Living Free Animal Sanctuary

Living Free is a nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters. We are also home to War Horse Creek, an immersive transition training program using rescued wild mustangs to assist veterans as they adjust to civilian life. We believe in creating a refuge for those in need of a second chance. Living Free is a home for all, a place where you can hear animals playing, people laughing and hearts healing.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, animal rescue and home to War Horse Creek, a veteran transition assistance program. Living Free was founded by Emily Jo Beard in 1980 as one of the first privately funded, no-kill animal sanctuaries in the country. We have dedicated the past 40 years and counting to passionately serving those in need of a second chance.

Living Free rescues, cares for and adopts out cats and dogs whose time is up at local shelters, with the mission of placing them in a home for life. We are not licensed to take animals from the civilian public. Should a cat or dog not find their forever home, they will spend the rest of their days being loved by our Living Free team at the sanctuary.

War Horse Creek is an immersive transition training program using rescued wild mustangs to assist veterans as they adjust to civilian life. It is our mission to inspire a sea of change in the way we, as a society, welcome our warriors home, and reduce the cost of military service on veterans and their families.

Both our programs are supported by a dedicated group of volunteers and staff. They are the back-bone of our sanctuary- rehabilitating, training, and caring for over 150 animals.

We host scheduled in-person tours of our property. This behind-the-scenes tour gives visitors an insider's look into Living Free Animal Sanctuary, including the cattery, dog kennel, and you'll also get to meet the horses and donkeys which are part of our veteran program called War Horse Creek.

Living Free also has an engaging community space called The Living Free Desert Outpost Store, located in The Shops at Palm Desert. At The Desert Outpost you can learn more about the sanctuary, our animals available for adoption, and War Horse Creek. The Desert Outpost provides an opportunity to bring our mountain sanctuary down to the Coachella Valley. We offer merchandise for purchase, adoption events, kids crafts, and we plan on hosting educational talks and training sessions for your pet.

Testimonials

Had the pleasure of visiting and touring your wonderful facilities! What a beautiful place, both in majestic vistas of the mountain and the loving care provided to all animals. My wife and I were impressed with the caliber of the facilities and the compassion of the staff. - Ed B.

Amazing place! We went to adopt a cat and ended up with a kitten. Ms. Mabel (formerly Sophia) is so much fun. The cattery is so cool. If we adopt again, would definitely do it through Living Free. Great job to everyone who works & volunteers there! - Jon. K

The hands-down best animal rescue I have ever witnessed. The facility, the staff, the location is outstanding. The conditions in which the animals live is nothing less than outstanding; clean, comfortable and spacious. ABSOLUTELY love this place. Thank you Living Free for provide such a wonderful sanctuary for our furry, little friends! - Michelle T.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary is hands-down the envy of all other shelter animals. Their adoption process is thorough. The dog we got from them is, 7 years later, still one of the best decisions we've made. Thank you, Living Free! - Scott C.

Connecting with the animals was a unique experience for me. I have never really worked with horses and have not often seen the appeal of them, but going to Living Free really changed my mind. I found it very interesting the way that horses respond to energy and enjoy(ed) the opportunity to work with them inside the corral. - Veteran

I had a very unique experience with a horse named Libby. . . . Libby and I bonded at a deeper level than I've ever bonded with any animal before. It was a very freeing and therapeutic experience and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and came back with a renewed perspective. - Female Veteran