About us

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary is a 100% volunteer-run refuge for animals who have been neglected, abused or forgotten. We are located on 65 acres adjacent to Riverside State Park in Northwest Spokane, Washington. We care for rabbits, horses, cows, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigs, dogs and cats. Sometimes other animals find their way to our sanctuary. We are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

All our animals receive lifelong care and shelter. While we do adopt animals to appropriate homes, we also provide a life long home for each animal as well. Our rabbits are spayed and neutered and we adopt following the House Rabbit Society philosophy.  
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Our mission

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary saves lives through rescue, education and advocacy. By treating animals as individuals and expressing both their wonder and plight through art, we foster empathy and understanding that leads to compassionate life choices.

Meet Our Founders

The Jagoda's have a lifelong commitment to animals, compassion, and the healing power of art.

kit jagoda

co-founder & executive director

peter jagoda

co-founder & sanctuary manager

How we got started

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The sanctuary is named for River, an inspiring dog whose love encouraged us to do more. River himself was a shelter dog and our constant companion. After a year long courageous battle with cancer, we sadly said goodbye to River in 1999. 

River’s Wish offers sanctuary to rabbits, dogs, cats, goats, horses, donkeys, pigs, chickens, turkeys and more.  It is the dream of River’s Wish, that every creature is able to live a full and joyful life.​

In 1995, we joined a local pet rescue group and our eyes were opened to the plight of animals in need.  We have since fostered and placed hundreds of dogs, cats and rabbits. We expanded to help goats, horses and other animals in need.  In 2004, we incorporated as a non-profit animal sanctuary.  Our humane education program, ‘Compassion for Animals’ allows people to meet animals first hand and puts a story, personality and face behind the abstract notion of their species.  Our hope is that compassion will decide the choices and direction humanity makes.

​We are designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Your contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all donations support our charitable mission. Our federal tax ID is 20-1226268.