Preparedness in Practice:
A proactive program supporting emergency response, daily care, and resident safety
The Sanctuary Safety & Mobility Initiative ensures Full Circle Farm Sanctuary can respond quickly, safely, and effectively when lives depend on it—during medical emergencies, severe weather, or daily transport that prevents injury and unnecessary stress.
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Caring for more than 100 rescued animals across 55 acres includes responsibility for large mammals such as 2,000-pound cows and pigs weighing 800 pounds or more. Many residents are seniors or medically complex. With animals of this size and age, it is not a question of if urgent assistance will be needed—it is a matter of when, and how prepared the sanctuary is to respond. With senior cows weighing over a ton and pigs exceeding 800 pounds, emergency response is not optional—it is inevitable. Preparedness determines what happens next. In emergencies involving animals of this size, every second matters when getting them to safety.
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These realities require more than goodwill or improvisation. They demand intentional planning and reliable, purpose-built equipment. The Sanctuary Safety & Mobility Initiative supports a coordinated approach that prioritizes:
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Low-stress transport for vulnerable, heavy-bodied residents
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Safe, accessible loading and unloading for animals and caregivers
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Reliable access to remote pasture areas
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Rapid emergency response in all weather conditions and across rugged, uneven terrain
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As a GFAS-accredited sanctuary and recipient of a GFAS Outstanding Sanctuary Award, Full Circle Farm Sanctuary treats safety, emergency response, and preparedness as operational responsibilities—not aspirational goals.
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Located in a rural area, outside the regular travel range for most large-mammal veterinarians and nearly an hour from Auburn University, the sanctuary cannot always rely on immediate outside assistance. In emergency situations, response must be timely, independent, and well-equipped.
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Full Circle Farm Sanctuary is supported entirely by public generosity and operates without foundation matching funds, institutional backing, or government support. As a result, critical needs—including vehicles, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness—move forward only through the commitment of individuals and mission-aligned partners who believe preparedness is an essential part of responsible care.
Tractor, Critical Safety Equipment
Kubota M7060
The Kubota M7060 provides the lift capacity, stability, and hydraulic power required to safely assist and move the sanctuary’s largest residents during medical or mobility emergencies. With animals weighing 2,000+ pounds, lower-capacity tractors are not adequate and introduce unnecessary risk during critical moments. Its size and power are not a luxury—they are a safety requirement for responsible emergency response involving animals of this scale.
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Equally important is reliability. Having an authorized Kubota dealership located just 10 miles from the sanctuary ensures timely maintenance, access to parts, and rapid service support—reducing equipment downtime and ensuring the tractor remains operational when emergency response is required. For safety-critical equipment, dependable service access is an essential part of preparedness.
Loader, Critical Safety Equipment
Kubota LK-Series
M-Series LK loaders are required to safely extend the tractor’s lift and reach capabilities during large-mammal emergencies. When working with animals weighing up to 2,000 pounds, the loader attachment is what allows controlled lifting, stabilization, and positioning without placing animals or caregivers at risk.
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These loaders provide the structural strength and hydraulic reliability necessary for emergency response, medical support, and terrain-based access across the sanctuary. Without a loader rated to match the tractor’s capacity, even a high-power machine cannot be used safely or effectively in critical situations.
UTV, Critical Safety & Emergency Response Equipment
Polaris Rander XD
The Polaris Ranger XD UTV is critical safety equipment that enables rapid access to residents across rugged terrain and in all weather conditions. In emergency situations, it allows caregivers to reach remote pasture areas quickly, transport medical supplies, and stabilize situations before larger equipment arrives.
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Equally important, its towing capacity allows the sanctuary to safely pull a large-mammal glide during emergencies involving goats or pigs who cannot stand or walk. This capability enables controlled, low-stress movement to a safe position or medical area without lifting, dragging, or forcing movement—reducing the risk of secondary injury and caregiver harm.
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In many cases, this vehicle serves as the first line of response, making it an essential component of the sanctuary’s safety and emergency preparedness infrastructure.
Cargo Van, Medical & Care Transport Support
Ram ProMaster
The Ram ProMaster cargo van would significantly strengthen daily safety and preparedness for goats and smaller pigs during medical transport, intake, and routine care. While not a replacement for large-mammal emergency equipment, it meaningfully reduces risk and strain during routine movement.
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The ProMaster has the lowest entry height of any full-size cargo van, allowing animals to step in calmly without steep ramps or lifting. This reduces joint strain, minimizes stress—particularly for seniors—and lowers the risk of injury for both animals and caregivers.
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Using a dedicated transport van also preserves the sanctuary truck for heavy-duty hauling and emergency use, extending its lifespan and ensuring it remains available when higher-capacity response is required.
Safety does not happen by accident.
It is built through preparation, the right equipment, and a commitment to act before a crisis unfolds. The Sanctuary Safety & Mobility Initiative ensures Full Circle Farm Sanctuary can respond with care and competence when emergencies arise—especially for senior and medically complex residents whose size leaves little margin for error.
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Support for this initiative strengthens the sanctuary’s ability to respond when seconds matter. Whether through equipment donations, partial funding, or mission-aligned partnerships, every contribution helps ensure preparedness is in place before it is needed.
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Preparedness determines what happens next.
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If you would like to support this program please email Board Vice President, Jennifer Price.