Roam Wolfdog Sanctuary Offers Education Tours

Story: Jeff Slakey

Amongst the woods outside Shelton, off Highway 101, the ROAM Wolfdog Sanctuary provides a home for some of the most misunderstood animals in the world—wolfdogs. On a sprawling 40-acre property, the sanctuary educates the public, advocates for conservation, and provides a safe, enriching life.

photo credit: ROAM Wolfdog Sanctuary

Every wolfdog at ROAM has a story, and most share a similar beginning. They were bred to be pets, then abandoned or surrendered when their owners realized they weren't suited for a domestic lifestyle. "All of these animals here were bred to be somebody's pet," explains Jody Woolard, sanctuary's founder. "They want to mimic something that looks like it just walked out of Yellowstone Park, but they require a lifestyle that most people aren't prepared for."

Unlike dogs, wolfdogs have wild instincts that make them difficult to manage in a home environment. They require large enclosures, an all-raw diet, and specialized care. Many are high-content wolfdogs, meaning they have over 90% wolf DNA. While some enjoy meeting people, others take their time warming up to new faces.

One of the biggest misconceptions about wolfdogs is that they make good guard dogs. In reality, they tend to be skittish rather than protective. "They are not house pets," Woolard says. "They need to be outside. They need enclosures with eight-foot-tall fencing and dig guards so they can't escape."

Their diet is also unique. "They eat raw," says animal caretaker Reanna Warren. "Chicken, steak, pork—sometimes beef, but they're picky. They won't touch boneless, skinless chicken, and if it's ground beef, it has to be frozen."

ROAM is not only a shelter—it's a permanent home for its residents. Each enclosure spans about an acre, giving the animals space to roam while protecting the public. "We try to create an environment for them that is as natural as possible," Woolard says. "In the winter, we get snow, which they love. And in the summer, the forest keeps it from getting too hot."

Community plays a role in keeping the sanctuary running. Volunteers come to help clean enclosures and construct new habitats. Food donations come from local grocery stores and hunters. For visitors, a tour of ROAM is a chance to see these animals up close and learn about wolves' vital role in the ecosystem. "Wolves keep deer and elk populations in check, which benefits many other plant and animal species," explains Woolard. "But in some regions, they're still being hunted. Nearly 1,000 wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains were killed last year alone."

Touring ROAM

Tours at ROAM last about 90 minutes and offer an up-close look at the lives of these animals. Visitors can witness a playful interaction between Issabel and Kovu, a bonding moment between Pretty Boy Floyd and Felony, or even hear the pack's haunting howls echoing through the trees. "Two of our neighbors leave their windows open at night just to hear the howling," Woolard shares.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, ROAM relies on donations and sponsorships to continue its mission. "Every year, wolfdogs are abandoned, rescued, or euthanized because people purchased an animal they weren't prepared to care for," says Woolard. Sponsorships cover food costs, medical care, and facility maintenance, ensuring the wolfdogs can live out their life safely and comfortably.

Another way you can help is by spreading awareness about ROAM, the wolfdogs, and the importance of conservation. "Education is key," Woolard says. "The more people understand these animals, the better we can protect both them and their wild counterparts."

So, if you're a wildlife enthusiast, an advocate for conservation, or someone looking for a unique experience in Mason County, a visit to ROAM Wolfdog Sanctuary is sure to leave you with a newfound respect for these remarkable animals.

To learn more or schedule a tour, visit their website, roamwithus.org or come to ROAM with the pack. The Guided Educational Tours at Roam cater to wildlife enthusiasts, animal lovers, students, and families seeking an enriching and educational experience. This exclusive opportunity allows guests to engage with wolfdogs in a meaningful way and support the sanctuary's mission of promoting coexistence and understanding between humans and wildlife.