Walk-in Visitors: Friday -Saturday, 10AM -2PM Other visits by appointment only Tues-Sunday
Call us: (352) 262-7313 | Email: elaine@rooterville.org
Step into a cuddle wonderland with our fluffy Highland cow family!
Meet Penny & Phoebe, our beloved baby cuddle queens, and Zoe, our newest little Highland sweetheart learning the art of snuggles. Penny is famous for her kisses (your hair has been warned!).
That’s
three baby cows ready to melt your heart in one magical session.
Want even more fluff?
Add a 30-minute cuddle with Jett, our majestic Highlander, and let your heart melt.
Choose your adventure:
- Highland Session: Relax with Jett and enjoy optional baby-cow cuddle add-ons for the most fun you can pack into one visit.
- Ultimate Cow Cuddle: Two+ hours of dreamy cow comfort—perfect if napping with cows has always been your fantasy!
What Makes Our Cow Cuddles Special
Our gentle, affectionate cows—lovingly called our “doll babies”—live for attention and snuggles. Expect laughter, deep breaths, soft fur, warm noses, and a lot of heart-healing moments.
Fair warning: your cheeks will hurt from smiling.
Pro Tip from Our Guests
The best cuddles happen when you fully lean in—get cozy, bury your face in the fluff, and give those big, gentle hugs.
These cows were made for cuddling.
Escape the noise. Slow down. And reconnect with nature—surrounded by the happiest animals you’ll ever meet.
Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic retreat, friends needing a peaceful reset, or a family craving fresh air and fun, our picturesque farm sanctuary is the perfect getaway.
Covered Wagon 2 — Perfect for Families
We can add an adorable Kid-O-Bunk with plush sleep sacks (cow 🐄 or dinosaur 🦕) for two kids!
Families love this option for its comfort, charm, and built-in excitement.
The Farmhouse — Spacious & Comfortable
Perfect for larger families or friend groups who want extra privacy.
Includes:
✔ Private bedroom & bathroom
✔ Full kitchen
✔ TV
✔ Clean, roomy, ultra-comfy spaces
Everything you need for a relaxing, homey stay.
Have an RV? Bring It!
We offer several peaceful RV spots overlooking the pond, ideal for travelers who want nature, quiet, and easy access to our friendly farm animals.
Warning: Spontaneous smiles and warm fuzzies ahead! Experience cuteness overload....
A visit to Rooterville Animal Sanctuary isn’t just fun—it’s a full-blown joy-fest! From the moment you meet our superstar snuggle bug, Jett the Highland Cow, to the last wave goodbye from our four-legged ambassadors, you’ll feel the love we pour into every creature who calls our sanctuary home. They’re not just animals—they’re our friends, and we're pretty sure you'll leave with some new friends too!
You're welcome to bring snacks for the animals or buy them here. The best snacks are baby carrots, sliced apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries... anything you can hand feed easily.
HOURS:
Walk in Guests-Visits:
Fri - Sat: 10AM till 2PM
Other days/times by appointment
WEEKDAY SPECIAL RATES
7 Days a Week! 9:00AM - 6PM
Checkins after 10PM require approval
Community Service Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Please come when you can Tues-Sun after 8AM & we will find things for you to do! We look forward to having you
ULTIMATE Cow cuddling: 2+hrs
Highland Cow Cuddles: 30 or 45min
Baby Cow Cuddles: 30 min
Farmer for a Day Package: 3-4hrs
Coffee with Cows: 2hrs
Private Visit: 2hrs
Field Trips 4-6hrs
FIELD TRIPS & TOUR BUS VISITS welcomed by appointment
Your group will have a great time at Rooterville!
We recommend that the kids or your group eat lunch here for the best experience!
Visit the animals as long as you like before or after your experience!
AWARD WINNING Rentals:
Two Covered Wagons with King beds
+ room for cot or kid's bunk cot.
RV spaces with or w/o hookups-
up to 6 guests per spot
PLEASE CALL TO BOOK, we are switching our booking system!
352-262-7313
AIRBnB "Superhost"
PrestigiOUS
Trip Advisor
"Traveler's choice" award WINNER!
Our Animal Sanctuary Is CONVENIENTLY Located on a PAVED ROAD
Between Gainesville & Jacksonville, Florida
We offer many different AMAZING farm animal experiences including Highland Cow Cuddles, parties, field trips, company or private events, weddings, engagement/proposal events, covered wagon glamping, RV camping, picnics, date nights, laser tag in our forest or anything you can dream up- we'll find a way to help you make it happen and make it unforgettable!
Our animals are the BEST! There is nothing like a Rooterville Experience!
🎂 Birthdays, Bachelorette Parties, or Any Special Occasion! 🎈
Make unforgettable memories surrounded by our happy farm friends!
🐄Book your paw-some celebration today! 🎊
See Our Full Selection of Gifts and Jewelry in our Online Store, The Pink Pigs, here
ALL proceeds help the animals get the love and care they need, thank you for shopping with us!
What Visitors Have to Say:
"My absolutely favorite place in this world. I loved the former location and the new location is wonderful as well. A little slice of heaven with amazing staff that truly care for the animals of the sanctuary. Visiting this place will never ever get old!"
