Animal Farm Foundation

Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization built on the principle that all dogs are individuals. Our Foundation relies on science-based information on animal behavior and public policy, including breed-specific legislation and housing insurance discrimination, derived from our subsidiary [National Canine Research Council](https://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/), a think tank for science and public policy. AFF’s team offers regional and national initiatives that support dogs and the people who care for them in their communities. Current AFF programs include our [Old Friends program](https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/old-friends/), which is an onsite and foster-based program that gives senior dogs in shelters across the country an opportunity to live out their lives in a loving home. Additionally, we have dogs on the younger side that are also apart of our [adoption program](https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/adopt/), who’ve come to us to await their new homes while enjoying the farm life. Our [Family Pantry program](https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/localsupport/) recognizes pets as family and, especially during tough times, provide a way to help pets stay with their families. Furthermore, AFF staff [consult with animal shelters](https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/shelter-consulting/) across the country on evidence-based, progressive and inclusive enrichment, training, marketing and adoption policies. We also provide toolkits and resources for best practices to governments and community organizations as well as animal shelters and individual dog owners. NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Shelter/Rescue Registration: RR286 **OUR HISTORY** Founded in 1985, Animal Farm Foundation began as a horse rescue. We shifted focus to “pit bull” dogs when our founder, Jane Berkey, discovered that “pit bull” dog owners were not welcome in a lot of communities and spaces. Jane experienced some of that herself when she adopted a “pit bull” from a local shelter. People made a lot of assumptions about her and her dog. She wanted to learn more about those stereotypes and help other dog owners. Through that work, we’ve learned that assumptions about “pit bull” dogs have no basis in science. In fact, the majority of dogs people think are “pit bulls” actually aren’t a member of any breed at all. The motivation behind “pit bull” dog stereotypes was to keep marginalized people out of communities. This is why we’ve worked so hard to end breed restrictions, including breed-specific legislation. Recently, we decided to move all of our science-backed efforts, like ending BSL, to our subsidiary organization, National Canine Research Council. This move allows AFF to focus solely on directly helping people, pets, and their communities. **OUR WORK** Dogs may be our main mission but AFF is surrounded by farmland that we put to good use. Rescued and retired horses, cows, and other farm life call the farm home. Located in Dutchess County, NY on 400 acres, daily life on the farm is one big summer camp with our rolling hills, wide open spaces, and dirt roads. Our CPDT certified staff, along with our dedicated volunteers, make every day the best it can be for our animals. The senior shelter dogs in our Old Friends program have the opportunity to couch surf between staff houses and visit our local town, while our rescued farm animals get to explore the vast fields around the property. Our staff may be small in number but we make up for it in the impact we have on the animals we care for.