Oh. My. Gosh. What an absolute delight! After a beautiful drive up from Sacramento, my partner and I arrived at the sprawling, lovely grounds of Animal Place. We had booked a private tour for his birthday to meet the rescue animals who call this beautiful place home. Yasmin met us at the entrance and, after swapping shoes for some solid boots, gave us a very honest, very real, and very important rundown of industrial agriculture. Now, I have to add, neither of us are vegan or even vegetarian, but Yasmin proved to be an actively non judgmental, compassionate host. She walked us through the grounds, addressing each animal by name, and was full of knowledge and insight! After the initial meet and greet, we were off! We hiked across the beautiful grounds and met tons of sheep (Jet loved my partner!) goats, and pigs; all of the animals roam freely, coming and going as they please. It was actually delightful how so many of the animals came up to say hi and hang out out of their own volition! We brought some grapes for the chickens and they LOVED them! But oh my god, the turkeys. Wow, just, two little friendly, fluffy orbs that floated around our party showing off while Yasmin gave us an informed and empathetic story about them. She did that at every habitat; letting us in, introducing us (by name!) to the boldest of the bunch, and explaining how they ended up at Animal Place. It was an entirely wonderful, enlightening experience. Also, fyi, turkeys are so soft. I cannot recommend this organization enough. 10/10, please give Conrad an extra treat for me! read more

Unprofessional, unorganized, uneducated do not support. Do not go here. They do not know what they are doing! Horrible. Scared for the animals there. It's always convenient tucked away so nobody really knows what's going on until you go there firsthand. Behind the scenes. read more

I went on a free self guided tour of the place.. they offer actual tours for $10.. just not during the winter. I wanted to go now. Maybe I'll try an actual tour sometime. I read they tell you more about the animals.. I wanna know about the 3-legged sheep I saw. The website tells you not to depend on GPS and gives you directions.. I did both. I had my GPS going as well as had a screenshot of the website directions on my screen. I didn't want to think 'Did I pass it?' So I did both.. There's a small parking lot. I went to the office for a visitor pass and no one was there. A note on the door said fill out a liability waiver, take a visitor sticker and a map.. that's what I did.. no where to put the liability form but I guess if you get hurt.. you'll have it on you. I walked the paved trail around and it was nice.. can't be with the animals, just walk the paved way around.. but it's not a loop! You go back the same way you came and-- done. It was quick. You only see a small portion of the property but it's there to visit. read more

Animal Place - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grass Valley, California

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Animal Place provides a much needed service in our world! We fully support the good work that Animal Place does to help farmed animals and educate the community on how we can be better stewards to the planet :) read more

Great for kids to see farm animals, and a good way for them to learn about animal cruelty, In a friendly safe animal sanctuary! The only problem is that in order to have a tour you need to reserve, I didn't see that in their website so I had to do the tour in my own, therefore we couldn't feed or pet the animals (we did over the dense) but if you get a tour they let you in and they tell you why they are there. For example they had bunnies rescued from a make up lab! The staff were very nice ! read more

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I first heard about Animal Place from when they bought out my beloved Republic of V in Berkeley. Little did I know that they are one of the longest running animal sanctuaries in the greater area. My wife and I were celebrating our Monthiversary this past 08/16. What better way to enjoy our time together than reminding ourselves why we're Vegan? I mean seriously, how can you go here to visit all the adorable animals and still eat them or their bodily fluids afterwards? I was damn near tearing up when they were describing the abuse animals are subjected to in order to be slaughtered. Of course they were preaching to the choir since I already knew all of this. It's just different seeing it in person. Sort of putting a face and a name to what most people put on their plate. And don't start with that organic, humanely treated, cage-free, pasture raised, yuppie bulllshit. If you're gonna eat meat, cool. Just admit you don't give too shits about animals. Okay, maybe just the ugly ones, no? As for the tour itself, we choose the group tour for $10 each. No shame in donating to a worthy cause. The tour was about 2 hours, led by Animal Place volunteer Brittani. They are of course overly cautious about the well being of the animals to the point where you may not get as up close and personal as you may have expected. That was the only downside. My babygirl loves baby goats and was hoping to hold one. It makes sense fundamentally that they don't pressure the animals to do anything they don't want. They are not trying to be a glorified petting zoo. It's just too bad because we were looking forward to it. Would I go back? Maybe not since it's so far away. I would certainly volunteer my time to the cause though. I will also continue to support them by buying stuff from Vegan Republic in Berkeley. I truly appreciate what they are doing out here. read more

