by Blake Herzog, photos courtesy of Animal Guardian Network at Healing River Ranch
Healing River Ranch in Camp Verde is home to Animal Guardian Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and a very exclusive menagerie of about 120 animals. Almost all of them have one thing in common.
Carrie Singer, president and founder of Animal Guardian Network, says the nonprofit sanctuary serves a particular subset of disadvantaged animals: “Our focus is animals that have a 1% chance or less of surviving if we do not step in, specifically senior, special needs and hospice.”
As of late 2025 burros, horses and mules, including “minis,” made up half of the special-needs animals living in the barns and expansive habitats on the ranch; others included 15 senior dogs in the Canine Care Center, four steers and about 25 goats and sheep, as well as a couple of pigs, a half-dozen chickens, an alpaca, a turkey and three livestock guardian dogs.
They are saved from dire circumstances such as a kill pen, abusive situation or being labeled “unhandleable.”
“Endless requests, and it’s really hard because I carry every request with me, and you feel like you’re failing when you can’t help,” Singer says. “But my priority has to be the animals we have already taken in. I can’t compromise their care.”
That life-long care is provided around the clock by Singer and her small team of staff and volunteers. Gold standard medical care, diverse nutrition, socialization and enrichment are provided to maintain the highest quality of life possible.
“Our goal is not to prolong life but to give them the best life as we can for as long as they’re here,” she says.
The roster has more than doubled since Animal Guardian Network relocated to Healing River Ranch from Cave Creek in 2019, after Carrie Singer and Vice President Robin Romano spent two years, mostly themselves, bringing utilities and structures to the plot of raw land sliced by a stretch of the Verde River. The property also includes a small chapel designated for grieving the loss of animals. It is available by appointment, and the nonprofit plans to develop it into a more accessible site.
In addition to sanctuary operations, the ranch welcomes guests through an Airbnb stay at The Lodge at Healing River Ranch and a more immersive farm-stay experience at the Farmhouse. All proceeds go to support the animals in their care.
WAYS TO DONATE
Venmo: @Animalguardiannetwork2021
Zellepay.com: 602.568.5636
PayPal: carrie@animalguardiannetwork.org
Animal Guardian Network is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation TIN:26-3216234. Donations are tax deductible, and 100% goes directly for the care of the animals.
For more information about the ranch visit www.facebook.com/animalguardiannetworkAGN or call 623.780.1604. We are located at 2564 N. Arena Del Loma Rd., Camp Verde, AZ 86322.
