Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary is much more than a safe haven for animals—it's a sanctuary of healing, hope, and connection for both animals and the people who visit them. Founded by Aimee Takaha, the nonprofit’s mission is to “rescue, rehabilitate, re-home and spread awareness of farm animals in need while creating a healing environment for differently abled humans.”
Located at 980 W. Lenora Way in Queen Creek, guests can book hour-long private tours featuring cow hugging, piggy belly rubs, animal feeding, animal kisses and snuggles. There are also volunteer opportunities for individuals and organized group projects.
Having endured childhood trauma, Takaha sought refuge in her imagination—envisioning herself surrounded by farm animals as a way to escape the pain. Later in life, Takaha faced flashbacks and emotional struggles, but she discovered that the very animals she had dreamed of as a child offered a path to healing. The sanctuary reflects her journey of overcoming trauma and finding solace in the companionship of animals.
“Nothing helped my flashbacks until the animals,” Takaha said. “I owe these animals my life.”
Her first pig, Petunia, sparked a profound lifestyle change that led her to embrace veganism and inspired the creation of the sanctuary.
Award-winning sanctuary
Today, Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of animals, including pigs, goats, cows, chickens, turkeys, dogs, cats, alpacas and more. Their 5-acre property may house as many as 100 rescues and was voted one of the “Top 10 Animal Sanctuaries in the U.S.” by Vegan Universal.
Rescues come from a variety of places, with a focus on neglected animals, animals with special needs, and animals saved from exploitation and death in the meat industry. Some animals have even been left at her doorstep.
Many residents arrive in dire conditions—abused, neglected, or surrendered due to special needs. “The biggest honor is when we get an animal so broken mentally and physically who trusts us for the first time,” Takaha said. “When the sparkle comes back in their frightened eyes, when they put on a healthy weight and play—that is the biggest honor to me above all.”
Each animal has its own story. Some are blind, some have wheelchairs, prosthetic legs, missing limbs and many are seniors.
The sanctuary has different sensory items for the animals including scratchy brushes mounted on trees and fences, busy balls, tug toys, a playhouse and climb toys.
One of the sanctuary’s most touching rescues is Jennyvieve, a wild donkey found pregnant and severely injured with a bullet wound to her face. After two reconstructive surgeries, she now lives happily with her baby, Jellybean, embodying the sanctuary’s mission of renewal and second chances.
Animals helping humans
The sanctuary is not only a refuge for animals but also a therapeutic space for people. Takaha frequently witnesses profound connections between her animals and visitors, including cancer patients, veterans, and children with disabilities.
“It truly fills my heart to know these animals, once discarded like trash, have a beautiful purpose now; to live and be free and happy, all while helping people,” Takaha said. “These very animals have helped children born different… I can’t explain how it works, it’s something that one must feel with the heart.”
Challenges and triumphs
Running the sanctuary comes with its challenges. With up to 100 animals in residence at any given time, the costs of care are steep especially with most arriving in critical condition.
The sanctuary is run entirely on donations. No matter how big or small, every donation makes a difference. Recent projects, such as building smaller barns and upgrading shade structures were made possible through the generosity of the community.
The contributions of volunteers are also invaluable. “I am eternally grateful for our volunteers who work so selflessly to help the animals here,” Takaha said. “They are my ‘farmily’ and I love them to the mOOOn and back.”
For 2025 their goal is to add equine enrichment by adding a round pen and purchasing newer obstacles for sensory trust building.
A labor of love
Tours are available year-round, allowing visitors to meet the sanctuary’s residents and experience firsthand the deep bond between humans and animals.
“The tours are my way of spreading awareness while providing a healing atmosphere for both humans and animals alike. It is my way of spreading awareness to the sentience of livestock animals… Hugging a cow, feeling their big head on your lap or their slow breathing and heart beat is an experience like none other,” Takaha said. “To watch the silly antics of the animals, to rub a pig belly and hear the happy sighs is a beautiful gift for any animal lover.”
From rescuing injured, scared animals to celebrating rescue anniversaries with hats and flowers, every aspect of the sanctuary reflects Takaha’s dedication and love.
To learn more about Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary, become a volunteer or to donate, visit aimeesfarmanimalsanctuary.org. Tours can be booked online.
