Did you know that The Asher House is home to horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, alpacas, llamas, goats, and sheep? Caring for such a diverse group of animals means there is never really a “typical” day at the sanctuary. Each species has different needs, and every animal has their own personality, routine, and, sometimes, a very strong opinion about how the day should go.

Our farm animals can live out their lives at the sanctuary, where they receive lifelong care, love, and attention. Some of our farm animals are also available for adoption and may have the opportunity to find loving homes of their own. Whether they remain at the sanctuary or are adopted, our goal is always to give each animal the best life possible. Our dedicated Farm Team follows a daily rhythm to make sure every animal receives the care, attention, and enrichment they deserve, but there is plenty of fun mixed in along the way.

The day begins at 7:00 AM. After a brief morning check-in, the Farm Team begins their rounds. Every animal receives a morning welfare check, fresh food and water, and any medications they may need. The team also attends to individual needs, from fly masks and hoof boots to blankets and other accommodations based on the weather or an animal’s specific needs. Animals are then brought outside for the day, and the team keeps a close eye on everyone for any changes in health, behavior, appetite, or mobility.

Then comes the cleaning. Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, the Farm Team cleans animal enclosures, shelters, and water areas. Routine cleaning is part of the daily workload, while shelters are sanitized weekly and deep cleaned monthly or more often when an animal’s needs require it. The goal is generally to have daily cleaning completed by around 2:00 PM, allowing the team to turn their attention to enrichment, grooming, training, and individual animal care.

And this is where some of the fun begins! Enrichment is an important part of sanctuary life. It can mean a new activity, a special treat, a puzzle to figure out, time spent exploring a different area, or simply finding creative ways to keep curious minds and bodies engaged. And if you have ever spent time around goats or pigs, you know they can be very good at making their own fun. Goats may turn almost anything into a climbing opportunity, while pigs love to explore, investigate, root around, and get involved in whatever happens to be going on.

Sometimes the Farm Team’s job is simply to provide the opportunity, and let the animals take it from there! The team also spends time grooming and handling animals, assisting with training, preparing animals for veterinary appointments, helping with treatments, improving habitats, and giving extra attention to animals who need it that day.

And some of our farm animals have recently become artists! We are excited to soon offer limited-edition canvas artwork created by our very own farm animals. These special pieces will give our community a chance to bring home something truly unique while celebrating the personalities and creativity of the animals who call the sanctuary home. More details are coming soon, but enjoy your sneak preview in the photos below.

As the day winds down, the evening routine begins. The Farm Team provides evening food and water, administers medications, and completes another round of health and welfare checks. Fly masks come off, blankets are added or removed as needed, hoof boots are removed, and everyone is settled into their appropriate spaces for the night.

Before leaving around 5:30 PM, the team secures the barns and enclosures, checks fences and gates, prepares feed and medications for the following day, and communicates any concerns that need follow-up. By the time they head home, the Farm Team has spent a full day feeding, cleaning, monitoring, grooming, enriching, medicating, training, and caring for the animals. It is a lot of work but it is also a lot of fun. Because behind every clean shelter, full belly, playful afternoon, and happy animal is a Farm Team dedicated to giving every one of our animals the best life possible.