» Current Events

At Sara’s Sanctuary it is our primary goal is to provide a safe haven to any animal, bird, reptile or any other creature that is in immediate need of shelter, care and medical help. That belief does not change because of what species it happens to be.  Any creature that is in trouble and has found its way to our door will not be turned away, which happens regularly at many other facilities.  They may only need our help for a short period of time to get them comforted, nourished and given a warm bed. If they need to be transitioned to another facility with the appropriate professionals, we establish where the best place is for the next step in their lives.  Since we began in 1998, we have served as a place of transition for many animals, birds and reptiles, many who have come from sad and desperate situations.

Obviously, being free for any animal is the best option, if only for all exotics & wildlife, but usually, because of human involvement, that option is impossible for many. Most people don’t know that many of the species of creatures we have cared for here at the Sanctuary these past 14 years are illegal to own in the state of Washington.  They are bred and sold every day into private ownership – from servals to bears, primates to foxes, deer, raccoons, squirrels, skunks and even the often misunderstood little opossum – basically any animal, bird or reptile you can think of.  It is very disheartening to see the sad and filthy situations many of these animals are left in after being forced into human hands, totally dependent for even something as basic as clean water.  Trade in birds, of all types, is the most prolific. The main need a bird has is to fly and be free, and yet so many of them will ultimately end up sitting in a small cramped cage in someone’s home or garage with no attention or care.

We believe all creatures deserve the same care and quality of life, no matter what size or shape it is.  Providing that has always been our first priority. 

Meet Some of the wonderful critters who have found their way to our doors… 

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Maynard loves his toys!

 This new website  has been dedicated to Maynard!       

 A serious situation developed at our Redmond location of Sara’s Sanctuary. One of our neighbors filed a formal complaint against Sara’s Sanctuary. When King County Animal Control responded to the complaint and conducted an  on-site inspection, they found NO code violations with our sanctuary.  ONLY because of this neighbor’s persistent threats and efforts against us, our case was transferred to King County DDES.  This neighbor then obtained a petition against us. This petition action resulted in an investigation of our property. King County is  now questioning  our animal enclosures, in proximity to the  property lines/and the property line set backs laws.  The set back laws for a private farm or a Sanctuary for animals,  is 10′. We are a Sanctuary for animals, not a shelter. A shelter, is a temporary housing facility, which adopts out animals.   Because we are a Sanctuary the setbacks are “10 ft” . King County now wants to change our classification to a shelter instead of what we are a  “sanctuary”.  This will change our set backs to 50′ for any animal enlcosure and even our pasture grazing area.  There is No grandfather clause for buildings for a shelter.  Although, this property was bought for the sole use of the “Sanctuary”, our barn, that was built over 20 years ago, (not by us) is not safe from the Neighbors and the County. Because of the neighbors threats, the County now say’s it’s too close to the property lines.  Our barn is 48′  from our surveryed property line, but we have been told to tear it down. Just one of many enlosures where our babies call home.      

We are USDA licensed and exotic animals do not fall into the the same  laws of domestic animals. Maynard, was not an issue  – he was protected as an exotic endangered species. Sadly to say, many of  any of the other animals living at the Sanctuary were not protected by this same act because they were not exotic.  The  injured little dove, an abused and injured goat, or the goose that was shot in the head, are not protected  because they are not exotic endangered species. We are working with King County to try and resolve these property ”set back” issues. (more…)