Most people don’t expect to find a thriving farm animal sanctuary nestled on just four acres of land in Indiana. But Jessica Wallace isn’t most people. A lifelong animal lover with a background in equine sciences and veterinary care, Jessica joined Cheryl Moss on the Better Life for Animals Podcast to share how her small but mighty sanctuary is making a big difference, especially for goats.
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A Lifelong Passion Sparked by Horses
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Jessica’s journey started with a love for horses. She earned an associate degree in equine sciences and worked in veterinary clinics for over a decade. In 2012, she bought a property so her horse
could live at home. That decision eventually led to the founding of The Farm Micro Sanctuary.
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Goats Opened Her Heart and Her Eyes
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In 2019, Jessica rescued her first three goats. She was immediately taken by their intelligence, curiosity, and charm. “We’re not taught how amazing goats are,” she said. The turning point came when she took in Millie, a disabled goat from a dairy. Millie had given birth despite being unable to walk. Once her baby was taken, she was discarded. Jessica stepped in, and Millie has been with her ever since. “She’s fierce and amazing,” Jessica said. “She changed everything for me.”
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Balancing Sanctuary Work with a Full-Time Job
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Jessica works full-time at an office and still manages nearly all of the care for over 30 animals herself. Her day begins at 4:45 a.m. and ends around 8 p.m. She cares for cats, chickens, horses, and special-needs goats, many of whom live indoors. “It’s exhausting, but once I’m outside with them, I feel recharged,” she shared.
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Goats Are Smart, Social, and Often Overlooked
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Goats are often overlooked in conversations about animal welfare, even though more goats are killed for food globally than cows. Jessica wants people to understand that goats are just as intelligent as dogs. “They love their families. They grieve. They remember. They want to live,” she explained.
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Challenging the Narrative of 4-H and FFA
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Jessica raises concerns about agricultural youth programs like 4-H and FFA. These programs often require children to raise animals from infancy, then sell them for slaughter. “They’re teaching kids to put a price on love,” she said. “It’s a heartbreaking lesson no child should have to learn.”
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Education Through Connection
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Jessica holds tours, attends events, and brings special-needs animals to local farmers markets to engage with the public. “We show videos and photos so people can connect with the animals as individuals,” she said. “Once they meet a goat or chicken face-to-face, it plants a seed.”
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A Property with a Painful Past, Now a Place of Peace
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The sanctuary is located on a 115-year-old farm that once raised and processed animals for meat. The property still has a butcher pole and an antique walk-in cooler. Jessica sees this as part of the sanctuary’s story. “This was once a place where animals died. Now it’s where they get to live out their lives in peace.”
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Keeping the Sanctuary Going One Donor at a Time
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The Farm Micro Sanctuary is funded through small donations, monthly supporters on Patreon, and local events. Jessica hosts seasonal fundraisers, an annual anniversary celebration, and a compassionate Thanksgiving event. “Even two dollars a month helps. A little from many people adds up,” she said.
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Looking Ahead: Growth, Education, and Community
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Jessica dreams of building a more modern barn, adding plumbing, and launching youth programs to teach kids about kindness, veganism, and compassionate living. She is also looking for volunteers to help care for senior and special-needs animals.
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Advice for Future Sanctuary Founders
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Jessica encourages anyone considering sanctuary work to start by volunteering at an existing one. “Get a sense of the reality, and use trusted resources like The Open Sanctuary Project. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”
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How to Support The Farm Micro Sanctuary
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To support Jessica’s work, learn more, or volunteer, visit:
www.farmmicrosanctuary.org
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Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[01:30] Jessica Wallace’s passion for animals started early.
[03:00] Being a voice for the voiceless.
[05:45] FACT: More goats are killed worldwide than cows.
[08:00] Using vet skills for the sanctuary.
[11:00] Taking care of animal needs is as unique as each being.
[14:00] Using the sanctuary to educate people on animal compassion.
[18:00] Plans for improvements for the sanctuary.
[24:40] Funding strategies any sanctuary can benefit from.
[27:30] The power of a strong network of sanctuaries.
[29:15] The Open Sanctuary Project is here to help.
[33:00] Check locally to see if you can volunteer.
About Jessica Wallace
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Jessica Wallace is the founder and driving force behind The Farm Micro Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and advocating for animals traditionally viewed as commodities. A lifelong animal lover, Jessica’s passion began with an early obsession with horses. She earned an associate degree in Equine Sciences and spent more than a decade working in veterinary clinics, where she held roles ranging from office manager to veterinary technician.
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In 2012, Jessica purchased the property now affectionately known as The Farm, initially to provide a home for her horse. That small act of compassion evolved into something much larger. Over time, she began taking in rescued cats and offering retired senior horses a safe haven. In 2019, the rescue of three goats opened Jessica’s eyes to the harsh realities of animal agriculture, igniting a deeper commitment to animal protection.
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By 2021, her vision had expanded, and she officially established The Farm Micro Sanctuary as a nonprofit organization. Today, Jessica balances running the office of a successful company by day while personally managing nearly all the hands-on care of the sanctuary’s residents. Through gardening, vegan education, and sharing the unique stories of the animals in her care, Jessica continues to inspire a more compassionate world, one life at a time.
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About Cheryl Moss
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Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
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Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books—Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig—which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
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When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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https://www.facebook.com/BLFAnimals/
https://x.com/betterlife4anim
https://www.instagram.com/betterlife4animals/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylmossabetterlifeforanimals/
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