Founding Story

In 2016, I felt lost and unfulfilled, despite years of launching tech start-ups. I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world, but had no idea how. That all changed one day when I met a cow in the hill country of Texas.

This gentle creature, with her soft eyes and affectionate nature, reminded me of my beloved dog Luna. I found myself scratching her face through a barbed wire fence, and in that moment, everything changed.

As I learned more about cows, I began to see them as individuals with their own personalities and experiences, not just as a source of food. After watching documentaries like Cowspiracy, I became a vegan and knew that I needed to do more. When my father called me about our family's rundown farm, I saw an opportunity to turn it into a sanctuary for farmed animals.

The farm was in disrepair, but my dad and I poured our hearts and souls into renovating it into a welcoming environment for animals in need. We named it Barn Sanctuary, inspired by the large, century-old barn on the property.

In August 2016, we welcomed our first rescue, Cora. She was a cow who had been bound for the market because she could no longer produce milk. It was a heartbreaking situation, but we were able to give her a second chance at life. By the end of 2017, we had rescued nearly 30 animals, and watching them live out their days in peace and safety was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Barn Sanctuary quickly gained a following as a place of compassion for farmed animals, and today, with over 115 animals on-site and 500 rescued, we've become a destination and education center for people from all over the country. Our sanctuary has become more than just a place for animals; it's a community of people who believe in our mission to provide a safe haven for farmed animals and to educate others on their individuality and importance.

We've been able to extend our reach far beyond the borders of our sanctuary, using platforms like our global television series, Saved by the Barn, to shine a light on the often-overlooked plight of farmed animals. Through our digital presence, we've been able to share our message with millions of people, inspiring them to rethink their relationship with farmed animals.

Despite the challenges we've faced, we remain committed to our mission of transforming the animal agriculture system and creating a more compassionate world for all beings. The future is optimistic and hopeful for farmed animals, and with the continued support of our community, we look forward to rescuing and providing lifelong care for many more animals in need. Together, we can build a more compassionate and just world for all living beings.

Dan McKernan

Founder and President