About

Animal Place was founded in 1989 by Kim Sturla and Nedim Buyukmihci, VMD. We are one of the oldest and largest sanctuaries for farmed animals in the United States. Our sprawling 600-acre facility, nestled in Grass Valley, CA, provides refuge to hundreds of abused and neglected farmed animals. In addition to the permanent sanctuary, Animal Place’s Rescue & Adoption Center in Petaluma, CA, is focused on placing needy farmed animals into permanent homes.

While our primary focus is to provide sanctuary for animals, creating meaningful change means educating others about the plight of farmed animals. We welcome thousands of visitors to our sanctuary each year who want to learn more about farmed animal behavior, industry practices, and dietary change. Volunteer classes introduce folks to the more hands-on ways people can help. Internships are also available.

We invite you to act on your compassion by becoming a vegan, volunteering at a sanctuaty, donating, adopting an animal in need, or even rescuing. Join us in making a difference in the lives of these animals and becoming a part of a compassionate community working towards a future where all animals are valued, respected, and loved.

Animal Place Sanctuary, Grass Valley, California

Animal Place’s permanent shelter is a northern California tourist destination spot – nestled between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, our 600-acre Grass Valley farm animal shelter is a testament to the beauty of the Sierra Foothills. We invite visitors to tour the sanctuary on self-guided and guided farm tours. The 300+ animals at our refuge are permanent residents. See photographs of rescued animals!

Animals arrive from small and large farms, slaughterhouses, research facilities, and neglect or cruelty cases. All animals find a haven where all their needs are met and their individual quirks respected.

In addition to providing sanctuary for farmed animals, Animal Place is an education and advocacy center. We offer tours, cooking classes, workshops at the sanctuary, and volunteer and internship opportunities. Because factory farming takes the lives of 10 billion land animals each year in the United States, we promote a vegan, cruelty-free lifestyle. If you are ever in the area, we hope you can sign up for one of our tours and meet the wonderful residents at Animal Place.

Animal Place’s Rescue & Adoption Center, Petaluma, California

Animal Place’s Rescue & Adoption Center in Petaluma focuses on placing needy farmed animals into permanent homes. It is the home to our large-scale rescues and saves thousands of lives annually. Our work in Petaluma continues our adoption program, previously known as Rescue Ranch. The property houses rescued animals until they can find a forever home.

Find Out More About Animal Place

Join our Moo-News and stay informed on the happenings at Animal Place as well as ways you can help make this a kinder, more just world for farmed animals!