Here are some Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you accept donations?
Answer: Yes, we depend on donations to operate! Money, property, securities, legacies – or just your cast-off linens, or any other goods. Most people ask that question because they do not realize we are what the IRS calls a 501 c 3 public charity. Donations to us are deductible from your income tax to the extent of the law. To make a donation and to see our Wish List, click here.
Q: How do you get your money?
Answer:Â Well, as discussed above, hopefully a lot of it comes from “donations”, the generosity of you folks out there, who appreciate what we are doing and who decide to help. Other funds come from “program income”, ie. charges for things what we do in furtherence of our goals, like educational workshops and lectures, entrance fees for various presentations, etc. Or from fund raisers, things like raffles, special dinners, open houses. And from investment income, ie interest received from securities, etc, that have been willed or given to us over the years.
Q: Who takes care of the animals?
Answer:Â Our animal population ranges between 225-250 animals. We have about 23-25 employees, some part-time but most full-time, who help with the daily running of the farm. About 16 of those are directly involved in animal care and the others run the offices and various programs that we offer. That is not counting the 3 directors, Bonnie, Dawn, and Margot who are on the property 24/7/365. Generally, the three directors each work about 60-70 hours per week. We also have a volunteer program and always welcome a good solid volunteer to help us with the animal care and clean up.
Q: Do you accept volunteers?
Answer:Â Yes, we welcome dependable volunteers! Follow this link for more information on our Volunteer Program.
Q: How many animals do you have and what kind?
Answer:Â Our population varies between 225 and 250 animals. We have horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, cats, rabbits, and several birds.
Q: Do you have a veterinarian on staff that I can bring my animal in to see?
Answer:Â We do have a full-time veterinarian on staff for our own animals. We also utilize other veterinary clinics and specialists as needed. Our veterinarian however is not able to see animals from outside of our organization. We are unable to help in emergency situations and you must call your own veterinarian or go to an emergency clinic for help.
Q: Will you take in our dog, cat, horse, pig, or whatever?
Answer:Â This is one question we’d like to be able to say yes to but unfortunately we most likely will be saying no. Since we do not euthanize animals to make room for more, when we are full, we are full. We have to turn away many more animals than we could possibly take in. Our organization was never set up for high turnover because, being a sanctuary, we do primarily long term care and very limited adoptions.
Q: Do you adopt out animals?
Answer:Â We no longer adopt out any of our animals. Most of the animals in our sanctuary are elderly and or have special needs. Some are with us for hospice care. Â All of the animals who live at the farm are valued members of our animal family.
Q: If I have a problem with an animal, can I call you for advice?
Answer:Â Certainly we do our best to help all callers. We are not veterinarians, however, so we cannot diagnose or prescribe. We can only give you the benefit of our own experience and recommend a vet if you do not have one. Frequently, we can direct you to helpful information either from other organizations or professionals who might be able to help you with your situation. You can contact our office Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, at (315) 737-9339.
Q: Do you care for injured wildlife?
Answer:Â No, there are special licensed wildlife rehabilitators who do that. Again, we can help by referring you to an apporpriate licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Q: How and when can we come visit or take a tour?
Answer:Â We are open for tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week (except major holidays), and are happy to give tours to individuals or groups. But we ask that you please make arrangements in advance by calling the office at (315) 737-9339, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., as we have to have someone available to show you around, and the staff has to plan their animal care work around tours. If you just “drop in”, sadly, we may not be able to accommodate you if we don’t have staff available to show you around.
Q: How do we get to Spring Farm?
Answer:Â We are on NYS Route 12 south (not 12B), 4 miles south of New Hartford and 8 miles north of Waterville. If driving from east or west, I-90, the New York State Thruway is your best bet. Get off at Utica exit 31, then follow the signs for Route 12 South to Binghamton. We are about 10 miles south of the Thruway. If coming north, you can come up NYS Route 8 or NYS Route 12 itself. If flying, you can come into the Syracuse Airport, which is an hour’s drive from us, or Albany, which is closer to 2 hours from us.