1 person found this review helpful
Animal Place
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
Featured Review
January 27, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Volunteering at Animal Place is a terrific way to spend time with farmed animals and learn about all the hard work that is required to run a large-scale rescue operation. Cleaning and weatherproofing barns are just some of the chores I've done in my brief time as a volunteer, and I'm always interested in what needs to be done to keep the sanctuary running smoothly. I don't get over to Animal Place as often as I'd like, but helping out there is a critical part of being vegan and helps me stay mindful about why I make the lifestyle choices that I do. I wish that the full-time staff had more resources to pour into making even better use of the already involved and available volunteers, but I also know how difficult it is to run a successful non-profit with limited time and personnel. I hope to do more work for Animal Place in the coming year and hope that my connection to the animals and people deepens. I also hope that more people will learn about the sanctuary and consider donating resources if possible. It's a great, peaceful place to connect more fully with sweet sheep, patient cows, and gorgeous pigs. The world would be a better place with more Animal Places.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
November 28, 2012
I love Animal Place! Rescuing and providing care and a permanent home to farmed animals is only part of what this wonderful organization accomplishes. Educating individuals about the cruelties of meat/dairy/egg production (and consumption), promoting compassion, promoting veganism, and showing first-hand the wonders of veganic farming are just a few more. I have enjoyed volunteering for and supporting Animal Place for several years. Executive Director, Kim Sturla, and her entire staff are incredible individuals doing astoundingly important work!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 3, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
As a former development professional with almost 20 years experience in the nonprofit arena, I am thrilled to now be an avid volunteer at - and donor to - Animal Place.
Executive Director, Kim Sturla, and her small but dedicated staff work tirelessly to rescue farmed animals in need who would otherwise surely be killed or simply languish and die miserable deaths.
I have had an opportunity to not only raise much needed funds for this organization, but to also enjoy the hard and rewarding hands-on care of hundreds of incredible animals. In addition, I have assisted with one of three major chicken rescues in the past year alone. Chickens slated for slaughter - rescued, cared for, and rehomed/adopted by caring individuals.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I actively experience the results of Animal Place every time I am at the sanctuary caring for these lovely, sentient beings. Each and every life matters. I have experienced the results at events such as their 2010 Barn Warming event at which hundreds of individuals toured the facilities, met the staff and animals, and learned the importance of choosing a vegan diet - not only for one's own health and conscience, but also for the health of the planet.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would - and do - continue to spread the word about Animal Place's work in order to raise more funds for the care of additional animals.
November 27, 2012
Animal Place is a haven for activists and animals, promoting compassion and living the life that causes the least harm. They provide sanctuary for hundreds of animals each year, rescue and secure homes for thousands of animals through the Rescue Ranch program. Educational tours are provided and a thriving internship program is available year-round in Animal Care. Also offered is Veganic Horticulture on their 3 acre veganic farm, where produce is grown without the use of animal inputs to feed the staff, volunteers, interns and the animals.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 7, 2012
I cannot say enough about what a wonderful sanctuary Animal Place is. I will first start with the staff. The commitment, love, kindness and concern that I consistently witness each week, when I volunteer, is inspiring. This is not a "job" to them, it's a life and mission. They are forever vigilent, and put me in awe how they can spot any problems with the animals before they become apparent to the lay person. My love is the animal care. Spending time with the new and young arrivals who have been treated so horribly, and are making their transition to a "free" life. Every week offers a new revelation into their lifes , and brings me complete joy. The accomodations for the animals is pristine, and great care has been taken to provide the proper housing for the various species. I hope more will visit, support and volunteer at Animal Place.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 7, 2012
As a board member of a smaller farmed animal sanctuary in California, I really admire Animal Place. They do incredible work for animals - both at the sanctuary, and in their education and outreach work to help people understand how their everyday choices can help animals. Their staff is very dedicated, and they have a huge impact in the work that they do. They also have partnered with our organization in different ways, from working together in the Turlock hen rescue, to inviting us to have a table about our organization at Music in the Meadows, to sending their intern team to visit and volunteer at our sanctuary - this kind of a collegial relationship is rare in this sector, but is greatly appreciated and creates a more robust ecosystem for sanctuaries. Animal Place is a great organization that is making a big difference for animals.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 7, 2012
Have you ever worked in a place where everybody’s so dedicated to the organization, to its goal, To its mission? Where everybody is so nice, so helpful and kind? Where you felt apart of something really important and meaningful?
