On our recent visit to The Muddy Pug Farm & Sanctuary in Maple Valley, my kids and I met dozens of animals—goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, cats, chickens, and ducks. The kids picked apples from the farm’s trees, then fed them directly to (very grateful) cows.
The stories we heard about the sheep as we brushed their wool were heartwarming, and we were struck by the hilarious antics of the “velociraptors” (in fact, they were chickens, with prehistoric attitudes).
Nothing says fall like a visit to a farm, and there’s nothing better than a farm visit with a purpose. Animal sanctuaries like The Muddy Pug offer an ideal farm experience that blends fun and education, and fosters empathy.
What is an Animal Sanctuary?
Animal sanctuaries exist to provide a permanent home for animals that have been neglected or abandoned. Unlike zoos that primarily focus on entertainment and conservation or animal refuges that seek to rehabilitate and release animals, animal sanctuaries offer rescued animals a haven where they can live out their lives.
The greater Seattle area is home to several sanctuaries, many of which allow visitors and provide an educational experience for the whole family. Some offer kids and grownups hands-on experience with farm skills and animal care, but the most essential thing animal sanctuaries do is to foster compassion for living creatures. Our visit left my kids with a newfound love and respect for animals, and a desire to continue caring for others they encounter.
I found that our visit to the animal sanctuary, where visitors interact with previously harmed animals and learn about their stories of recovery, helped instill the values of responsibility, respect, and advocacy. It was impactful for all of us, and we already have plans to visit other places.
Know Before You Go
Here are some tips, garnered from our experience, for making the most of a sanctuary visit:
- Before you go, contact the sanctuary to learn how to schedule a tour. Animal sanctuaries are working farms, so plan accordingly.
- Wear appropriate clothing that can (and will) get dirty, including long pants and close-toed shoes.
- It is also a good idea to bring clean clothes and shoes for the drive home, especially if you visit on a muddy day!
- Use the restroom before arriving, as many animal sanctuaries have rustic facilities with no running water.
- Be prepared to do lots of walking through various terrains, and know that most animal sanctuaries can’t accommodate wheeled devices like strollers or wagons.
- Most animal sanctuaries are small nonprofits where caring for injured or rejected animals is a labor of love. They rely on volunteers and public support to provide care for their animals. Be prepared to make a donation when you visit a sanctuary.
Where to Visit Animal Sanctuaries Near Seattle
What are your kids’ favorite animals? There may be a sanctuary just for them. If not, check out these sanctuaries in our region:
- Where: Maple Valley
- Focus: Farm animals and muddy pugs! “Ambassador Animals” greet visitors.
- Hours: Tours by appointment only
- Cost: Suggested donation $35 per person
- Where: Sultan (near Monroe)
- Focus: Farm animals, dogs, cats and birds. Staff here investigate nimal cruelty.
- Hours: Seasonal public and private tours
- Cost: $18 child, $25 adult
- Where: Renton
- Focus: Farm animals, including a cow with a “bionic leg.”
- Hours: Scheduled visits only, Tuesdays-Sundays
- Cost: Donations suggested
Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington
- Where: Shelton (Harstine Island)
- Focus: Big cats—tigers, cougars, bobcats, lynx, leopards. Some of the animal residents are endangered species.
- Hours: Tours by appointment only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- Cost: $25-$125 per person
- Where: Stanwood
- Focus: Pigs. They even enjoy daily social outings in the woods.
- Hours: Tours by appointment only, April-November
- Cost: $55 per person
- Where: Tenino
- Focus: Wolves and wolfdogs
- Hours: Scheduled visits only, open on weekends
- Cost: $10 child, $20 student/senior/military, $25 adult
- Where: Roy (Pierce County)
- Focus: Farm animals—pigs, birds, cats
- Hours: Scheduled visits only
- Cost: From $35 per guest
Looking for More Animal Fun?
Looking for more hands-on animal fun? Check out our roundup of Seattle-area petting zoos and farms where kids can feed, pet, and meet barnyard favorites.
