With over 300 animals ranging from donkeys to peacocks to snakes, and located on 43 acres of land in the secluded yet community-loving town of Cedarville, New Jersey, Freedom Farm Animal Rescue, thrives as a nonprofit animal sanctuary founded by Jamie and Tara Castano.

What started in 2013 as a small mission to foster dogs turned into a full-time job for Jamie. Initially, on a rented five-acre plot, Jamie and Tara fenced in the backyard for the dogs they were rescuing, and as time went on, they learned more about adopting, training, and rehabilitation. One day, a local shelter called Jamie to ask if he could take in a pig that had been at the shelter for six months. Although the two were unfamiliar with pigs, they had the space, so they took it in. After word spread that they had a pig, they were approached with an offer to take in a few goats, and the rest was history.

As their rescue missions continued, the couple needed more time and space, leading them in 2018 to move to their current property, and leading Jamie to quit his job as a chef and pursue the farm full-time. And the farm is more than a job; for them, it is a lifestyle. So much so that when asked what Jamie likes to do in his free time, he responded, “Free time? What’s that?!” On the rare occasions when Jamie has a spare second, he spends time with his wife and four-year-old son or works with other local organizations.

And while sharing a home with 300 animals sounds like a dream, it definitely comes with its challenges. As a nonprofit, the Castanos’ most significant challenge is fundraising. “Physically, the hardest part is the day-in, day-out labor, but I can’t complain, because we love it,” Jamie said. “But overall, the hardest part is keeping up with the money.”

The couple used to do most of their fundraising on social media, but the algorithm changed, so their posts weren’t reaching the audience they needed to reach. Now, while still fundraising online, the couple also invites the public to visit every Saturday. “If we’re asking people to donate online, we want them to see where their money goes,” he said. “Walk around the sanctuary, and you’ll see how expensive it is to feed and care for all these animals. We also build everything the right way the first time—fencing, structures, housing. It costs more upfront, but it’s more reliable and avoids constant repairs.”

While they face many challenges, Jamie says the job is gratifying. Seeing animals transform from weak and sick to strong and happy shows how their hard work pays off. “I’m part of every rescue, so I see animals at their worst when they arrive,” Jamie said. “To see them months later—healthy, happy, and living freely—is the best part.” The condition of the animals upon arrival at the farm varies, with some animals being extremely sick. 

When extremely sick animals arrive, the vet sometimes recommends euthanasia because of how hard the recovery may be on the animal. Still, Jamie and Tara always give an animal a trial. When an animal arrives, the couple runs bloodwork, identifies what may be wrong, and develops a plan of action. “It’s amazing how resilient animals are and how quickly they bounce back,” Jamie said. 

With years of experience and a pure, honest mission, the work of Jamie and Tara will have an everlasting impact on the animals they have helped and the community they have served. And while they have space for the animals, their resources are limited as a nonprofit. To donate, subscribe to the farm’s Patreon and check out their website (coming soon!).