What does Fat Cow Foundation do?

We are a working-ranch nonprofit focusing on practical, responsible care for:

Livestock guardian dogs

Herding dogs

Hounds (bred + rescued)

Ranch and working dogs

Barn cats

Livestock

Retired horses

Community support programs

We take in animals on a case-by-case basis and place them only when it’s safe and appropriate.

Are you a 501(c)(3)? Are donations tax-deductible?

No, not yet. Fat Cow Foundation is a non-profit organization, but donations are not tax-deductible until our federal 501(c)(3) status is approved.
Supporters who want their gift to be tax-deductible can submit a pledge to give, meaning they commit to donate once our approval is finalized.

How can I donate?

You can support the foundation through:

Monthly donor tiers

Full Sponsor programs

One-time gifts toward the expansion

Wishlists (Amazon / Chewy)

Pledge donations

Sponsoring community programs (Mail Call, First Herd, Feed Our Vets)

What is the Fat Cow Fund?

The Fat Cow Fund is our major project to buy land and build our new facility for 2026.
This includes:

100-dog housing

Medical + quarantine building

Barn cat facility

Livestock areas

Visitor walkways

Winter-safe structures

Feed/hay storage

All donations to this fund directly support the expansion.

Can I donate monthly?

Yes, monthly donors are the backbone of our foundation.
You can choose any tier or the Full Sponsor option.

Do you accept large gifts or sponsorships?

Yes. Large contributions significantly impact our expansion and operations.
We offer private discussions for major gifts, project sponsorships, and naming opportunities.

What if I want to donate supplies instead of money?

You can purchase items from our Amazon or Chewy wishlists. This ensures we receive exactly what is needed.

How do I adopt an animal?

Browse available animals on our website and complete the adoption application.
We will review your submission, conduct a conversation/interview, and schedule a meet-and-greet if appropriate.

Do you adopt out of state?

Yes. You may pick up in Wyoming or use our transport service (at your expense).

Are your animals spayed or neutered?

Not automatically.
We do not practice routine or blanket spay/neuter.
We alter animals only when necessary due to:

Medical reasons

Behavioral safety

Specific placement needs

Many working dogs remain intact.

What is your stance on vaccines?

We recognize vaccines can cause health issues in some dogs.
When appropriate, we allow owner choice for vaccination decisions.
We do not vaccinate automatically unless medically or legally required.

Do adopters receive medical information?

Yes, every adopter receives full known medical history, intact status, and any recommended care.

Do you accept owner surrenders?

Yes, through our Surrender Request Form.
We evaluate based on:

Space

Safety

Fit with our ranch

Behavior

Working potential

What types of animals do you take?

We specialize in:

Livestock guardian dogs

Herding dogs

Pet dogs

Ranch dogs

Barn cats

Livestock

Rabbits

Chickens

Retired cow horses (rare openings)

Is there a surrender fee?

A donation may be requested to help cover intake care, but each case is evaluated individually.

Do you take aggressive dogs?

We evaluate honestly. Dogs with severe aggression or unsafe behavior may not be suitable for our ranch.

Why do many animals remain intact?

Intact status often supports:

Stronger structure and joints

Better long-term health

Proper development

Working ability and instinct

Stable behavior in ranch environments

We alter only when it’s the best choice for the animal.

Do you provide ongoing support after adoption?

Yes, we assist with transition guidance, working-dog questions, and placement support.

What is your FEED OUR VETS program?

We donate locally raised beef to veterans and seniors in need.

Where does the beef come from?

Our Highland herd. This is not a rescue, it’s a food support program.

What is your GOLDEN REINS program?

A small retirement program for old cow horses needing quiet, safe pasture life.

Do you take more horses?

Only occasionally due to cost and resource requirements.

What is your FIRST HERD program?

First Herd is our youth support program where we help kids purchase their first starter herd, typically goats, sheep, or small livestock, to begin learning responsible animal care, ranch management, and the values of hard work.

Who is the program for?

Kids and young teens who want to start raising livestock but may not have the resources to purchase healthy starter animals on their own.

Can someone sponsor a child’s First Herd?

Yes, sponsors help cover the cost of starter animals and supplies, making it possible for more kids to participate.

What is your RANCH DOG RE-HOME program?

We help rehome ranch-capable dogs; LGDs, herding dogs, and working-bred hounds, into appropriate environments.

What is your FAT COW FUND?

The Fat Cow Fund is our facility expansion fund, the project to buy land and build our new ranch facility by 2026. This includes kennels, livestock areas, visitor paths, medical space, and winter-safe structures.
It is the most important project we have and is essential for the growth of Fat Cow Foundation.

What does this fund support?

Every dollar goes directly toward:

Purchasing the new property

Building the expanded 100-dog facility

Kennel structures and winter housing

Medical and quarantine space

Barn cat and livestock areas

Visitor-safe walkways and community spaces

Long-term infrastructure like fencing, water, utilities, and feed storage

This is the fund that makes our 2026 expansion possible

What is your MAIL CALL program?

Our community outreach program sending cards, letters, and small uplifting items to veterans and seniors.

Where are you located?

Our exact location is shared after appointment confirmation for ranch and animal safety.

Do you allow visitors?

Yes, by appointment only. We are a working ranch with livestock and active working dogs.

Can I volunteer?

We do not offer open volunteer programs due to ranch safety, but supporters can help through:

Monthly donor tiers

Wishlists

Sponsorships

Mail Call

Expansion contributions

Your support makes this possible

Thank you.

Fat Cow Foundation – Programs

Feed Our Vets

We raise high quality, small-batch beef here on the ranch. 10% of each beef that we process is donated and hand-delivered to local veterans and seniors who could not otherwise afford beef often.

Support Our Vets

Golden Reins

When horse retire because of age or medical reasons, their owner cannot always afford to keep them. Our Golden Reins is a retirement program for these horse. We take them here and your support provides hay, minerals, vet care, farrier services, and gentle handling.

Support Golden Reins

First Herd

First Herd helps young and up and coming ranchers buy their first herd through our First Herd Grant. This program supports young rancher to start with goats, sheep or cattle.

Join the First Herd

Adopt

Ready to bring an animal into your home? This is where you can view available animals and apply to adopt.

View Animals

Fund

We are bursting at the seams and growing. In order to take in more animals in need, we need more room. We are raising funds to purchase and build a bigger facility where we can house 100+ dogs and more livestock.

Become a Donor

Mail Call

Snail mail is a great way to stay in touch. It slows things down, keeps the skill of writing alive, and is a great way to connect with seniors who may be lonely. In our Mail Call program we connect vets and seniors with a penpal who would like to keep up on old school communication.

Send or Receive

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

FAT COW FOUNDATION

CONTACT

PO BOX 3 SHELL, WY 82441

CONNECT

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