Summer Isn’t Just Hard on Cats and Dogs
When most people think about summer pet safety, they picture cats and dogs panting in the shade or hiding from fireworks. However, at farm sanctuaries like TARA, animals like pigs, chickens, mini-horses, and other rescued farm friends also face extreme heat risks.
From dehydration and sunburn to overheating and hoof injuries, these animals rely on the sanctuary team and supporters like you to stay cool and comfortable when temperatures soar. In this article, you’ll learn about the most significant summer hazards for farm animals, how TARA keeps them safe, and how you can be part of that mission.
Species-by-Species Care Tips
No two animals handle heat the same way — and that’s why TARA tailors summer care to each species’ needs. Here’s how we keep our rescued farm friends comfortable and safe when temperatures climb.
Chickens
Chickens are surprisingly heat-sensitive and can stop laying eggs or suffer heatstroke if their coop isn’t managed carefully.
- Offer plenty of shaded areas and good cross-ventilation in the coop
- Freeze bottles of water and place them in the coop to help cool the air
- Provide dust bathing spots, which help chickens clean themselves and regulate temperature
- Feed cooling snacks like frozen fruit or cold watermelon chunks on extra-hot days
Pigs
Pigs can’t sweat, so they rely on mud wallows and water to stay cool. Without access to mud or shade, pigs can quickly overheat and even suffer sunburn.
- Provide large, shaded mud pits or sprinklers for cooling off
- Make sure pigs always have access to fresh drinking water, sometimes with electrolytes added during extreme heat
- Create shady shelters or tree cover throughout outdoor pens
- Use fans or misting stations in barns or sleeping areas
Mini-Horses (or Equines)
Equines need special attention to prevent dehydration and hoof problems during the summer.
- Hose down or gently sponge your horse on hot days to help with cooling
- Ensure constant access to shade, especially during peak sun hours
- Use fans in barns and provide soft, dry bedding
- Check hooves daily for cracks or infections caused by dry ground
TARA’s Sanctuary Systems for Summer
Keeping farm animals safe in the summer heat isn’t just about good intentions — it takes planning, teamwork, and the support of the community. At TARA, every shade cloth, mud wallow, and misting fan is there because someone cared enough to make it happen.
Our sanctuary uses a mix of natural and built solutions to keep rescued animals comfortable. Trees and thoughtfully placed structures provide natural shade throughout the day. Pigs have shaded wallows to roll in and cool off, while chickens get frozen bottles and dust bath areas to beat the heat. Donated barn fans and portable misters help circulate air in enclosed spaces so animals don’t get trapped in stifling conditions.
These simple systems make a huge difference — but they rely on the generosity of supporters who sponsor supplies, volunteer for repairs, or donate wish list items. Any one of these donations can make their summer as enjoyable for them as it is for us.
How You Can Help
Keeping farm animals safe and comfortable during the summer heat takes more than shade and fans — it takes a community willing to pitch in. If you’re looking for a way to help, here’s how you can make a real difference for the animals at TARA’s sanctuary:
- Donate directly — your monetary gift helps cover everything from extra water troughs to electricity for fans during heat waves.
- Purchase summer supplies from our wishlist — fans, misting hoses, shade tents, and extra water buckets make the biggest impact when the temperature climbs.
- Share this blog with family, friends, or local community groups — the more people understand how summer affects farm animals, the more support these animals will have.
However you choose to give, you’re helping TARA save a life, one furry friend at a time.
