Sweet Water
Rescue and Rehab

A Farm Sanctuary

Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab is an independently operated 501 (c) (3) animal welfare organization in Williston, Florida that rescues and rehabilitates a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, miniature horses, rabbits, pigs and donkeys. We have successfully rehabilitated animals with serious injuries and medical conditions, that were adopted by loving families and have gone on to flourish in their new homes. We provide a sanctuary setting for animals with ongoing medical issues or that cannot be rehomed so they can live out the rest of their lives in an atmosphere of comfort and care.

All donations are tax-deductible.

at Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) farm sanctuary in Williston, Florida that rescues and rehabilitates a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, miniature horses, rabbits, pigs and donkeys. We have successfully rehabilitated animals with serious injuries and medical conditions, that were adopted by loving families and have gone on to flourish in their new homes. We provide a sanctuary setting for animals with ongoing medical issues or that cannot be rehomed so they can live out the rest of their lives in an atmosphere of comfort and care.

A pig at Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) farm sanctuary in Williston, Florida that rescues and rehabilitates a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, miniature horses, rabbits, pigs and donkeys. We have successfully rehabilitated animals with serious injuries and medical conditions, that were adopted by loving families and have gone on to flourish in their new homes. We provide a sanctuary setting for animals with ongoing medical issues or that cannot be rehomed so they can live out the rest of their lives in an atmosphere of comfort and care.

Support Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all kinds of animals, to rehabilitate and provide medical care to those who need it until they are well enough to be adopted, to provide a sanctuary for those animals who are unable to be adopted or that we cannot place in a loving forever home and to provide an enriching educational experience for those who visit and interact with our wonderful residents. Learn how you can help, by clicking here

Adopt or Sponsor

We have many wonderful animals available for adoption that would love to meet you. If you are not able to adopt an animal, we'd love for you to consider "sponsoring" one of our sanctuary residents. Click here to see our adoptable animals or learn about the sponsorship process.

Send a Gift

Our Amazon Wish List is full of items for any budget from treats to vital supplies that will have a big impact on our residents' lives.

Send a Gift

Testimonials

A dog at Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) farm sanctuary in Williston, Florida that rescues and rehabilitates a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, miniature horses, rabbits, pigs and donkeys. We have successfully rehabilitated animals with serious injuries and medical conditions, that were adopted by loving families and have gone on to flourish in their new homes. We provide a sanctuary setting for animals with ongoing medical issues or that cannot be rehomed so they can live out the rest of their lives in an atmosphere of comfort and care.

I would label her as a guardian angel for the lost and confused. Rosie takes the time to work with each animal, learn their personality traits and how they're going to adapt to certain environments. She always finds the right place for them. It’s almost like she’s an animal whisperer. She has big plans. Eventually, she wants to make it a place where kids can come learn about animals.

Amanda Thurber,
Humane Society of Marion County

Cats at at Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) farm sanctuary in Williston, Florida that rescues and rehabilitates a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, miniature horses, rabbits, pigs and donkeys. We have successfully rehabilitated animals with serious injuries and medical conditions, that were adopted by loving families and have gone on to flourish in their new homes. We provide a sanctuary setting for animals with ongoing medical issues or that cannot be rehomed so they can live out the rest of their lives in an atmosphere of comfort and care.

Rosie has always been an avid animal lover. When she worked with us, she started volunteering and then she became an employee. She left to start her own rescue and she has all different types of animals in it. She's well versed with animals and animal care and she's just has a loving heart for the animals. She'll help anybody, with any issue, that she can help. She's wonderful!

Leslie Hanson, Sheltering Hands

I went to Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab when I was trying to find a home for three kittens and their momma. Rosie takes the ones that other people throw away, that they don't think are worth anything...and she saves them. And the way those animals just flock to her....the horses, the pigs and the cats. Just every creature there...like she's their Mama. She just loves every one of them.

Kathy Clevinger-Magin, Volunteer

People are Talking

Sweet Water's story was highlighted in Ocala Style magazine's April 2022 issue. We invite you to read the article and learn more about our residents and some of our success stories.

"There’s a wondrous thing that happens when Rosie Gutierrez crosses the barnyard at Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab in Williston. In fact, the good-natured and self-effacing 57-year-old could easily be mistaken for a modern-day Dr. Doolittle by the way her devoted flock of cats and dogs gather around her and assemble into a quirky procession of proud followers."

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