I love this sanctuary for farmed animals. If you are looking for a place to take the family to learn about rescued farm animals then I highly suggest this place. Every animals there has been rescued and will live out their life at the sanctuary. They have several events throughout the year and the guided tours are a great place to start. It is not expensive and you get to hear some amazing rescue stories and even get to pet a lot of the animals there. One of my favorite events is the Thank the Turkeys in November and Oink-a-Ween in October. Just go online and schedule your trip for the tour and you can bring a lunch and sit at the tables and enjoy the fresh air and the positive energy all around you. Please just make sure you bring food that does not have any animal products out of respect for the animals who live there. The staff there are very helpful and friendly and will answer all your questions and not just rush you through the tour. If you go to the tour you can bring treats to feed the chickens and bunnies just check to see what is acceptable to bring. Animal Place also has lots of opportunities for volunteering from barn cleaning to socializing so please schedule a trip and have a beautiful day with the animals read more

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Animal Place, founded in 1989, is a nonprofit sanctuary for abused and discarded farmed animals. Rescued individuals and indigenous wildlife share 60 acres of forest, meadow, pasture, hills and small lake. They provide a variety of educational resources for both children and adults that teach kindness and compassion for all creatures, and implement nationwide educational programs. You can visit and/or volunteer at Animal Place and I HIGHLY recommend it. You get to cuddle with all the rescued factory farm animals and see how they are not so different from your dog or cat. I don't know...whenever I visit this place I am just overwhelmed with the possibility of what this world could be if it weren't so damn evil. It makes me hopeful and happy and I just love cuddling the adorable, sweet critters. If I had a million dollars, 995,000 of it would go to animal place. if you can't visit, please consider donating. These people actually walk the walk and need money to keep doing it! http://www.animalplace.org/ read more

Animal Place - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grass Valley, California

Animal Place is not your ordinary farm. While they house all the typical creatures you'd normally see--pigs, goats, cows, roosters--they aren't being raised here for slaughter...quite the opposite. They're rescued animals, the majority are abused and discarded and close to slaughter. Farm tours last a couple hours and are offered throughout the year, reservations required. I was fortunate to get in on their last tour of the season this month. The tour guides and volunteers were knowledgeable and friendly. Aside from the obligatory "oohing and aahing", petting and feeding of the cute creatures, the guides introduced many of the animals with their story, i.e., how they came to live at Animal Place. The rabbits were my favorite, by default; I can never resist them, and they were also one of the few animals we visitors were able to hand feed. The pigs looked the most contended, their mouths forming a smile on all of them as they rested, no question that they're happy. This farm is a benefit to all. What makes it even more great is that it's local (and the mile long straw ride up to the sanctuary rocks!). Aside from the tour, you can choose to volunteer or take part in their cooking classes. Can't make it on-site? Volunteering, activism, and donations are also ways to help out a worthy cause. Regardless of your dietary preferences, there's no denying the inhumane treatment of factory farmed animals--seeing these rescued animals are proof. The tour only reinforced my beliefs. And I only hope it helps those without similar beliefs to, at the very least, understand why others feel so strongly about their decision to forego the consumption of animals and their byproducts. read more

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I was here the day after Christmas.... a wonderful, idyllic, serene setting.. except... if this is truly an animal sanctuary, set on 400 acres..um... where are all the saved animals? We were simply flummoxed. But... having come out on the 80, we thought we would stroll the whole place. 3 large hogs, about 20 rabbits, no cows visible anywhere, wild turkeys, chickens, and a few goats. That's about it. As far as the philosophy of the place, and the dedicated workers... score. Awesome. trail is easy to spot.. center gate.. go through it. Super clean bathrooms. We went in to donate $$ and grab a shirt. Loooooong windy 15 minute drive once veering off 49. read more

Couldn't wait to give this place a well deserved 5 stars! Standby for updated review after today's amazing visit!.. read more

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Caution: Grass Valley can get extremely hot during summer, over 90 most days and often 100. You'll be walking around a farm without much shade. This is not a criticism, just the reality of a working farm in the country. My son lives really close to here, and I'm also a huge fan of the now renamed Republic of V in Berkeley, so this was definitely on my list of places to visit. I'm not a huge animal rights person (I mean, it's important, but I'm not one of those people) and I grew up on a farm briefly and around many farm animals, so I had an idea of what it would be like. The place is nice enough, although a bit off the beaten track (and I should know, I've been coming up this way for 15 years). The animals were mostly not to be seen up close, and I don't blame them, due to the aforementioned heat. Our favorite was the donkey, which clearly loved the attention. It's a shame it was by itself, since they are particularly social animals, although I'm told it likes to hang with the goats. The demonstration of the factory farming cages I think was informative to my son, who mostly gets to see farm animals in the area which have plenty of room to roam. Still, I felt a little unsatisfied at the visit. Perhaps if we'd done a formal tour. I don't know. read more

