Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Walk for Farm Animals?
Walk for Farm Animals is Farm Sanctuary’s annual event to raise funds and promote compassionate choices. By participating and raising money, you help Farm Sanctuary’s mission to protect farm animals from cruelty, inspire change in the way society views and treats farm animals, and promote compassionate living.

How can I take part in the Walk for Farm Animals?
There are several ways to get involved! You can form a family team, start or join another Walk Team, participate as an individual walker, or join the “Sleep In for Farm Animals” virtual event. Take your first step and register today!

What is involved in participating in Walk for Farm Animals?
After registering, walkers should recruit friends and family to walk and also to raise money. The day of the event, participants will walk a course of 2-3 miles (check each city’s Walk page for the exact course length). The rest of the event day is a celebration thanking our participants for their fundraising accomplishments, with raffles, food, speakers, and entertainment (please check your city’s Walk page for specific information).

Do I have to raise money?
While we welcome everyone’s participation in the Walk, it is first and foremost a fundraising event. We encourage walkers to raise at least $100 (which entitles you to a Walk t-shirt!). We provide a lot of online tools to help you ask your friends and family for money in a fun, non-confrontational way. Even if you get 10 people to give you $10, you will have reached the $100 goal! So, no, you don’t have to raise money in order to do the Walk, but considering how easy it is and how much your efforts will help Farm Sanctuary, we hope you will join other walkers in helping to reach the fundraising goal. Check out our How to Raise Money page to get started!

Do I have to be vegan to attend?
No! While Farm Sanctuary promotes veganism, we also work hard to stop the worst abuses on farms. We welcome everyone who wants to make the world a kinder place for farm animals.

What is the distance of an average Walk route?
Our Walks cover between two to three miles. Check your city’s Walk page for specific information.

Can I start a Walk in my city?
The cities for the Fall 2013 season are already confirmed and finalized. However, if you would like us to consider your city for next year’s Walk, please contact us!

What happens if it rains the day of the Walk?
Walks will happen rain or shine! If it’s raining, just bring your umbrella!

Can I bring my dog on the Walk?
We love your furry friends! Most events allow dogs on leashes, but please check your city’s Walk page for specifics.

Can I bring my stroller?
Yes! The Walks are family-friendly events. We encourage children of all ages to attend!

Will there be food and drinks at the Walk?
Each Walk will provide snacks donated from local sponsors. Check you city’s Walk page for specific food and drink details.

What is a team?
Teams can be made up of friends, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, or any other group! Teams benefit from shared camaraderie, and each member is often able to raise more money than they would have on their own. You will still raise money and be eligible for great Walk prizes as an individual, but the total amount you raise will also be counted toward your team’s goal. Participating in the Walk for Farm Animals with a team can help you meet your fundraising goals and have more fun while working to raise awareness about cruelty to animals. As a group walker, your team’s fundraising goal will be set by your team leader. The team in each city with the highest fundraising total will win a special grand prize! (Note: Only team members who have raised at least $100 will be eligible to receive the Team Grand Prize.)

How do I register for a team?
Team registration occurs at the same time as event registration. If you wish to join team that has already been created, select “Join a Team” underneath “Role.” Then select the appropriate team name from the drop-down list. If you wish to create your own team, select “Create a Team” underneath “Role.” You will then choose a team name and a team goal. Your team’s name will appear in the drop-down list of possible teams the next time someone registers.

Walk Registration

How do I register for a Walk?
Registration is available online. Visit the registration page to get started! If you are unable to use the online system, please contact us online or at 607-583-2225, ext. 250.

How much does it cost to register?
There are different registration fees dependent on the Walker’s age and when they register:
•  Adult registration: $15
•  Walkers under 18: Free!
•  Event-day registration (all Walkers over 18): $25

Does my registration fee count toward my fundraising goal?
Yes! Your registration fee counts toward your fundraising goal and also toward earning great Walk prizes! We ask for this fee to cover the administrative cost of the Walks and help ensure that we have the funds available to support the Walk for Farm Animals program.

How do I choose which Walk to join?
To find a Walk location near you, use our search feature. If there aren’t any Walks nearby or you cannot make the date of your city’s Walk, you can still participate by joining our “Sleep In for Farm Animals” Virtual Walk!

Do I need to register my child?
Yes; everyone who walks needs to be registered for insurance and organizing purposes. Walkers under 18 register for free and receive a free t-shirt just for singing up! We also encourage you and your children to register as a family team.

I accidently registered for the wrong Walk (or I want to switch locations). Can I move to a different Walk?
Yes, we can manually change your registration. Please contact us!

Fundraising

What is the minimum amount I have to raise?
There is no minimum fundraising amount. However, we strongly encourage walkers to raise at least $100 so you can earn your Walk t-shirt!

How can I raise $100?
Ask 10 friends for $10, and you’re done! It’s not always that easy, but it often is, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Check out our fundraising tips.

How do I earn prizes?
Prizes are awarded based on how much money you raised. All walkers are eligible to earn a Walk t-shirt by raising at least $100. In order to guarantee that your shirt is received in time for your city’s Walk, you will need to raise $100 at least two weeks before the date of the event. Otherwise, it may be shipped to you after the event. You can also earn grand prizes! In each city, a grand prize will be awarded to the top individual walker, top youth walker, and top team.

If I end up not walking, do my donors get their money back?
Donations are nonrefundable. The money you’ve raised will go to work supporting Farm Sanctuary’s mission.

What is a “Personal Fundraising Page”?
A “Personal Fundraising Page” is an online fundraising tool for you to use when asking friends, family, and co-workers to join your team or make a donation. Once you sign-up online for a Walk, a Personal Fundraising Page is created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page with your own photos and information or keeping the generic information. However, we highly recommend that you personalize your page since it will help you meet you fundraising goal!

How do I change my team name or team goal?
Only the Team Captain has the ability to change the team name or goal. The Team Captain will need to login to his or her account and select “Edit Team Fundraising Page” under “My Events.” From there, the Team Captain can edit the fundraising goal, change the team name, add pictures, and edit the team message. Just save changes, and you’re done!

How can I see who has donated to me?
Donor names and the amount of money donated will be listed on your personal page. You can also view donations by logging in to your account and selecting “View Donations” under “My Active Events.”

How can I see who is on my team?
A list of participants, with links to their personal pages, can be found at the bottom of the team page.

Where can I find a receipt I can print and give my donors who give me a small cash donation offline?
Once your donor’s gift is processed by Farm Sanctuary, a donation acknowledgement letter and receipt will be mailed to them. Please be sure to include the donor’s mailing address on your Offline Donation form.