This is how it’s like at Animal Place.
I would like to tell you about my experience as an animal care intern in this wonderful place.
Most of my life I dreamed of volunteering at an animal farm and lately I decided that there's no better time than the present. In the past couple of years I volunteered with dogs and lately I felt the need to be around different kinds of animals. I felt I have to live close to animals, to meet them in person, to have them in my life every day, to connect with them and really get to know them. I needed to see animals that have good lives, accept dogs and cats, because all I see and hear is how much they suffer and how quickly they die.
I feel that we, humans, had grown so much apart from nature, I feel that we've lost so much, and I wanted to try and feel that connection again, that’s another reason why I went there.
During my time at Animal place I've gained so much. I learned to feed the animals - every morning we fed the sweet pot belly pigs and the charming big pigs, we fed the lovely chickens, the funny turkeys, the beautiful goats, and the cute bunnies. I've also learned about the medical treatments the animals need (because they obviously were not taken care of properly). This experience is good for your body, for your memory and most imporant - for your soul. There so many wonderful people there that were willing to share their knowledge, and that's for me - is priceless.
With time, I knew each and every animal’s personality, they all have their own personality and their own name of course. They all play, they all have their own friends and groups, "just like dogs", as people tend to say when they see a cow or a sheep running and playing. all animals have relationships, all animals play, get scared, love. they all deserve the same thing - to live.
Everyone at Animal Place is there for the animals, taking care of them, checking their health... It is absolute joy to be surrounded with people that see things as I do, that respect all beings and value their lives.
And of course, I got to meet new people from all different places, which is always fun and interesting, I'm thankful for the friendships I've made.
I miss this place already.
So come see for yourself! I promise you you’d love it.
"All beings tremble before violence. All love life. See yourself in others. Then whom can you hurt? What harm can you do?" ~ Buddha
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
3 people found this review helpful
Review from CharityNavigator2 previous reviews - show all
October 6, 2011
Still no answer as to why they spend so little of their money on the animals. Their revenue to expenses ratio is startling. Lots of money sitting idle. Why? more
March 7, 2012
3 people found this review helpful
I used to support them, until they recently decided not to help with an emergency rescue of many animals from a failed local sanctuary. They could have taken in at least a few of the neediest animals, including farm animals. I have heard no valid reason for this refusal.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Unsure
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Unlikely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Unlikely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 6, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Still no answer as to why they spend so little of their money on the animals. Their revenue to expenses ratio is startling. Lots of money sitting idle. Why?
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
none
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
spend money on the animals, not hoard it
July 5, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I too think they're doing great work. My concern is that they still haven't raised their rating from 3 stars. Look at the revenue/expense graph. Why such consistently higher revenues than expenses? Why are they constantly asking for more money? Where is it going if not into the animals?
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
have seen the animals - well cared for
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
explain their revenue/expense ratio
January 28, 2012
This is a premium farmed animal rescue and protection organization. Their commitment and outreach is exceptional.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
January 27, 2012
My volunteer experience at Animal Place recommitted me to veganism and deepened my compassion for all living beings. My time was well-utilized by staff - I was busy helping with meaningful tasks, and they were very generous and patient in answering all my many questions about the animals and the organization. This organization is so important and I encourage others to get involved!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
January 27, 2012
Animal Place's noble mission is to protect and serve animals who have been exploited in the agricultural industry. The Animal Place sanctuary is a blessing for abused and neglected animals who have literally been treated like pieces of meat, and not as the beautiful, sentient creatures they are. Their facility, in the rolling foothills of Grass Valley, California, provides a safe haven for chickens, turkeys, pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, and cows, where they can live out their natural lives in harmony with the land. Animal Place is a happy place: You can feel pleasure watching these animals graze and roam, secure in the knowledge that they will never end their lives in a slaughterhouse. Animal Place also promotes a healthy vegan lifestyle that is consistent with their philosophy of equal rights for all of the Earth's creatures, great and small.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews