FAQ
Q. When was Island Haven formed?
A. In the spring of 2015. It all began when three horses and two alpacas needed to find homes because the farm they were on was for sale. Our founder, Julie Duke, wanted the bonded horses to stay together, and in speaking with other community members found there was a need for a place that could rescue horses and farm animals, so she started Island Haven, the rest, as they say, is history.
Q. Are you open to the public and do you own the farm the sanctuary is on?
A. We are not open to the public, but we are happy to arrange private tours led by one of our volunteers. Why? Because as a sanctuary, we have a responsibility to make sure the animals have a peaceful environment, we are not a petting zoo, and also because the farm is privately owned. We do not. The land (300 acres) and structures the sanctuary began on were purchased by the Land Bank and San Juan Preservation Trust in the fall of 2015. They allowed us to stay on the property while 30 of the acres and structures were sold. October Farm LLC purchased the farm and has allowed the sanctuary to stay – yay! You can rent the farmhouse from October Farm on VRBO.
Q. If I become a volunteer or sponsor an animal, can I visit any time?
A. Volunteers have scheduled times to visit and sponsors can request a time to visit their sponsored animals, but an Island Haven representative needs to be on site when you do.
Q. Do you ride the horses or let other people ride them?
A. Most of our horses are with us because they can no longer be ridden, or never have been. So, no, we do not ride them, nor do we allow others to. The horses do get exercised and groomed, and volunteers can be trained to do these activities.
Q. What does “sanctuary” mean?
A. Webster’s defines sanctuary as a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter and others define it as a place of refuge or safety. We like to call it “a safe place to call home forever”, meaning our animal friends will have lifelong protection and care at our sanctuary.
Q. How can I help?
A. You can volunteer at the sanctuary and/or events, become a donor, sponsor an animal friend, donate items from our wish list, shop on smile.amazon.com and choose Island Haven to be the donation percentage recipient, give us your King’s receipts, spread the word about what we do and why to your family, neighbors, friends, co-workers and strangers on the ferry, like us on Facebook, sign up for our newsletter, call or email us with questions or if you hear of a farm animal or horse in need, and be compassionate to all living beings.