We believe that cows, like all living beings, deserve to be treated with love, respect, and dignity.
Goshala by the Art Sanctuary Foundation
Goshala (‘cow shelter’ in Sanskrit) by the Art Sanctuary Foundation, is a safe and nurturing environment for re-homed cows that challenges the traditional view of cows as livestock.
In many parts of the world, cows are valued only for their economic benefit, but at the goshala, we see them as sentient beings with unique personalities and emotional needs.
Our mission is to change the narrative surrounding cows, offering them a nurturing environment where they can heal and thrive. Through our work, we aim to demonstrate the profound impact that compassion can have on these gentle creatures. By providing them with a loving forever home, we hope to inspire others to see cows not just as animals, but as companions deserving of our respect and protection.
At the heart of the goshala is the love and care we provide. Volunteers and visitors spend meaningful time with the cows, building trust through gentle interactions.
Consistent care and cleaning
Volunteers regularly clean the stable and collect dung, ensuring a hygienic, peaceful space where the cows can thrive.
Natural and comfortable stable flooring
Our stable uses soft sawdust instead of cement, providing a gentler surface for the cows to walk and rest on. The sawdust is regularly replaced to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Daily grazing freedom
Along with their barley straw diet, our cows graze freely in open areas. On weekends, they explore the serene spotted gum mini-forest, supporting their physical and emotional well-being.
Spacious, safe living areas
Our cows enjoy spacious areas to roam, relax, and sleep, with access to both sheltered stables and sunny open spaces, allowing them to move naturally and live comfortably in harmony.
Invited to artistic events
Whenever we host artistic events, our cows are invited to be part of the experience. They are free to engage, watch, and listen, enriching their environment and fostering a sense of calm and connection through art.
Cow sponsorship program
Our cow sponsorship program fosters a deep connection between people and cows, offering the opportunity to be part of their journey to healing and happiness.
By sponsoring a cow, you’re directly contributing to their care - providing nutritious food, medical attention, and a safe, loving home. Sponsors receive regular updates with photos and stories, allowing them to personally engage with the cow’s progress as they thrive in their peaceful forever home.
Educational Workshops
Homa Cakes
Our cow dung pancakes (homa cakes) are handcrafted at the Art Sanctuary Goshala (cow shelter) using fresh dung collected daily from our beloved re-homed cows. They honour a long-standing ritual tradition, offering a steady, clean flame and a grounded, purifying, presence ideal for sacred practices.
Our homa cakes have been designed to support all practices:
Agnihotra, homa, and havan: Perfect for sacred fires used in mantra recitation, ritual offerings, and contemplative spiritual practice.
Temples, yoga centres and ashrams: Trusted by temples for rituals, festivals, and sacred ceremonies requiring purity, consistency, and traditional fuels.
Cleansing and fumigation: Traditionally used to purify and sanctify spaces through gentle natural smoke, supporting worship, meditation, and devotional settings.
Become a Goshala Volunteer
Our Goshala provides a lifelong home for our cows. Every cow in our care is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, and volunteers play a vital role in helping us provide a safe and nurturing environment for them.
Volunteering at the Goshala is an opportunity to spend time in nature, connect with gentle animals, learn new skills, and contribute to a meaningful community initiative. Whether you are passionate about animal welfare, enjoy working outdoors, or simply want to give back, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteer activities may include assisting with feeding and watering, preparing hay, cleaning and maintaining facilities, gardening, supporting events, helping with educational programs, and contributing to the ongoing care and wellbeing of the cows and sanctuary grounds. No prior experience is required, and training and guidance will be provided.
As a member organisation of Volunteering WA, the Art Sanctuary Foundation is committed to providing a positive, safe, and rewarding volunteer experience. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds who share our values of compassion, community, care, and connection with nature.
Why Volunteer?
Support the lifelong care of rehomed cows
Spend time in a peaceful natural environment
Learn about compassionate animal care
Meet like-minded people and become part of a caring community
Contribute your skills and talents to a meaningful cause
Gain hands-on experience in a unique community-based Goshala
Join Our Volunteer Team
If you would like to become part of our Goshala community, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can contribute a few hours each month or become a regular volunteer, your support helps create a better life for the cows in our care.
Complete our Volunteer Application Form today and join us in providing a lifelong home for our cows.
