives of each species.

Meet the Animals

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You can make a difference in the life of a rescued animal. Sponsor a resident to help cover the cost of their food, shelter and ongoing care and receive a sponsor certificate and photo of your animal. Sponsorships require an ongoing commitment to the resident: chickens & ducks ($10/mth), turkeys ($20/mth), goats ($25/mth), pigs, sheep & donkeys ($30/mth), cows ($50/mth).

Sponsor an Animal

Vehicle Donation Program

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Making a difference comes in many forms at Barn Sanctuary, like sponsoring an animal or volunteering at the farm. Donating your car, truck, motorcycle, RV or boat to Barn Sanctuary is another quick and easy way to contribute to our mission!

Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, Michigan is a safe haven for farmed animals. When you donate a vehicle, not only are you supporting a great cause, your charitable contribution will help feed and care for over 100 rescued farmed animals like chickens, cows, donkeys, ducks, goats, pigs, sheep, and turkeys!

From anywhere in the country, running or not, cars, boats and all other vehicle donations to Barn Sanctuary are considered! Our trained staff will guide you through the donation process at no cost to you. The proceeds from your charitable gift will go directly to Barn Sanctuary and you may even receive a tax deduction!

Our friendly and experienced Donor Support Team is available 7 days a week to answer your questions and assist you through the vehicle donation process.