We are excited to announce the opening of our new center, which complements our 600-acre sanctuary in Grass Valley. This expansion allows us to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome more farmed animals than ever before. Together, these two locations enhance our mission of compassion, creating more life-saving opportunities for animals in need.
In 2018, Animal Place purchased the property in Petaluma to expand our impact significantly. The center is dedicated to providing a sanctuary for farmed animals while educating the public. Our goal is to strengthen community compassion for nonhuman animals and increase accessibility for Bay Area supporters. The center will also continue our life-saving foster and placement efforts, as well as be a home for permanent animal residents in the future.
You can make a profound difference in countless lives by getting involved with Animal Place. Consider adopting a rescued animal, volunteering your time and skills, or donating to support our life-saving rescue work. And we will welcome you for community tours and educational programs when we open our doors to the public. By choosing to go vegan, you align your choices with compassion. Together, we can create a brighter future for farmed animals—learn more about how you can help today!
Our History - Vacaville to Petaluma
In 2010, Animal Place moved our sanctuary from Vacaville, California to Grass Valley, California. Our former site in Vacaville was transformed into the only large-scale chicken rescue program of its kind in the country.
In California, most hens used for egg production are killed between 1–3 years old—even though they can live 5–10 years. Many are gassed and dumped in landfills.
We reached out to egg farmers with a simple ask: Instead of death, will you choose life? Some said yes.
- 2010–2017: Over 25,000 hens and 100+ animals, including sheep, goats, turkeys, pigeons, and pigs, were rescued and rehomed in Vacaville.
- 2019: We moved operations to Petaluma and sold the Vacaville site.
- 2020–2021: Another 1,100 hens were saved. The Petaluma center temporarily closed due to COVID and the avian flu outbreak.
- 2024–2025: We hired Animal Care Manager Jason Bolalek and officially reopened the Petaluma site to rescue and rehome, hens, Roosters, goats and sheep.
Meet Jason Bolalek
Jason Bolalek joined the Animal Place team as Animal Care Manager, Petaluma, in 2024. Originally from Rochester, NY, Jason moved to Vermont in 2018, where he founded Destination Liberation, an initiative that rescued nearly 90 calves and cows. His work has been featured in The Dodo, WeAnimals Media, The Guardian, and NowThis News.
In 2022, Jason helped launch Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary in Maryland, where he managed animal care, led educational tours, and developed volunteer programs. He brings deep compassion and decades of hands-on experience to his work at Animal Place.
Adoptable Animals
Meet some of the animals available for adoption at our shelters in Petaluma or Grass Valley. If you're interested in giving one of them a loving home, the first step is to fill out the appropriate form: Adoption Forms & Information
Volunteer With Us
On-site volunteer opportunities at Petaluma will begin soon! Reach out to [email protected] if you’re interested in learning about opportunities.
We also welcome virtual volunteers—help with admin tasks, research, or marketing from home.
Need Help Rehoming an Animal?
We receive many requests for placement and have limited space, but here’s how you can take action. If we’re able to help, we’ll contact you.
You can find us at 70 Lynch Road, Petaluma, CA 94954.
(Please note: Our facility is not currently open to the public.)