Gentle Barn
A sanctuary for rescued animals offering healing and connection through compassionate interaction and therapeutic experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Gentle Barn
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for rescued animals offering healing and connection through compassionate interaction and therapeutic experiences.
"This place is amazing, I love it. We had fun and it is really nice because you can watch and pet them."
Book in Advance! 🎟️
Secure your spot by booking tickets online. Walk-ins are limited and not guaranteed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be walking and interacting with animals, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cow Hugging Therapy
Various enclosures
Experience the profound healing power of a gentle hug from a rescued cow. A truly unique and heartwarming interaction.
Meet Rescued Farm Animals
Barnyard and pastures
Get up close with a diverse array of rescued animals, from pigs and goats to turkeys and llamas. Each has a story.
Interactive Animal Encounters
Designated areas
Feed sheep, pet turkeys, and learn about the individual journeys of these incredible animals from knowledgeable staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for a Smoother Visit
Embrace the Farm Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance! 🎟️
Secure your spot by booking tickets online. Walk-ins are limited and not guaranteed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be walking and interacting with animals, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Stay hydrated, especially on warm days. Vegan snacks are available, but bringing your own is an option.
Prepare to Get Dirty! 🐷
Embrace the farm life! You might sit or walk in dirt to get closer to the animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance! 🎟️
Secure your spot by booking tickets online. Walk-ins are limited and not guaranteed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be walking and interacting with animals, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Stay hydrated, especially on warm days. Vegan snacks are available, but bringing your own is an option.
Prepare to Get Dirty! 🐷
Embrace the farm life! You might sit or walk in dirt to get closer to the animals.
Support the Mission ❤️
Consider purchasing from the gift shop or donating to help care for the rescued animals.
Learn Their Stories 📖
Each animal has a unique rescue story. Listen to the staff and volunteers to appreciate their journeys.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Gentle Barn for its heartwarming mission and the incredible opportunity to interact with rescued farm animals, especially through cow hugging therapy. The healing atmosphere and the dedication of the staff are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a deeply moving experience for many. However, some note that staff knowledge can be limited to their specific animal areas, and it's advisable to book in advance due to limited walk-in capacity.
"It was a neat experience to see farm animals up close and make physical contact with so many of them and give them love. My three kids (ages 4, 7, 9) enjoyed it a lot.
Interacted with and viewed: horses, ponies, donkeys, cows, peacocks, llamas, emu, male and female turkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens.
The staff were friendly though their knowledge seemed mainly isolated to the animal(s) they were watching. They knew some about the other animals but not a lot.
Street parking. Hand washing stations. Shaded place to eat food (which you can bring or purchase) - vegan only.
The founder gave the introduction when we arrived. She seems legit in terms of being true to the mission of The Gentle Barn.
My son, who was the one child not interested in this activity, chose to brush the cows. He really seemed to like that part. For me, hugging the cows was the best part of the activity. It's a neat experience to hug a 2500 pound animal."
Chris Morris
"This place is freaking amazing, a sanctuary, a home, a mission for providing healing for loads of rescue animals that each have their own story. While the animals get their own therapy, you can come swing by for some much needed therapy through a hug or some belly rubs (with consent). Theres tons to do here and it’s a great spot for the entire family. They do accept walk-ins, but it’s a pretty limited size, so it’s better to make a reservation. Also, they do sell snacks on site, but everything is plant based if that matters to you. We tried some snacks and everything was yummy. The kiddos especially liked the chocolate chip cookies!"
Frank Biermann
"My friend wanted to hug a cow which we were able to do and so much more. The animals are so sweet and gentle and the staff and volunteers are everywhere and very helpful. I never imagined I’d pet an emu or gave a turkey fall asleep in my lap. Go early cause it can get hot and bring water. Also plan to get dirty because you’ll be walking and sometimes sitting in the dirt to get close to the animals. They’re doing very powerful work and being with the animals is really healing"
Steph M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gentle Barn is located in Santa Clarita, California, about 45 minutes outside of Los Angeles. Visitors often drive, and street parking is available. Some TikTok creators mention it's an easy drive from LA.
Public transport options to Santa Clarita might be limited for direct access to the sanctuary. Driving is the most common and recommended method for visitors.