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While most people on my tour were there because they're passionate about the inhumane conditions that surround most animals, I just love petting cute things! This place definitely disappoint... After a brief but interesting lecture on where the rescued animals would be if they hadn't been saved, you get to pet the goats and a couple sheep. The goats were extremely affectionate and playful. My personal favorite was Sebastian, a goat that followed me around trying to get pet. After the goats, we visited the chickens. Bring grapes when you visit because you get to feed them and they go CRAZY over grapes! The highlight of the trip for me was being around two young calves. We watched them get fed bottles of milk and afterward, they went around trying to suckle on everyone's hands. This was my first time touching a cow and it was a blast. The calves were insanely adorable. The tour ended with feeding the rabbits. I brought broccoli and lettuce for them to eat... Big mistake! Bring carrots otherwise they'll ignore your food. The only downside is I wanted to pet all of them but due to their skittishness, you can't. I can't recommend visiting enough! The tour was only $10 and its for a good cause. read more

Animal Place - One of the baby calves - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grass Valley, California

Adopted for our 4th time from the Animal Place today. We brought home 10 battery farm rescue chickens! The world needs more places out there that are making a difference. Chickens are not thought of as pets or animals that need love or attention but the Animal Place is helping to educate the world that battery farms treatment of chickens is Inhumane, starting from the awful debeaking and continuing through the life they spend sitting in a tiny box with little to no natural light, no attention, and certainly not love! Chickens deserve all of the above!!! The Animal Place provides education, resources, and money caring for these animals and deserves many accolades for what they do! Interested in adopting a farm animal and adding more love to your home? I would recommend this agency hands down above the rest!! read more

Animal Place - One of our first rescues still going strong! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grass Valley, California

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My partner and I booked a night at the house next door, which comes with a free half hour tour, but our guide Rebecca was accommodating and gave us over an hour tour of the sanctuary, since I had wanted to get in as much time meeting animals as I could, and there were no two hour private or public tours available that day. The animals were cute, and our guide was very enthusiastic and informative. The weather was great, and we got some up close time with pigs, cows, sheep, and goats, and saw the birds, bunnies and hee-hawing donkeys through the fences. Would definitely recommend doing a tour so you can get some up-close time with the animals. They have a great display that shows how farm animals are caged, and even have the human-equivalent-sized cages that you can get in to experience what the poor animals experience. We booked one night in the master bedroom with the private bathroom, and the house was warm and inviting. The room we stayed in had an eastern king bed and a twin bed, and a private mini freezer/fridge and microwave. The house is all vegan, so there are plenty of vegan toiletries and vegan breakfast items to help yourself to, and you can bring your own beverages and (vegan) food as well. We met two men who were staying there as well for the Animal Film Festival the following day, and we had some alcoholic beverages and chatted up a storm with them. There is a shared full kitchen, outdoor screened eating area, and family room equipped with a tv with a roku, and a selection of educational dvds and books about various animal issues. You can walk outside at night and see a beautiful sky full of many more stars than anyone who lives in a city or suburbs normally sees. Overall, great experience! read more

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I visited Animal Place four times 2015. I just couldn't help it I had to bring a different family member each time so they could see the beauty of the place and meet the animals. I really like that this sanctuary exists and hope many more like them are constructed. read more

Can someone that works here reach out? I'm visiting from out of town and would like to make reservations. I can't get ahold of anyone on the phone numbers / extension numbers provided and the website doesn't have a place for reservations like the automate voice message says when you call. If it does it is extremely hidden. read more

It is awesome to have this incredible opportunity to connect with the rescued animals, and hear their stories. They are indeed individuals with their own sense of being. Thank you to Kim and all the staff & volunteers who make this all possible. For anyone who isn't close enough to visit the sanctuary in person, look for the documentary the "Emotional World of Farm Animals" which is a great companion piece of the book "Pigs Who Sang to the Moon" by Jeffrey Masson. read more

I came here for a meetup and it was wonderful. They had vegan food samples as well as coupons and merchandise. I tried the BEST vegan cheese ever! The animals were great and we got to meet them. It was sad to hear some of their stories but comforting to know they are in a safe, happy place to live out their years. This may seem like obvious advice but wear closed-toe shoes. read more

Kim cares SOOOOO much. Your money is well spent with Animal Place. And be sure to drive out to meet the amazing, loving and oh so forgiving farm animals. It will restore your faith in the beauty of life. read more

What a great place to educate yourself on how animals cam be deeply neglected in any form of factory farming. There are sheep, goats, cows, chickens, pigs, turkeys, guinea hens, and a peacock. Free self-guided tours, and also private, group, edu tours. It's quite a drive from Sacramento but it was worth it to be able to pretty some loving piggies! read more

A great place to visit. Did a self guided tour today with our kids and the loved it. A very peaceful place & you can see that the animals are very well kept. read more

Animal Place - Hello piggies! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grass Valley, California

