About Us

Muddy Paws Farm Rescue provides a loving, forever home to farm animals in need. Located on 11 acres in Southampton, NJ, Muddy Paws Farm is home to over 100 farm animals, including goats, donkeys, cattle, horses, and an ever-growing gang of bunnies, peacocks, turkeys, geese, chickens, roosters, ducks and barn cats.

Howard and Debbie Griffis rescued their first four-legged farm friend in 2017, shortly after purchasing the property. They soon discovered there are many farm animals that need new forever homes, and created a 501(c)3, non profit rescue organization.

Our Founders

Muddy Paws Farm Rescue is a dream brought to life by two high school sweethearts who wanted to rescue some animals and bring the community together along the way!

Farmer Deb

Executive Director

Farmer Howard

Infrastructure

Their Story

Elementary Introductions

Howard & Debbie met in 3rd grade. Their mothers joined the PTA & became friends, and the two families began taking camping trips together.

There isn’t much to do in a State Forest, so Howard and his two younger brothers, and Debbie and her two younger sisters, would join forces to combat the boredom of staring at trees.

Teenage Transition

Camping trips continued, and summer picnics were added. The boom box disappeared, and games to combat forest boredom turned into sneaking alcohol and exchanging tales of teenage oppression.

If questioned, Howard & Debbie would publicly admit to being friends and say hello to each other when they passed in the high school halls.

Mr. & Mrs. Buy a Home

The headstrong firstborns got married at age 20, & bought a house that should have been condemned.

They fixed it up, sold it for a profit, and repeated the process several times until they could afford an unloved three-story Victorian in the center of Moorestown, where they had both grown up.

Problematic Puberty

The forced family camping trips were painful during the gawky, awkward early teen years.

Howard, his buddy Will & a boom box that played non-stop ACDC at max volume were inseparable.

Debbie & her ever-present sidekick, Sarah, were way too cool to hang out with immature dumb boys.

Suddenly Seniors

On the night of the Thanksgiving pep rally, during a hasty escape from the principal, the two were literally thrown together and banged heads.

The result was minor concussions and somehow the ability to see each other in a different light. And love began.

Spawn Reproduction

Twenty-four amazing, exhausting years passed in a blur. Four fairly great children were born, raised, and shuttled to their activities. Home remodeling never stopped, and a steady stream of dogs, cats, and other people’s children came in and out of the house.

One day, we looked up, and we were almost empty nesters.

How is Muddy Paws Farm Rescue funded?

Muddy Paws Farm Rescue is funded through donations, fundraising events, and personal contributions from our founders. Your support helps us continue our mission to provide a loving home for farm animals in need.
Why did you start Muddy Paws Farm Rescue?

We started Muddy Paws Farm Rescue out of a deep love and compassion for animals. Our mission is to provide a safe and loving home for farm animals who are neglected, abused, or in need of a new home.
How do you manage the farm during winter?

During winter, it's business as usual at Muddy Paws Farm Rescue. We bundle up in warm clothing and head out to care for the animals. Despite the cold, the farm remains active, and the sunrise often provides a beautiful start to the day.
What types of animals do you accept?

We evaluate each animal rehoming request on a case-by-case basis. While we primarily take in chickens, ducks, goats, and donkeys, we may consider other animals depending on the situation. Our priority is to provide a safe and loving home for those in need.
DO YOU KNOW ALL THEIR NAMES?

Yup.
WHAT ANIMAL IS A HARD NO?

Reptiles, Amphibians and Snakes, because I’m not a fan. Pigs. We previously rescued 2 and both repeatedly tried to bite us. I draw the line at saving animals who actively try to kill me. Dogs - we have 2 English Mastiffs who are indoor pets and that’s our limit. Cats - we take in barn cats but not indoor cats. We can not accept any animal that lives indoors. (the dogs made us sign a contract)
WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING?

We can get up whenever we want. The animals prefer we do it by 6:30AM and expect us to be prompt.
WHAT WAS WRONG WITH A CONDO IN FLORIDA?

Nothing, it sounds like a lovely option. Most of our kids are establishing their careers and raising their families here, and we want to be near-ish to them.
WHERE DID ALL THOSE ANIMALS COME FROM?

Each animal has a different story on how it came to be part of the Muddy Paws Farm family. Some have been saved from being sent to slaughter, some needed new homes because their owners were moving, could no longer care for them or passed away, some have been confiscated from previous owners due to neglect and some were found by other caring people who wanted them safe but could not give them a home themselves.
HOW DO I SURRENDER AN ANIMAL

Please fill out the Animal Surrender Form at the bottom of this page. We will require some background information on the animal and get back to you shortly.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD TO OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

No. Due to the number of guests that typically attend Open House Events, we must monitor the quantity and type of treats all our animal residents get.
WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

We are open to the public on Sundays. Summer hours are 12 - 3 pm. Winter hours are 1 - 3 pm. A free-will donation is requested for entry. Muddy Paws Farm Rescue is our private home, as well as a rescue and working farm.
I'VE GOT A ...... WILL YOU TAKE IT?

Muddy Paws Farm Rescue accepts all animals on a case by case basis. However, typically we do not have the capacity to accepts Dogs, Roosters, Pigs or Reptiles.
ARE YOUR ANIMALS UP FOR ADOPTION?

We currently do not adopt our animals. This is their forever home.
What type of table and chairs do you have?

We provide standard 6ft rectangular folding tables and black metal folding chairs. The tables will be clean and are a nondescript grey beige color. We do not provide tablecloths and you are welcome to bring your own if desired.
What is the order of the party?

You have two hours for your party. We suggest starting with a guided tour to meet all the animals, then food/cake afterward. You can set whatever schedule you desire and the children are welcome to visit with and feed the animals at any time during the party. Please let your party host/hostess know before your guests start to arrive, what you would like the itinerary to be.
Does the party area have electricity?

Yes. You are also welcome to bring your own speakers.
Can we serve alcohol at our event?

We get it, kids’ birthday parties make us want to drink, too. Unfortunately, we can not allow alcoholic beverages to be brought or served.
How do we pay?

A nonrefundable $50 deposit is due at booking to reserve your date. This goes toward the total cost. We will send you an invoice after you build your entire party package. Final payment is required 24 hours before the start of your party. *Additional guests can be paid for at the time of the event, we just need an estimate of your party size at the time of the final payment. *In the event of severe weather, your deposit can be refunded. But we will do our best to accommodate a rescheduled date!
Do you provide food options? Can we bring our own?

We do not offer any food options, but you are welcome to bring in cake, cupcakes, or any other food selections you choose. We have refrigerator/freezer space available to use. Please let us know in advance if you would like to use this. Food delivery options are scarce out here (much to our dismay). If you'd like to order pizza for your party, we recommend Red Star Pizza (Route 206) or Massimo's Pizzeria (Main Street). For an additional fee, Muddy Paws Farm staff will pickup your prepaid order at the predetermined time and deliver it to you at the party pavilion.
Can we decorate?

Absolutely! Decorate as much as you want! All decorations must be cleaned up and removed after your party is over. Balloons, pinatas, and other decorations with strings must be kept at a safe distance from the animal pastures.
How is trash handled?

We will provide trash cans with bags located next to the party area. Please tie garbage bags shut at the end of the party and we will collect them.
How much time do we have for set up & clean up?

You are welcome to come ½ hour early to decorate. You will have 2 hours for your party, after which all guests and items must be removed. A ½ hour is provided for cleanup. A $50 fee per ½ hour will be added if your party goes over. If you go over with cleanup time, the same fee will apply.