Walk-in Farm Visitors: Friday -Saturday, 10AM -2PM Other visits by appointment only Tues-Sunday
Call us: (352) 262-7313 | Email: piggyparade@aol.com
We're hiring! Part time animal care/office help, 2-3 days a week. Email a resume today for consideration!
Step into a snuggle paradise with our fluffy and beautiful Highland cow family!
Jett, our majestic Highlander is breathtakingly beautiful, loves affection, and makes every photo look magical.
Choose a 30 or 45 minute session with this gorgeous and fluffy Highland steer who loves cheek scratches.
Meet Penny and Phoebe—our reigning cuddle queens—and little Zoe, our petite Highland sweetheart who’s quickly becoming a master of snuggles. And be warned: Penny is known for her enthusiastic kisses (your hair may never be the same).
That’s three adorable cows ready to melt your heart in one unforgettable Baby Cow Cuddle session!
Craving even more fluff? Combine them! Add a baby cow cuddle on to a Jett cuddle for only $59 for 30 minutes with these cuties.
Choose your perfect cow‑cuddle adventure:
Highland Session: Unwind with Jett and add optional baby‑cow cuddles for the most joy you can pack into one visit.
Ultimate Cow Cuddle: Two+ hours of pure cow‑snuggle bliss—ideal if you’ve ever dreamed of napping with cows. Let the stress melt away.
Why Our Cow Cuddles Are So Special
Our gentle, affectionate cows adore attention and live for snuggles. Expect laughter, deep breaths, soft fur, warm cuddles, and moments that soothe the soul.
Fair warning: your cheeks may hurt from smiling.
These cows were truly made for cuddling!
Escape the noise. Slow down. Reconnect with nature—surrounded by the happiest animals you’ll ever meet.
Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic retreat, friends needing a peaceful reset, or a family craving fresh air and fun, our picturesque farm sanctuary is the perfect getaway for animal lovers.
Covered Wagon 1-- Two to three guests. Perfect for a romantic getaway or friend's get together.
Covered Wagon 2 — Perfect for Everyone, Families too!
We can add an adorable
Kid-O-Bunk with plush sleep sacks (cow 🐄 or dinosaur 🦕) for two kids!
Families love this option for its comfort, charm, and built-in excitement.
PLEASE INCLUDE THE CORRECT NUMBER OF CHILDREN with your booking of wagon 2.
The Farmhouse — Spacious, Fully Equipped & SO Comfortable!
Perfect for larger families or friend groups who want extra privacy. Priced for 4 guests, 2 bedrooms. Need more? Add a 3rd bedroom and air matress if needed.
Includes:
✔ Private bedroom & bathroom (2-3)
✔ Full kitchen, everything you need
✔ TV-55"
✔ Clean, roomy, ultra-comfy spaces
Everything you need for a relaxing, homey stay.
Have an RV? Bring It!
We offer several peaceful RV spots overlooking the pond, ideal for travelers who want nature, quiet, and easy access to our friendly farm animals. ALL sizes welcome! Two spots are shady.
Warning: Spontaneous smiles and warm fuzzies ahead! Experience cuteness overload....
A visit to Rooterville Animal Sanctuary isn’t just fun—it’s a full-blown joy-fest! From the moment you meet our superstar snuggle bug, Jett the Highland Cow, to the last wave goodbye from our four-legged ambassadors, you’ll feel the love we pour into every creature who calls our sanctuary home. They’re not just animals—they’re our friends, and we're pretty sure you'll leave with some new friends too!
You're welcome to bring snacks for the animals or buy them here. The best snacks are baby carrots, sliced apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries... anything you can hand feed easily.
HOURS:
ULTIMATE Cow cuddling: 2+hrs
Highland Cow Cuddles: 30 or 45min
Baby Cow Cuddles: 30 min
Farmer for a Day Package: 3-4hrs
Coffee with Cows: 2hrs
Private Visit: 2hrs
Field Trips 4-6hrs
FIELD TRIPS & TOUR BUS VISITS welcomed by appointment
Your group will have a great time at Rooterville!
We recommend that the kids or your group eat lunch here for the best experience!
Visit the farm and other animals for as long as you like before or after your experience!
AWARD WINNING Rentals:
Two Covered Wagons with King beds
+ room for cot or kid's bunk cot.
RV spaces with or w/o hookups-
up to 6 guests per spot
Book online or Call!
Long term rentals, please call for pricing.
352-262-7313
AIRBnB "Superhost"
PrestigiOUS
Trip Advisor
"Traveler's choice" award WINNER!
HIP CAMP STAR HOST AWARD
Our Animal Sanctuary Is CONVENIENTLY Located on a PAVED ROAD
Between Gainesville & Jacksonville, Florida
We offer many different AMAZING farm animal experiences including Highland Cow Cuddles, parties, field trips, company or private events, weddings, engagement/proposal events, covered wagon glamping, RV camping, picnics, date nights, laser tag in our forest or anything you can dream up- we'll find a way to help you make it happen and make it unforgettable!
Our animals are the BEST! There is nothing like a Rooterville Experience!
🎂 Birthdays, Bachelorette Parties, or Any Special Occasion! 🎈
Make unforgettable memories surrounded by our happy farm friends!
🐄Book your paw-some celebration today! 🎊
See Our Full Selection of Gifts and Jewelry in our Online Store, The Pink Pigs, here
ALL proceeds help the animals get the love and care they need, thank you for shopping with us!
"My absolutely favorite place in this world. I loved the former location and the new location is wonderful as well. A little slice of heaven with amazing staff that truly care for the animals of the sanctuary. Visiting this place will never ever get old!"
★★★★★
— Kirsty Martin
"Love love love this place. The animals and grounds are so well loved and cared for. So many sweet and loving animals, from baby guineas to mini horses and even cats that snuggle with turkeys. You can even pick up native plants."
★★★★★
— Double D Golf Carts
"This was a really cute place to take the kids. Had a trolley ride around the farm. Gift shop. They're starting a camp ground with really nice covered wagons to rent. Playground for the kids. Had a nice visit!"
★★★★★
— Mark Pearson
Where Animals Are Friends and They All Live Happily Ever After!
See What Our Sanctuary-Style Animal Shelter in Melrose, FL Is All About! There is something for EVERYONE!
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in quaint Melrose, FL is more than just a great, loving home for animals in need; it's an oasis of fun, education, peace and healing for our visitors.
A visit to Rooterville is fun for the whole family. At our small farm, you'll get the chance to cuddle, pet, feed, and take pictures with our friendly farm animals. You're going to fall in love with our happy animals!
Contact us today to learn more about:
- Community Service Opportunities
- Field Trips
- Private Visits
- Educational Programs Tailored to Your Needs
- Honey Bees, Pollinators, U-Pick Flowers, Fruits & Berries
- Parties, Weddings, Events
- RV Spot Availability
- Cow Cuddle sessions
- Shopping in our Gift Shop
- Stunning Butterfly Gardens & Butterfly Plants for Sale
- A peaceful, soul soothing, relaxing place to just be
Help Us Help Animals and Share Them with Others To Encourage Kindness Through One-on-One Interactions
Rooterville is small FAMILY FARM that specializes in sharing farm animals with visitors of all ages! Take the time to get out and enjoy some fresh air, sunshine in beautiful and peaceful surroundings surrounded by happy animals. It is heart melting, soul soothing, joy filled scrumptious time that you'll never forget.
Come Stay With Us in our award winning covered wagons!
We are an AIRBnB Superhost, a Hip Camp Best Stay
& won Trip advisor's prestigious Traveler's choice award!
🌿 Inviting & Warm FARMSTAY Like No Other
Escape to a one-of-a-kind getaway in the tranquil, small town charm of Melrose, FL. We're tucked away for peace and privacy yet easily accessible with paved road entry; our location offers the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience.
From here, you can effortlessly explore nearby gems like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, High Springs, Gainesville, Keystone Heights,
Lake George and Sante Fe, Goldhead Park, Bike Trails and so much more—all just a short drive away!
Wagon Rentals
Whether you're a couple, family or friends looking to get away from city life and unwind, a weekend on our beautiful sanctuary for farm animals might be exactly what you need. Enjoy a getaway in our unique, LUXURY covered wagons at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary. One premium king bed, Central Air/Heat, Bath w/Shower & EVERYTHING that you need except clothing! Coffee Pods, personal care items, robes, we mean everything!
A FARM VISIT is included for all guests in your party with every stay.
NEW: Bunk Cots available for up to 2 kids for Wagon 2.
COW CUDDLE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL PRICING FOR GUESTS!
Farmhouse
Welcome to paradise! 20 gorgeous, peaceful acres with lots of happy, friendly farm animals for you to get to know. It will be an experience you will treasure for a lifetime. Leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind and soak in the peace, tranquility, and beauty of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in your private, furnished 3-bedroom, two bath, fully equipped home.
Short-term monthly rentals are available, too. Get away from the cold and stay with us for the winter!
FARM VISIT is included for all guests in your party with every stay.
COW CUDDLE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL PRICING FOR GUESTS!
RV Camping
Bring your RV and enjoy staying with the animals at our magnificent 20 acre farm with beautiful landscaping and views easily accessed from a paved road. Stay a night, a week, a month or for the winter! Full hookups for power and water, black water emptied with a tote. We love snowbirds & you'll love it here in such a beautiful, tranquil and private space. Most spots are shady and easy to get in and out of. Fire pits & seating available. 50AMP service, adapter for 30AMP available by request. Private, peaceful and guaranteed to lower blood pressure and melt away your stress!
Call (352) 262-7313 for monthly rates, ALL inclusive!
Help feed the animals & Enjoy Amazing & Affordable Products,
Shop at the Pink Pigs!
Our History
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary was founded by Elaine West in 2004 to offer a refuge for the countless unwanted, abandoned, and abused pot-bellied pigs in North Florida. Unfortunately, many animal shelters and Humane Societies are either unable or unwilling to accept these unwanted pet pigs, leading to a heartbreaking outcome for many former companions who desperately needed help.
For years, Elaine devoted herself to spaying/neutering and rehoming as many pet pigs as possible, using her own salary to support these needy animals. Following two major rescues that left over 60 animals without a place to go, Rooterville emerged as a dedicated sanctuary for pet pigs.
Everything changed for Rooterville when Stella was accepted into our herd. Stella was a breeding sow on a factory farm. She lived her life in cages not much bigger than her body and never enjoyed kindness, sun on her face or fresh air in her short life. She fell from a transport truck on the way to slaughter. No one would give Stella a home but us.
Stella was extraordinary—gentle and sweet, radiating joy. She defied all stereotypes, prompting me to introduce her to others, so they could truly understand what a pig is like. We opened our gates to the public, allowing people like you to witness that farm animals are no different from our beloved dogs and cats, while also learning about the harsh realities of factory farming. We believe you will agree that these animals deserve kindness and compassion. Our hope is that you will leave with a commitment to make kind choices and keep animals off your plate.
From our modest beginnings, our family farm has expanded from a mere five acres to an impressive 20 acres. We have lovingly cared for and provided a forever home to over 1,000 rescued farm animals of various kinds, spayed and neutered hundreds of pet pigs, and assisted numerous individuals in keeping their pet pigs by constructing shelters and installing secure fencing. At this time, however, due to funding constraints and Elaine's health issues, we are gradually scaling back our operations and regrettably cannot accept any more animals. Currently, we are home to nearly 100 rescued animals of all types, with a focus on pigs.
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