★★★★★
— Kirsty Martin
"Love love love this place. The animals and grounds are so well loved and cared for. So many sweet and loving animals, from baby guineas to mini horses and even cats that snuggle with turkeys. You can even pick up native plants."
★★★★★
— Double D Golf Carts
"This was a really cute place to take the kids. Had a trolley ride around the farm. Gift shop. They're starting a camp ground with really nice covered wagons to rent. Playground for the kids. Had a nice visit!"
★★★★★
— Mark Pearson
Where Animals Are Friends and They All Live Happily Ever After!
See What Our Sanctuary-Style Animal Shelter in Melrose, FL Is All About! There is something for EVERYONE!
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in quaint Melrose, FL is more than just a great, loving home for animals in need; it's an oasis of fun, education, peace and healing for our visitors.
A visit to Rooterville is fun for the whole family. At our small farm, you'll get the chance to cuddle, pet, feed, and take pictures with our friendly farm animals. You're going to fall in love with our happy animals!
Contact us today to learn more about:
- Community Service Opportunities
- Field Trips
- Private Visits
- Educational Programs Tailored to Your Needs
- Honey Bees, Pollinators, U-Pick Flowers, Fruits & Berries
- Parties, Weddings, Events
- RV Spot Availability
- Cow Cuddle sessions
- Shopping in our Gift Shop
- Stunning Butterfly Gardens & Butterfly Plants for Sale
- A peaceful, soul soothing, relaxing place to just be
Help Us Help Animals and Share Them with Others To Encourage Kindness Through One-on-One Interactions
Rooterville is small FAMILY FARM that specializes in sharing farm animals with visitors of all ages! Take the time to get out and enjoy some fresh air, sunshine in beautiful and peaceful surroundings surrounded by happy animals. It is heart melting, soul soothing, joy filled scrumptious time that you'll never forget.
Come Stay With Us in our award winning covered wagons!
We are an AIRBnB Superhost, a Hip Camp Best Stay
& won Trip advisor's prestigious Traveler's choice award!
PLEASE CALL TO BOOK, we are transitioning our booking system: 352-262-7313
🌿 Inviting & Warm
Escape to a one-of-a-kind getaway in the tranquil, small town charm of Melrose, FL. We're tucked away for peace and privacy yet easily accessible with paved road entry; our location offers the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience.
From here, you can effortlessly explore nearby gems like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, High Springs, Gainesville, Keystone Heights, and so much more—all just a short drive away!
Wagon Rentals
Whether you're a couple or friends looking to get away from the city life and unwind, a weekend on our beautiful sanctuary for farm animals might be exactly what you need. Enjoy a getaway for two adults in our unique, LUXURY covered wagons at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary. One premium king bed, Central Air/Heat, Bath w/Shower & EVERYTHING that you need except clothing!
A FARM VISIT is included for all guests in your party with every stay.
NEW: Bunk Cots available for up to 2 kids.
Farmhouse
Welcome to paradise! 20 gorgeous, peaceful acres with lots of happy, friendly farm animals for you to get to know. It will be an experience you will treasure for a lifetime. Leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind and soak in the peace, tranquility and beauty of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in your private, furnished 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home.
Short term monthly rentals available too, get away from the cold and stay with us for the winter!
FARM VISIT is included for all guests in your party with every stay.
RV Camping
Bring your RV and enjoy staying with the animals in our magnificent home with beautiful landscaping and views easily accessed from a paved road. Stay a night, a week, a month or for the winter! Full hookups for power and water, black water emptied with a tote. We love snowbirds & you'll love it here in such a beautiful, tranquil and private space. Most spots are shady and easy to get in and out of. Fire pits & seating available. 50AMP service, adapter for 30AMP available by request. Private, peaceful and guaranteed to lower blood pressure and melt away your stress!
Help feed the animals & Enjoy Amazing & Affordable Products,
Shop at the Pink Pigs!
Our History
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary was established by Elaine West in 2004 to provide a safe haven for the numerous unwanted, abandoned, and abused pot-bellied pigs in North Florida. Regrettably, many animal shelters and Humane Societies are unable or unwilling to take in unwanted pet pigs, which results in countless former pets facing a tragic fate due to a lack of help.
Everything changed for Rooterville when Stella was accepted into our herd. Stella was a breeding sow on a factory farm. She lived her life in cages not much bigger than her body and never enjoyed kindness, sun on her face or fresh air in her short life. She fell from a transport truck on the way to slaughter. No one would help Stella but us.
Stella was amazing, gentle and sweet. She was an absolute delight. Because she smashed all of the stereotypes, I had to let others meet her to see what a pig is really like. We opened our gates to the public so folks like you could see that farm animals are no different than our pet dogs and cats while learning the reality of factory farming. We think you'll agree with us that these animals deserve to be treated with kindness and mercy. Our hope is that you'll leave with a commitment to make kind choices and leave animals off of your plate.
Since our humble beginnings, our family farm has grown from just five acres to 20 acres. We've provided care and a permanent home to over 1000 rescued farm animals of all types, spayed and neutered hundreds of pet pigs and helped many people keep their pet pigs in their homes by building shelters and putting up secure fencing.
Currently, we are home to about 100 rescued animals of all kinds, primarily pigs.
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