Our History:

Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary was established in 2002. Originally a hobby farm, Big Sky Ranch would become known to so many animals as a "Safe Haven" and an opportunity to recover from their past lives or professions, as well as restore their trust & faith in humans.

From 2002 until 2004 the facility was privately funded and operated by Mr. Andy Parent, the Owner and President of Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary. Mr. Parent throughout this duration of time, discovered that not only cats and dogs would desperately be in need of an alternative....but so would the larger farm animals, that didn't always fit into regular rescue protocols. And so it begun - animal after animal would arrive, either announced by their former owners or, un-announced and abandoned, left behind to defend for themselves.

During the care and attention these animals would receive, Mr. Parent not only discovered characteristics of abuse in many different forms - but also that these animals were simply just misunderstood. In some cases animals were seized by the local authorities and brought to Big Sky Ranch, with no other place to go. Mr. Parent understood that something had to be done in all efforts for these animals or animal welfare in general. The sights and conditions of some of these animals were too devastating for anyone to ignore. As a result, he decided that an Animal Sanctuary in Kemptville was the answer - a safe alternative and opportunity for all abused and unwanted animals in need. The Sanctuary would be opening their arms and welcoming in many animals of different kinds, sizes, & ages.

The difficulty of a private funded sanctuary could lead to financial exhaustion and would be the official turnabout for the Sanctuary and all of its animals..an onward journey of animal welfare at its best, stepping forward into the public through many methods. Mr. Parent by 2004, had an astounding 125 animals at the Sanctuary...a far stretch from the original hobby farm - which consisted of only 4 animals. The result was apparent, not only did the animals need this facility but the community needed this facility too - so the Sanctuary and all of its animals needed to gain the financial support from the community. Local and abroad media was contacted and the story of Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary would be the name of the facility that slowly became known to many.