Skip to content

Free Shipping over $75

June 2026 Spotlight: Animal Town Sanctuary

June 2026 Spotlight: Animal Town Sanctuary

A Permanent Refuge for the Forgotten

Animal Town Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Sage, California, dedicated to providing lifelong care for senior, special needs, and unadoptable dogs rescued from high-kill shelters across Southern California. Founded in 2012 by husband and wife Travis and Lisa Poper, the sanctuary was created with a simple but powerful mission: to give forgotten animals a safe, peaceful, and dignified place to live out the remainder of their lives.

Unlike traditional rescues, Animal Town Sanctuary does not adopt animals out. Instead, they provide permanent refuge for dogs that are often just hours away from euthanasia due to age, illness, or behavioral challenges. Many of the animals they rescue have experienced neglect or abuse, arriving in poor physical and emotional condition. Through daily rehabilitation, proper nutrition, and consistent care, these dogs are given a second chance—not at adoption, but at comfort, stability, and compassion.

 

The Senior Wellness Program and Lifelong Care

Central to their work is a comprehensive Senior Wellness Program, which includes bi-annual health screenings, specialized diets, supplements, and holistic therapies designed to improve quality of life. Their team focuses on early detection and proactive treatment, ensuring that each animal receives individualized care tailored to their needs. As these dogs age, Animal Town Sanctuary also provides round-the-clock hospice and end-of-life care, allowing them to pass peacefully and with dignity.

 

Beyond Dogs: Supporting Cats and Wildlife Conservation

In addition to their canine sanctuary, Animal Town Sanctuary plays an active role in supporting other vulnerable animal populations. They support efforts to stabilize and reduce feral cat populations in the community by partnering with local cat rescues that have greater resources for humane trapping, spaying or neutering, and returning cats to their environment. In some cases, cats that show signs of socialization are given the opportunity to transition into indoor homes, further improving their quality of life.

Their commitment to animal welfare also extends to wildlife conservation. Animal Town Sanctuary provides a safe haven for displaced tortoises, including Mojave Desert tortoises and a large Sulcata, whose natural habitats have been impacted by development and environmental changes. Each tortoise is cared for in a species-appropriate enclosure with native vegetation and burrowing areas, allowing them to live in a setting that closely resembles their natural environment.


Partnering with Local Shelters to Achieve No-Kill Goals

Over the years, Animal Town Sanctuary has become a vital partner to local shelters, often stepping in to take the most vulnerable animals—those with little to no chance of adoption. By doing so, they help alleviate overcrowding and support the broader goal of achieving no-kill communities.

 

How You Can Help Sustain the Mission

As a nonprofit, Animal Town Sanctuary is entirely dependent on community support. Donations, purchases from their online store, and increased awareness all play a critical role in sustaining their mission. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts the lives of animals who would otherwise have nowhere to go.

4Knines is proud to partner with Animal Town Sanctuary and support their commitment to providing lifelong care, dignity, and love to every animal. Join us in sustaining their critical mission by visiting their Ways You Can Help page today.

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

 
Previous Post Next Post