Safe Haven for Pigs, Fun and Education for Humans
Located on the Russian River in Sonoma County, CA, When Pigs Fly Ranch is a place where pigs who've been abandoned, neglected or can't be cared for anymore can live out their lives in safety, peace and harmony. Because we're a small sanctuary, each pig is treated like a pet, and enjoys the love, care and belly rubs we give them every day!
At When Pigs Fly Ranch, we're all about introducing people to the amazing world of pigs. Our sanctuary isn't just a safe haven; it's a place for pig education and joy. We're on a mission to change perceptions of pigs - they're not just cute, and are belief is that they're not products, but smart, playful, and loving creatures. Through interactive visits and heartwarming pig encounters, we aim to make people smile and form personal connections with our curly-tailed friends. Our goal is to bust old stereotypes and replace them with lots of piggy love and respect. Spending time with our pigs inspires kindness and empathy, encouraging people to make compassionate choices for animals and our planet, like perhaps going vegan, even part of the time.
Join us on this heartwarming journey of discovery and transformation!
TOURS: All tours are private and are held ONLY on Saturdays between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. We get booked several weeks in advance. We can't accommodate walk-ins, same day or next day tours. Tours are limited to 8 people. You must confirm your tour no later than the Monday prior to your tour date in order to hold your spot. Unconfirmed tour spots may be given to another group.
We ask for a donation of $25/adult and $15/child under 13.
We're closed for tours from December 15 to April 1.
If you're interested in visiting When Pigs Fly Ranch, please click here, or email us at info@whenpigsflyranch.org
When Pigs Fly Ranch is a Lifelong Dream Come True
I’m Marybeth Hall, Founder of When Pigs Fly Ranch. My journey into pig rescue began in November 2016 with an unexpected encounter—a 400-pound pig who completely stole my heart. That single meeting changed the course of my life.
My passion for animal rescue, however, began decades earlier. Since the 1990s, I’ve volunteered with dog and cat rescue organizations, served on the board of directors for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco, and shared my home with countless rescued dogs and cats. Helping animals has never been just a passion—it’s been a calling.
Although my experience was rooted in dog and cat rescue, founding a pig sanctuary meant starting from scratch. I was fortunate to be mentored by an extraordinary woman with more than 25 years of experience raising pigs, along with fellow sanctuary founders and compassionate veterinarians who generously shared their knowledge and continue to be trusted advisors today.
I became a vegetarian in 1985 and adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2018. I believe the choices we make every day have the power to create a more compassionate world—for animals, for people, and for the planet.
When Pigs Fly Ranch exists to give rescued pigs a safe, loving home while helping people see them for who they truly are: intelligent, emotional, curious individuals worthy of compassion and respect. Through education, connection, and firsthand experiences, we hope to inspire a new way of thinking about pigs and our relationship with all animals.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Cheers and oinks!
Marybeth
A Rewarding Experience
Forming connections with pigs can be an amazing and rewarding experience, and taking time to appreciate them is enriching for the pigs, and for us humans. Although caring for them is a big commitment, when we look into the eyes of our animal residents, offer them a comforting scratch behind the ears, or witness their joyful rolls for a belly rub, it becomes abundantly clear that our responsibilities to our animal friends goes well beyond mere words like "I'm too busy."
Flood and Fire
February of 2019 saw the decimation of When Pigs Fly Ranch by a 26-year flood. After three months, we recovered, with the animals living at Charlie’s Acres Sanctuary in Sonoma, our neighbor’s chicken coops, and one of our pot bellies in our back yard!
In August, 2020, the Walbridge Fire came within a mile of our sanctuary, and once again, the pigs and chickens were evacuated to Charlie’s Acres. This time, 4 dogs, 4 cats and 2 humans also spent 3 weeks in our camper, parked at Charlie’s Acres, while we awaited word we could return home.
Northern California's lifestyle is full of annual challenges during the fire season. At When Pigs Fly Ranch, we have the double whammy of flooding from the Russian River. But we stay the course, taking measures that are best for the animals during these challenges.
We express our gratefulness for the love and support we received from our friends. Huge thanks to Sonoma CART for help with the evacuations. If you’d like to help, please see our donation page! Contact us for more information.
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