This place is amazing! I've been to other farm sanctuaries before, and they're all great, but this one is by far my favorite. The animals are so well cared for, they have so much open area to roam around and the place is absolutely beautiful! The animals that get to call this place home are so lucky. You get to walk around a nice path surrounded by grassy hills and you're greeted by sheep, cows, pigs and turkeys that come up to the fences to say hi (and you might even get some cow kisses like I did today). I live down in LA, but I definitely want to come back here and visit next time I'm in the area! read more

Animal Place - Happy cows grooming each other - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grass Valley, California

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You must see what happens when people care and animals are rescued. The knowledgable staff will introduce you to hundreds of lucky animals that are receiving good care, good food and a happy life. read more

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Bring the kids. Pet a hog. enjoy the stories. Lovely place so glad they are there...helping the animals. Thank you Animal Place! read more

I took my three-year-old and my 12-year-old girls, and we checked in and got a map. Everyone was friendly, the receptionist told us the path to take, we saw cows, a donkey chicken and roosters, rabbits, and some really big pigs! my kids loved it and it was free, amazing place we plan on volunteering soon. The dairy farm example is sad but I understand it's purpose. Also, if someone was around at the bunny cage to let kids pet them, that would have warranted a 5th star!! read more

Animal abuse has got to end everyone must do their part to help with poor helpless animal.

The work that this sanctuary does is truly inspiring.. I highly recommend everybody take a tour here- seriously it changed my life. After laying on the ground next to a sweet, smiling pig let you hug him for 20 minutes straight, you realize that animals truly are friends and not food. The people who work here are amazing, truly wonderful people. read more

Animal Place is a farmed animal sanctuary and education center that has been around for just over 10 years. They provide tours (check their website) that are really informative, and give you an insight into how farmed animals are mismanaged and abused, and describe the very negative side to factory farming. After going on the tour - our tour guide was Kim Sturla - a tireless advocate, I felt so bad for the poor animals, I stopped eating all meat except for seafood. A few years later, I stopped eating seafood too. This is a great place to take kids who have a curiousity about animals. If you do go in Summer, just be aware of the high temperatures of Vacaville. The long and short is that after the tour and meeting up with Kim and the other wonderful workers/volunteers, I feel I'm making a small change in my life, that hopefully helps our poor abused animal friends. I still head up on occasion to volunteer for odd jobs, and have met some of the nicest and most dedicated people. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION read more

This is a wonderful sanctuary! They rescue farm animals and take fantastic care of them. Kim Sturla. the founder is dedicated to animal welfare and lovingly rehabilitates and gives the animals in her care the attention they deserve. You can go up to visit and take a tour if you like - it is a wonderful place! read more

Very overdue review, I took my wife here and we had so much fun petting the goats, feeding the chickens and hanging out with the pigs. This place really cares about saving animal lives and do amazing things daily. read more

The organizers and volunteers are doing a most amazing job rescuing and caring for otherwise unwanted farmed animals. The facility is rated A-1 in my opinion. read more

I love this sanctuary, such a great structure they have, the people that volunteer and work here are caring and passionated about these animals and the cause, I heard the animals stories and meet them inside their habitats. Unfortunately I live a few hours away, but the two times I've been here were such wonderful days that I don't mind the time and distance to get there at all, it's amazing to see all the happy and well cared animals that live at Animal Place, thank you for what you guys do for them! read more

This sanctuary is absolutely incredible. They're doing amazing things here that should be not only acknowledged, but celebrated. Interning here is the best choice you can ever hope to make! read more

my favorite place to visit to get buckets of kindness and love from rescued animals and the hers who take care of them. i financially support them monthly and attend as many of their special events i can. vegan go to place read more

This sanctuary is so welcoming. The people working there are friendly and helpful and the animals all look happy and healthy with plenty of well cared for land. A great place for animals and people alike read more

Love this place. I cannot say enough about the staff and their drive to do good. I was able to adopt 10 hens that were rescued from some inhumane farm and I want to shout from the mountain tops to everyone I know to come here. There needs to be more places out there like Animal Place that help, educate, provide, support, care, love and have the dedication like they do! I will be back... :) read more

Don't bother calling the number listed above (707) 449-4814 a rude old lady will answer and tell you the place isn't open to the public and doesn't have any tours and you should call their Grassland location. Maybe you should clarify that on your Yelp page because every single review says you do. read more

Great, beautiful place, but where are the rescued animals? There are hardly any animals here on this sanctuary. Very strange indeed.

This place is awesome! I did a self guided tour with my boyfriend and the staff was so friendly that we got to actually meet some of the animals! Which we weren't even expecting because it wasn't a tour day! I love what this place stands for. I am so glad they are able to save so many animals and inform the public of what is really going on in the meat and dairy industry. Thanks so much animal place! Keep doing what you're doing! read more