FAQs

Why did you decide to focus on rescuing farmed animals at Blackbird Ranch?

• The decision to focus our rescue efforts on farmed animals was based on several important factors. First, there are many, many other organizations focusing their efforts on domestic animals, kept as pets, like cats and dogs. Same with horses. There aren’t as many organizations that primarily focus on farmed animals and we saw a need in that area. Also, farmed animals are some of the most abused, neglected and exploited animals in the world AND they have NO legal protection in the US, because they are considered “property”, not sentient beings, buy the lawmakers. We saw a need and knew we could make a difference in the lives of farmed animals who had no other options. Another aspect that went into the decision to focus on farmed animals was the hope of bringing about change for these animals. We want people to see farmed animals in a different light. We want people to recognize that these animals are no different than your pet dog or cat. They have all the same emotions, feelings, relationships, bonds, and needs that your pets do and they deserve the same love and respect that you would extend to your own family. We feel farmed animals are overlooked and undervalued in the rescue world and hope to inspire change in this area.

Do you rescue dogs and cats?

• Blackbird Ranch’s mission and focus is primarily on farmed animals. There are many rescues in the Washington and Pacific Northwest region whose focus is specifically on dogs and cats, and we will refer inquiries to those organizations, who are better equipped to handle the needs of dogs and cats. We are happy to help network and put you in touch with the appropriate organization for your specific need.

Do you take in horses?

• Though Blackbird Ranch does have equines, we are not an equine specific sanctuary. We do not have the space to rescue additional equines currently, and have no plans for additional equines in the near future. There are over 30 equine specific rescues and sanctuaries in the Pacific Northwest and we will refer you to one of those organizations for your equine needs. We are happy to help you network among these other organizations, as we do have some experience with them and connections within the equine community.

I just found out my baby chick is a rooster! I can’t keep roosters in the city limits! Can you adopt him?

• This is not a cut and dry answer. We get more requests for rooster intakes than any other animal each year and they are by far the hardest animals to find homes for. We can not possibly take in every request we receive. Our decision to rescue an owner surrendered rooster is based on several factors (urgent need, space, current flock dynamics, man power to care for an additional rooster and budget). We take each request on a case-by-case basis and if we can not accommodate your request, we are happy to try to network with other Pacific Northwest sanctuaries to place your rooster (keep in mind that most sanctuaries are also inundated with rooster requests). To prevent unwanted roosters in your home flock, we always recommend adopting adult hens from a sanctuary or rescue, so you know ahead of time that you are receiving a hen and not a rooster. When purchasing baby birds, there is always a 50/50 risk that your bird will be a rooster.

Do you allow volunteers to work with the animals?

• Yes! We love our volunteers! You may request to join our Facebook private volunteer group by searching “Blackbird Ranch Volunteer Network” and answering the questions that pop up. You can also contact our Jenna at jenna@blackbirdranchsanctuary.org You MUST attend a volunteer orientation (held each month) prior to volunteering at the ranch. Sign up is only on the private Facebook group, listed above.

Do you allow people to visit the sanctuary?

• Yes, we do allow visitors by appointment only. You must contact Jenna at jenna@blackbirdranchsanctuary.org . Appointments are made when our schedule allows as we are completely volunteer run.

Do you have any job openings at the ranch?

• Blackbird Ranch is a 100% volunteer run organization. No one gets a paycheck here, not even the Executive Director! We welcome you to come volunteer with us, if you would like to experience working with animals. Contact Jenna at jenna@blackbirdranchsanctuary.org for volunteer information.