About us
Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary started with a simple connection: we met at a dog park and quickly discovered a shared passion for helping animals.
We began fostering dogs in 2008, working alongside local rescue organizations and supporting animals in need. Over time, our efforts expanded to include TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) in our own neighborhood, helping manage and protect community cats.
In 2016, we moved to our current property with the intention of getting “just a few chickens.” As often happens in rescue, that plan didn’t last long. In 2021, Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary grew into a full nonprofit animal rescue and farm sanctuary near Charlotte, North Carolina.
Today, the sanctuary is home to 100+ animals. Each animal has their own unique story but our mission is the same for every animal who arrives at the sanctuary: We rescue, rehabilitate and spoil rotten.
Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary is one of a handful of farm rescues in North Carolina. We are a fully volunteer-run organization, relying on donations and community support to provide lifelong care. We partner with local shelters, rescues, and the public to take in animals who have nowhere else to go.
At our core, we believe every animal is a sentient being deserving of compassion, respect, and a safe place to live.
We also advocate for:
- TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programs
- Spay and neuter initiatives
- Stronger animal welfare laws
Meet the board
This isn’t just what we do— it’s who we are.
Jodi
Jodi grew up in Canada and lived in California and Oregon before moving to North Carolina. When she is not changing dog diapers, mucking stalls and reminding Gordie the Goose to mind his manners, she writes articles, white papers and webinar/podcast scripts for healthcare and pharmaceutical clients. She is responsible for animal care, volunteer management and fundraising.
Alexandra
Born and raised in Germany, Alexandra now calls North Carolina home. She’s a self-described “nerdy patent paralegal” by day and shares her life with two cats, two turtles, and a lively flock of 15 chickens, including one rooster who has declared himself her sworn enemy.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth grew up in Concord and is happy to be back in Cabarrus County after decades away. During most of that time, she was a lawyer. Elizabeth is thrilled to be retired so she can fulfill her passion for caring for animals, especially those deemed “unadoptable.” Elizabeth revels in manual labor, both at Naughty Donkey and at the little “farm” she shares with her husband and their cats, dogs, goats, donkeys, and chickens. The farm is mostly yellow clay soil, and our main crops are manure and funny stories about our animals.
Stephanie
Stephanie joined the Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary Board in 2026 after several years as a dedicated volunteer. She became involved through her work in the Charlotte-area rescue community, where she focused on fostering dogs and cats, though she has a love for all animals.
Professionally, Stephanie works as an operations analyst and brings her organizational skills to the sanctuary, assisting with manual operations and social media. At home, she and her husband have two dogs—a beagle and a standard Goldendoodle—with Stephanie firmly on team beagle.
Naughty Donkey Farm financial transparency
We are a 501(c)(3) North Carolina charitable organization. Because we value accountability and transparency please review our financial information.
Charitable Solicitation License