Nichelem Animal Sanctuary
Our mission is to provide a loving, compassionate home to animals in need with their health, safety, and happiness being our top priority.
Our Latest Rescues
Rescued is our Favorite Breed
To receive more updates on new rescues and current happenings, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Harper
Rescued in June 2025
Harper was abandoned by her family and left outside in a small, dirty pen during a storm. After four days, a neighbor found her covered in ticks and mats. We brought her to the sanctuary, gave her the care she needed, and today she lives like a little princess — safe, loved, and cherished. A true rags-to-riches story.
Parker
Rescued March 2025
Parker is one of our greatest success stories — a symbol of hope and resilience. He was found beaten so badly that he was blind and partially paralyzed, weighing barely a pound. With dedicated care, he made a remarkable recovery that even amazed the vets. Today, Parker enjoys a happy, healthy life here at the sanctuary.
Feral Puppy Litter 1
Rescued in August 2025
The first litter of puppies we rescued was found in a trash pile, born to feral dogs. At only three weeks old, they were far too young to survive on their own. As their mother weaned them, they had no food or care, so we stepped in and brought them to the sanctuary. With good food and love, their dogonalities are beginning to shine — now they’re full of energy and always ready for attention!
Churchy
Rescued April 2025
Churchy’s full name is Christopher Church, given in memory of Christopher Arsenault of Happy Cat Sanctuary and his beloved cat, Church — both of whom tragically passed away in the fire on March 31, 2025. Churchy was found dumped, scared, and skinny, with no food or home. He was around 10 months old. It took weeks for him to adjust to having meals on a regular basis, but today he is happy, healthy, and thriving!
Feral Puppy Litter 2
Rescued in August 2025
The second litter of feral puppies was in even worse condition than the first. It took an extra week of searching before we finally heard faint cries coming from an old, nasty abandoned building surrounded by weeds taller than us. With determination and grit, we brought all three puppies to safety. At first, they were shy and scared, but with patience, good food, and plenty of love, they are beginning to trust us. Now they greet us with excitement and are growing healthier every day!
Virtual Adopt
If you’ve always wanted an animal without the responsibility, wish you could have more animals, or simply want to help make a difference—here’s your chance!
With Virtual Adopt, your monthly donation helps provide care for the animal you choose. In return, you’ll receive their story along with updates, pictures, and videos several times a month.
Ready to get started? Virtual Adopt is simple! Just follow the steps below to pick your animal and begin supporting them each month.
How It Works: 1. Choose Your Animal – Visit our Animal Photo Page above and pick the animal you’d like to virtually adopt. You can hover over or click on their picture to see their name. 2. Select Your Donation Level – We have four suggested monthly donation options: Cats are $35, Dogs are $40, Donkeys are $70, Horses are $100. Note: All donation amounts are SUGGESTIONS only, any amount is acceptable. 3. Make Your Donation – Scroll Down to the donation section, choose your monthly donation amount (any amount is acceptable), and in the description box let us know you’re signing up for a Virtual Adopt, along with the rescue animal you choose, and a good contact (Email or Phone Number) for us to send updates to. 4. Enjoy Updates & Stories – Each month, you’ll receive updates, photos, and videos of your animal, plus their personal story. Your support helps provide food, medical care, and enrichment for them.
About Us
Although we officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2023, our rescue journey began over 20 years ago. What started as a horse farm grew into a lifelong mission to help animals in need, from horses to cats, dogs, and more. Becoming a nonprofit was simply the next step in turning compassion into lasting impact.
Our founder’s lifelong connection to animals began on the farm where she was raised. Over time, she specialized in analyzing and understanding animal and human behavior, a gift she’s always felt called to use, shaping the heart and vision behind Nichelem Animal Sanctuary.
Learn more about her story Here
Our Mission in Action
At Nichelem Animal Sanctuary, we believe every life deserves compassion, care, and respect.
Our Work Today: We provide lifelong homes for animals who are abused or often overlooked, including senior, and disabled animals, as well as misunderstood breeds. We also stand firm in promoting responsible pet ownership, the importance of spay and neuter. Beyond this, we focus on helping young people experience the power of healing through animals. When animals receive the care and love they deserve, they heal — and in turn, their unconditional love is therapeutic both physically and mentally.
Our Broader Commitment: We believe protecting animals means protecting the planet. Our sanctuary promotes sustainable living, wildlife protection, and cruelty-free choices that support a healthier world. We advocate for the humane treatment of all animals by raising awareness about issues such as puppy mills and fur farms, leading to end all animal testing. We are also big supporters of spay and neuter, ending the cycle of overpopulation. By encouraging responsible choices and compassion, we strive to create a world where all animals are treated with respect.
Looking Ahead: Our future goals include expanding to a larger property where we can:
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Rescue and care for a variety of animals
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Offer animal-assisted therapy and youth programs focused on confidence, resilience, and healing
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Create programs and on-site housing options for girls who have experienced trauma, giving them a safe space to heal
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To provide a place where people can feel the love of God in his greatest creation, nature and animals
Together, we’re building a future where kindness, understanding, and respect connect every living being. There is so much more on our hearts to share, for more details view our Mission & Goals page.
Stay in the Know
Here at Nichelem Animal Sanctuary we advocate for animals on many issues.
One of the many is, animals being used for testing. We want to do everything we can to end this horrific torture to innocent animals. We can all do our part by buying products that say, no animal testing or cruelty free.
Check your shampoo/conditioner, soap, lotions, make-up, deodorant, laundry detergent, etc.
Make a donation
Thank you for your donation. All donations are tax deductible. 100% of your donation goes to the animals.
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