Please read below for more info on how you can visit us when we do reopen, and requirements!
Ralphy's Retreat is a busy, working sanctuary, run completely by volunteers. Our days are spent caring for our residents, saving lives and working our 'other' jobs!
We are not open to the public except for pre-booked tours or special events.
Please go to our Upcoming Events page to book a tour or email us at to arrange a private tour for a special occasion.
*Tours are offered by donation and last approximately 1.5 hours.
*Tours are fun and educational!
*Please, do not drop in as we will not be able to accommodate you.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
BIO-SECURITY:
Ralphy's Retreat takes the protection of our animal residents and the sanctuary very seriously. All visitors must answer a short questionnaire before arrival to make sure it is safe to visit. Once at the sanctuary, visitors must sign in, walk through a foot bath, and wash their hands before entering and leaving. Please wear boots as you will get wet feet. Please note, visitors are not permitted to touch the pigs or walk through pig areas. If you are a sponsor family and wish to visit a particular pig, you must arrange a special visit.
IF YOU HAVE VISITED ANOTHER FARM:
If you have visited other farms, or had contact with wild animals within the last two days, please postpone your visit for at least 48 hours.
IF YOU HAVE ATTENDED A VIGIL FOR ANIMALS:
If you have attended a vigil for animals heading to slaughter, you must avoid contact with our animals for a minimum of 14 days. Any clothing that you wear to the sanctuary must be clean and have not been worn to a vigil. We have the upmost respect for those who choose to honor animals at vigils, however, if you regularly attend vigils, you will be unable to visit us.
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS AND VISITORS WHO HAVE TRAVELED OUTSIDE CANADA:
If you have been out of the country, you should avoid contact with animals for at least 14 days after returning to Canada. You will be asked questions about where you have been, as well as take bio-security measures. Any one who has visited countries with known ASF (African Swine Flu) will not be allowed to visit. At this time, we do not allow visitors to Canada to come to the sanctuary.
FOOD FOR THE ANIMALS:
We are unable to accept donations of food for the animals, but if you would like to bring them a gift, we can accept fleecy blankets, puppy pads, paper towels, and gift cards for grocery stores, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, or other building supply stores.
FOOD FOR YOU:
Please leave food and drink in your vehicle and plan to eat at another location. Please do not consume or handle pork products before coming to the sanctuary.
TOUR CANCELLATIONS:
Please be advised that tours are weather permitting and may be cancelled at the last minute in inclement weather. Tours may also be cancelled at short notice in the event of an emergency for one of our animal family. We appreciate this may be an inconvenience, but we pride ourselves in putting the animals first.
Thank you for keeping our animals and sanctuary safe!