Yes, The Gentle Barn has multiple locations, including in California and Tennessee, with a future location planned for New York. It's important to confirm which location you are visiting when booking.
Specific driving directions will be provided upon booking or can be found on their official website. It's generally located in the Santa Clarita area.
Yes, street parking is typically available at The Gentle Barn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary, and it's best to check their official website for current pricing. Some visitors mention purchasing tickets as a gift or for a birthday celebration.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as walk-ins are limited and not guaranteed. This ensures your entry and helps the sanctuary manage visitor flow.
Opening hours can vary, so it's essential to check the official Gentle Barn website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While they sometimes accept walk-ins, it's strongly advised to make a reservation to guarantee your entry, as capacity is limited.
The Gentle Barn is generally family-friendly, and children of various ages have enjoyed visits. Specific age restrictions are not commonly mentioned, but it's always good to check their policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see and interact with a wide variety of rescued farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, turkeys, peacocks, llamas, and emus.
Yes, hugging cows is a signature experience at The Gentle Barn, often referred to as 'cow hugging therapy.' It's a deeply healing interaction for many visitors. +2
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as you'll be walking around the sanctuary. Be prepared to potentially get a little dirty, as you'll be interacting closely with the animals.
Yes, handwashing stations are available throughout the sanctuary to ensure hygiene after interacting with the animals.
Absolutely! The Gentle Barn is a fantastic place for families. Children of all ages can enjoy interacting with the animals and learning about their rescue stories.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Gentle Barn offers snacks for purchase on-site. Everything sold is plant-based and vegan.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food to enjoy at the shaded eating areas provided.
The food available for purchase is exclusively vegan. Visitors have enjoyed items like vegan hot dogs and chocolate chip cookies.
While The Gentle Barn offers vegan snacks, the surrounding Santa Clarita area has various dining options, including vegan-friendly restaurants if you plan to eat before or after your visit.
The Gentle Barn offers snacks and some food items for purchase, but it's not a full-service restaurant. It's more of a cafe or snack bar setup.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the heartwarming interactions with the animals.
While specific restrictions are not widely mentioned, it's always good practice to be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly in animals' faces.
Anywhere you can get a good interaction with the animals! The cow hugging areas, feeding stations, and even just observing the animals in their habitats offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, many visitors share videos of their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showcasing the animals and their interactions.
While the focus is on the animals, staff and volunteers are often happy to assist with photos or be in them if appropriate, especially during special events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's recommended to book tickets in advance and wear comfortable, washable clothing as the experience can be a bit messy.
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
It's a chance to share a compassionate and memorable outing away from the typical city attractions. Consider visiting during a weekday morning to enjoy a more intimate experience with fewer crowds.
🌱 Vegan & Animal Lovers
Enjoy plant-based snacks available for purchase, and appreciate the sanctuary's commitment to a vegan lifestyle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of The Gentle Barn
These rescued animals, in turn, offer therapeutic benefits to visitors, including foster children, veterans, and anyone seeking comfort and connection. The core philosophy is that by giving animals love and care, they can help humans heal and find hope. The sanctuary's work is deeply rooted in compassion and advocacy for animal welfare. Videos often highlight the transformation of animals from fearful and traumatized states to happy and trusting individuals, showcasing the impact of their care.
+2 This dual mission of animal rescue and human-animal therapy is what makes The Gentle Barn a unique and impactful destination. Visitors frequently comment on the powerful emotional impact of their visit, describing it as a 'healing' and 'glorious' experience.
Interacting with Rescued Animals
The sanctuary emphasizes consent and respect in all interactions. Visitors are guided on how to approach and interact with the animals, ensuring the well-being of both the animals and the guests. This approach allows for genuine connections to form, where animals feel safe and comfortable enough to engage with visitors.
Many visitors are moved by the animals' calm demeanor and the palpable sense of peace they exude.
The Gentle Barn's Financial Challenges
These appeals underscore the ongoing struggle to fund the care of numerous rescued animals and maintain the sanctuary's facilities. The organization relies heavily on donations and visitor support to provide food, shelter, and veterinary care for animals rescued from dire situations.
Supporters are encouraged to visit, donate, or engage with their fundraising efforts to help The Gentle Barn overcome these obstacles.
The sanctuary's mission is crucial, and community involvement is key to its sustainability and ability to rescue more animals in need. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit