The Gentle Barn

This Animal Rescue Farm Lets You Hug Cows, Cuddle Turkeys, and Give Belly Rubs to Pigs to Destress

"I found an animal rescue farm that offers an unusual form of stress relief: cow-hugging therapy at The Gentle Barn, which Ellie Laks founded in 1999 on a half-acre in the San Fernando Valley and now operates on six acres in Santa Clarita. The property features large horse and cow pastures, a red-and-white barnyard for smaller animals, an organic vegetable garden, plenty of shade trees, and a panoramic view of the nearby mountains, and it’s open to the public most Sundays so guests can wander the grounds and interact with the many rescued animals—horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, llamas, emus, dogs, cats, parrots, and pigeons. Staff help facilitate visits, but the cows are described as the true therapists: they can sit quietly for meditation, perform silly tricks to make visitors laugh, or even lie down in a warm embrace for those dealing with trauma—so much so that Laks says, “I don't know how people make it through even one day without a cow hug,” and that cow hugs have supported and healed her for 22 years. Visitors can buy tickets in advance or book private tours (family, party, or field-trip options) to have the place to themselves, and the organization has also expanded beyond California to locations in Nashville and St. Louis with the goal of one location in every state." - Jessica Poitevien Jessica Poitevien Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller and regular contributor to Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines