Our Animal Sanctuary is located between Gainesville & Jacksonville, FL.

Where animals are Friends and they all live Happily Ever After!

See what our sanctuary-style animal shelter in Melrose, FL is all about

Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is more than just an animal shelter. It's a forever home for rescued farm animals in Melrose, FL. Experience an Amazing REFUGE for FARM ANIMALS

A visit to Rooterville is fun for the whole family. At our family farm, you'll get the chance to cuddle, pet, feed, and take pictures with our friendly farm animals. After just a few minutes, you'll fall in love with the animals just like we did!


Contact us today to learn more about:

  • Community service opportunity
  • Rescue animal adoption
  • Animal rescue internship
  • Covered wagons camping
  • RV rentals
  • Tent camping

    • DONATE NOW!

    Our history

    Rooterville Animal Sanctuary was founded by Elaine West in 2004 in order to care for the many unwanted, abandoned and abused pot-bellied pigs around Melrose, FL. Unfortunately, most animal shelters and Humane Societies will not take in unwanted pet pigs, so many of these former pets end up meeting a gruesome fate simply because no one is there to help.

    Everything changed for Rooterville when Stella was accepted into our herd. Stella was a breeding sow who lived her life in cages not much bigger than her body. She fell from a transport truck on the way to slaughter. No one would help Stella but us.

    Stella was amazing, gentle and sweet. We enjoyed her company so much that we opened our gates to the public so folks like you could see that farm animals deserve to be treated with kindness and mercy.

    ​Since our humble beginnings, our family farm has grown from just five acres to over 20 acres. We've provided care and a permanent home to over 1000 rescued farm animals of all types.

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    WHAT VISITORS HAVE TO SAY:

    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

    Experience an amazing farm

    At Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, animals are friends, NOT FOOD. Visit us in Melrose, FL today to see the difference we're making at our family farm!

    You're welcome to bring snacks for the animals or buy them here. The best snacks are baby carrots, sliced apples, grapes, strawberries... you get the idea!

    DAILY SCHEDULE:
    Pig feeding: 10:30 a.m.
    Trolley tours and fish feeding: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
    PRIVATE TOURS:
    Cow cuddling: 30 minutes
    Goat and pig cuddling: 30 minutes
    Animal shelter tour: 1 hour
    PARTIES:
    Birthday parties: 2 hours w/ animal visits
    Evening picnics: 1-2 hours (BYO basket)
    OVERNIGHT STAYS:
    Wagon rentals: sleeps 2-4 guests
    RV rentals: sleeps 4-6 guests
    Tent camping: BYO tent or RV

    You can check out the gift shop at your convenience. Plus, we have a playground available for the kids to enjoy all day. You can also visit the butterfly garden at any time to see the bees hard at work in their hive.

    ​All proceeds from your visit help us care for the animals here at Rooterville. Thank you for being generous!

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