The Pet Effect to Alleviate Stress

Visiting one of these farms and animal sanctuaries is sure to provide your child with much needed company and comfort in the face of today’s social isolation. The specially cared for companions at the organizations listed here are the best coping assistants to drive away high anxiety as we all shelter-in-place. If your family is craving the therapeutic healing only animals possess, then call in advance to one of these sanctuaries and get ready for a heaping dallop of pure love!

MARIN COUNTY

Rancho Compasión

Nicasio

Our Public Virtual Tours and Compassion Cameos give you, your family, friends, and co-workers the chance to connect virtually with our rescued barnyard residents and bring a joyous smile to your faces!

Slide Ranch

Muir Beach

Kids and adults are allowed to visit and hike the trails on weekends and after 3pm weekdays. Access to buildings or animals during visits is limited due to COVID-19. You can still see the animals through the fence. Trails including access to tide pools are open.

SONOMA COUNTY

Charlie's Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary

Sonoma

Now offering community tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am. Reserve your spot!

Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary

Santa Rosa

Opportunities to volunteer include brushing a goat’s coat, rubbing a pig’s belly, watching chickens run around and scratch. Kids love it! Come get dirty and meet other animal lovers. Roll up your sleeves, help with feeding and cleaning and taking care of the animals. Volunteering is so much fun, you’ll be baaaack often.

NAPA COUNTY

Bleating Hearts Farm and Sanctuary

Napa

Due to current COVID-19 we are slowly allowing volunteers back onto property under strict social distancing and hygienic practices. Temperature must be taken upon arrival. Please wear a mask and practice 6 foot distance at all times.

SOLANO COUNTY

Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary

Vacaville

Supporters can connect with and learn about the needs of healthy, happy farm animals.

PreetiRang Sanctuary

Dixon

PreetiRang Sanctuary is foremost for the animals and their need for a peaceful habitat. Closely following, PreetiRang is for our friends and visitors who share in bringing kindness and love to our animals through direct interaction.

Funky Chicken Rescue

Vacaville

Rescued horses, dogs, cats, ducks, alpacas, emus, goats, sheep, and chickens live in this 20 acres animal sanctuary to live out their lives.

Lucky Ones Ranch

Vacaville

The Lucky Ones Ranch provides a special and fun opportunity for kids and adults to have a memorable and up-close interaction with the rescue animals. Currently, the Ranch hosts private public tours, special events.

SAN MATEO COUNTY

Sweet Farm

Half Moon Bay

We rescue and rehabilitate farm animals from various circumstances within the food system. These animal ambassadors spread the message that they deserve our compassion and respect, and help educate farm visitors around issues related to animal welfare, factory farming, and sustainability.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

One Living Sanctuary

Martinez

People will be able to interact with the farmed animals through guided tours which will educate the public about the lives of the average farmed animal. The tours will allow a chance to combine didactic information with the tangible experience of meeting the animals.

According to Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, there have been no documented cases of COVID-19 infection in horses or livestock, and there is no evidence to date that humans represent a risk of this infection to farm animals. COVID-19 is spread from person to person; the risk to animals is very low and the risk from animals is even lower. The relationship with a pet or visit to one of these farms can be a great source of comfort, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Special thanks to Michele Waldman for helping to gather this information. Michele is an individual and couples psychotherapist with an office in Larkspur. She is deeply involved with animal activism and animal rights.  She has helped to rescue calves from the dairy industry and sponsors two beautiful male cows named Simon Cow and Tony, both of whom she found homes for at local animal sanctuaries. Michele’s dream is to open an animal sanctuary in the next few years. Michele volunteers weekly at an animal sanctuary where she has made friends with many pig, sheep, goat, cow, and turkey friends. Find her online at michelewaldman.com.