What is a Sanctuary?

Generally located on vast areas of land, domestic animal sanctuaries are a relatively new concept in animal welfare, offering an alternative to euthanasia for many pets.

Every year thousands of pets are abused and neglected. These animals usually end up in overcrowded animal shelters- shelters that are not equipped to treat their deep emotional and physical wounds, which can take months, sometimes years, to overcome.

Unfortunately the result is they are deemed “unadoptable” and destroyed.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We believe that those pets who have been most abused at the hands of people deserve mercy and respect for their lives. Sanctuaries offer a much needed service to fill the void in animal welfare by providing

Cage Free, long term care in a comforting environment
Rehabilitation and adoption programs
Permanent housing for animals too damaged from past abuse to be adopted

Animal Welfare Sanctuary

Printable Our Companions
Sanctuary FAQ

How will Our Companions Sanctuary be different than a shelter?

The Sanctuary will be distinguished from traditional shelters in three major ways:

1. The Sanctuary is a no-kill facility which means animals will not be destroyed due to time limits.
2. The Sanctuary will provide animals with a cage-free, home-like environment which will offer a peaceful, enriching atmosphere so pets can live comfortably and rehabilitate while living at the sanctuary.
3. Due to the first two points, the longer pets stay at the sanctuary the more adoptable they will be come rather than animals becoming less adoptable, which is what happens during extended stays in traditional shelters because the environment is so stressful.

How many animals will be rescued and adopted each year?

The first phase of construction includes building an initial Rescue Cottage. Since animals who enter will be rehabilitated and adopted out, the Rescue Cottage alone will place 150 cats and 20 dogs each year.

The subsequent phases of animal housing construction include building 16 additional dog and cat cottages (8 per species). This will allow 1,200 cats and 160 dogs to be rescued and re-homed each year at the Sanctuary.

Will pets at the Sanctuary live there for life?

While the physical environment of Our Companions Sanctuary would be suitable for life-long care, it will be our focus to find a forever home for each pet. This will allow us to continue to rescue and rehabilitate new pets each year. And, after all, nothing can replace a permanent home with a loving family. This is something every pet deserves.

Who will take care of the animals? Can I volunteer?

Each cottage will be managed by paid staff who will manage and oversee the cottage’s operation and the physical and behavioral care of the animals within. In addition, Our Companions will rely on compassionate volunteers for additional care-giving and socialization. There will be countless ways for the community to get involved!

What happens when the sanctuary fills up?

Like shelters our sanctuary will be constantly filled to capacity. No shelter or sanctuary is immune to the reality of pet overpopulation. To that end, the more animals we can adopt out, the more lives we can save. This is also why Our Companions mission is to address the root causes of pet homeless via our preventative programs including, canine training, sterilization services and public education.

Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary
P.O. Box 673
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 242-9999