Meet furry friends at these Weld County nonprofits
Published on April 25, 2025
By Shaley Dehner and Shereen Lisa Dudar,
Weld County Communications Specialists
Throughout Weld County, there are nonprofit organizations focused on rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals. From carnivorous cats to horses trained in holistic healing, there is no shortage of unique, animal-driven locations, each open to the public.
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary
A sanctuary for abused and neglected farm animals, Luvin Arms is home to cows and chickens, donkeys and ducks, potbelly pigs — even a peacock. The sanctuary's mission is centered around "ahimsa," a Sanskrit word meaning nonviolence toward all living beings. It's also driven by a desire to connect the community through compassion. Tours are available for kids, members of the deaf and hard of hearing community, or anyone who simply wants to cuddle a cow. Visit luvinarms.org for more information.
Location: 3470 County Road 7, Erie
Hours: Daily (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a reservation. Drop-in visits cannot be accommodated with the exception of community events.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
This 1,214-acre refuge shelters more than 520 large carnivores, including lions, tigers, bears, wolves, foxes, bobcats and more. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is dedicated exclusively to rescuing captive exotic and endangered large carnivores from across the U.S. It’s the largest and oldest sanctuary of its kind in the world. Learn more at www.wildanimalsanctuary.org.
Location: 2999 County Road 53, Keenesburg
Hours: Daily (9 a.m. to sunset) except New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Rhythm of the Horse (ROTH)
Aiming to change lives with every step, ROTH offers holistic equine-assisted and farm-based activities for individuals with physical and emotional challenges. Its programming includes conductive education, horse-powered reading and math, therapeutic riding and more. Visit www.rhythmofthehorse.org to learn all about this nonprofit.
Location: 7135 County Road 23, Fort Lupton
Hours: Services are by appointment only. However, ROTH has some upcoming community events that can be found on their website.
More equine therapy nonprofits: Allegiance Ranch and Equine Rescue (3448 County Road 4, Erie) offers equine therapy programs for veterans, active duty service members and first responders. Happiness Through Horses (15600 County Road 6, Fort Lupton) offers programs that promote mental health, personal growth and educational development for youth.
Archway Adventures
Bursting with serenity, Archway Adventures is the culmination of a husband and wife's vision for a brighter, happier world. In its 30 years of operation, thousands of wild and domestic animals have been rehabilitated, including ongoing efforts with feral cat colonies. Now, Archway Adventures welcomes community members to take part in educational programs, such as survival skills and animal tracking, small-scale farming, and primitive fire making, to name a few. Read more at archwayadventures.org.
Location: 24489 County Road 54, Greeley
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (noon to 4 p.m.)
Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue (RMHRR)
This completely volunteer-run organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of domestic rabbits — through rescue efforts, rabbit care education and helping rabbits find their "fur-ever" home. RMHRR has a full program of events for the community, from rabbit yoga to crafting classes. Visit www.rmhrr.org to learn more about adoption, volunteering and upcoming events.
Location: 984 County Road 7, Erie
Hours: Rabbits can be visited by appointment only. The Binky Boutique store is open Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for all bunny supplies.