We have quite a few opportunities to spend time among furry and feathered friends, and there's no doubt that a visit to this animal sanctuary in Rhode Island belongs on every animal lover's bucket list. In addition to general admission, you can sign up for a private guided tour where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how it's run and how the animals live. However, perhaps even better, you'll get to meet up-close-and-personal, some of its beloved residents.

No matter what, every living being needs love. Offering a safe haven and a loving home for animals rescued from unspeakable neglect and abuse, West Place Animal Sanctuary helps each heal, learn to trust, and find happiness.

Spread across eight gorgeous acres, the animal sanctuary was born of tragedy.

Founder and Rhode Island resident, Wendy Taylor, lived with her nine beloved animals - dogs, cats, and her goat Mo - on the property when all of her fur babies tragically died in a house fire.

Just a few years later, in 2007...

... Wendy had transformed her home into what is today, West Place Animal Sanctuary, dedicated to helping farm animals, wildlife, and other creatures.

Just look at these cuties!

A visit to West Place Animal Sanctuary offers a truly unique glimpse into the resilience of the human and the animal spirit.

The safe haven is home to a variety of animals.

Among them are donkeys, alpacas, pigs, and goats, to name just a few.

The first public visitors weekend of the year is usually during the first week of June.

This makes it a great beginning of summer family activity.

Private tours are for groups of 10 or more. However, you can also donate the equivalent of 10 adult admissions, for the same tour with fewer people.

A special couple's-only visit is also available for a donation. It includes interaction with the animals and the opportunity to have a picnic.

If your visit inspires you, you can get involved as a volunteer.

The sanctuary offers a variety of opportunities - from caring for the animals to fundraising.

Have you fallen in love with one of the residents?

You can also sponsor an animal, which will help with their continued care.

And when you're not looking at the animals...

...be sure to take in these fantastic Rhode Island scenic views!

If you were to search for “animal sanctuary near me,” this spot would most certainly pop up at the top of the list. For more information, check out the West Place Animal Sanctuary website, as well as the West Place Animal Sanctuary Facebook page.

Have you been to West Place Animal Sanctuary in Rhode Island? Share your experience in the comments! If you love animals, you'll also want to plan a visit to the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown.

Thinking about taking a vacay to or within Rhode Island? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.