FAQ
What is Steampunk Farms Rescue Barn?
We are a 501(c)(3) farmed animal sanctuary in the high-desert mountain backcountry of NW San Diego County (Ranchita, CA). We are a vegan-practice, safety-net sanctuary specializing in shelter-bound livestock, rehabilitation of joint-injured ruminants, large-scale pig foster collaborations, and educational opportunities. EIN: 82-4897930.
Are you really all-volunteer?
Yes. Steampunk Farms is an all-volunteer, no-salary, community-integrated animal advocacy organization. No one takes a salary. Every dollar donated is transformed into tangible care — bales of hay, pounds of grain, vet visits, and safe places to sleep. We’ve secured bulk feed pricing and priority delivery to stretch every dollar as far as it can go.
How does fee-free donation work?
We use Zeffy, a platform that charges zero fees to nonprofits. 100% of your donation reaches us. Zeffy sustains itself through optional tips from donors. Donate at give.steampunkfarms.org.
What is the Feral-to-Barn-Cat program?
We partner with municipal shelters to divert feral cats from euthanasia. These cats are assessed, vetted, and placed in barns and farms where they can live free from fear while helping keep the property rodent-free. We call this area The Catwalk.
What animals do you care for?
We provide lifelong sanctuary care to over 350 rescued farmed animals across several sanctuary areas: The Pasture (ruminants and equines), The Wallows (pigs), The Punkyard (mixed residents), and The Catwalk (feral cats). We specialize in complex cases that other rescues cannot take.
Can I visit the sanctuary?
Visits are by appointment only for the safety and comfort of our residents. We’re located at 36013 Old Wilson Road, Ranchita, CA 92066. Contact us at rescuebarn@steampunkfarms.org or 760-782-8065 to arrange a visit.
How can I support the sanctuary?
Donate fee-free through Zeffy, buy handcrafted soaps from Cleanpunk (soap.steampunkfarms.org), shop our Seeds fundraiser (seeds.steampunkfarms.org), send items from our Amazon Wish List, join The Storytellers for $5/month, volunteer your time, or share our story.
Where can I see your financials?
All of our 990-EZ tax filings (2020–2024), IRS Letter of Determination, EIN Issuance Authority, and Articles of Incorporation are published on our Fine Print page. We’re also listed on Charity Navigator and GuideStar/Candid. Radical transparency isn’t a marketing strategy—it’s how we earn your trust.
Do you accept animal surrenders?
We encourage surrender prevention first. If you are considering surrendering a pet or farmed animal, please contact us — we may be able to help you keep your animal or connect you with appropriate resources. We specialize in shelter-bound livestock that other rescues cannot take.
What is The Storytellers?
The Storytellers’ Sanctuary is our membership program. Join FREE for selected stories and mission updates, or become a $5/month Storybook Companion for exclusive rescue stories, behind-the-scenes sanctuary videos, our extensive story archives, and early previews of upcoming podcast episodes.