2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary And Education Center

285 Pageviews Read Stories

 

 

 

Add to Favorites

Share this Nonprofit

Donate

Volunteering Oportunities

Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animal Services, Animals, Food, Nutrition, Wildlife Preservation & Protection

Mission: Helping Animals, People, and Planet   Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2016. Our mission is to rescue unwanted, orphaned, abused and neglected farm animals and provide them with a loving, safe home at our sanctuary and also through our adoption program. We also love educating the public about the many benefits of a compassionate, eco-minded lifestyle and plant-based eating. We are all about making friends, having fun, eating great food, and living kindly and in harmony with animals, people, and the planet.

Community Stories

27 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

hamptonpilates, Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/05/2022

Goatlandia is a magical place that goes above and beyond caring and sheltering rescued farm animals. They rehabilitate injured animals, care for elderly animal and find forever homes that are at their highest standard. Beyond that, they educate people on animal understanding and welfare, environmental impact and lifestyle changes to help combat climate change. Everyone who has attended a Goatlandia event or visited the sanctuary leaves with a sense of purpose. The animals are well loved and safe, no matter what life was like before arriving at Goatlandia they are able to flourish. Goatlandia is a very welcoming space to all and vital to shifting our current lifestyle towards a kinder one for the planet as well as the animals

erinanne Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/02/2025

I love volunteering here. The sanctuary is a little slice of heaven here on earth. I love coming every week to tend to the animals, and believe they recognize me and are excited for my return. I have built relationships with them and have built community through volunteering here. As an animal enthusiast, I can honestly say I am proud to be apart of this non-profit.

clxt Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/01/2025

I retired in early December last year from 20+ years in the biotech industry and a week later completed my first shift at Goatlandia. I also started with other volunteer activities (check out the wonderful Farm to Pantry, Farm to Fight Hunger, Slow Food Russian River Community Apple Press organizations!)

Mid-year an acquaintance asked me what I get out of all my volunteer activities with my response being that I had fun and it kept me off the couch. He persisted with questions, wanting to know what exactly was in it for me, especially volunteering at a farm animal sanctuary. Why did I keep doing physically taxing work, frequently coming home a bit smelly and dirty, and not necessarily using my brains or “skill- set”. Slightly annoyed by the questions (I mean who wouldn’t want to hang with goats given the opportunity?) I gave it a bit more thought and decided the reason was because it makes me very, very happy. My Tuesday mornings are full of laughter shared with my merry mucker mates at the antics and adorableness of the goats, pigs, sheep, horses, steers, and ducks as we ensure they have fresh food and water, clean their barns and pastures, and give them treats and love. During the summer months, I began helping out with the weekend tours sharing the beauty that is Goatlandia with visitors and also volunteered at several fundraising events (even taking a turn at being waitstaff!) In return, I’ve found joy in all that I do to support Goatlandia’s mission to “have fun while helping animals, people, and the planet. Volunteering at Goatlandia is a way for me to bring a bit of kindness into the world; it puts a smile on my face and in my heart. It’s an all around win-win!

Daniel1234 Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/31/2024

Goat land has been a fantastic place to volunteer at. staff and volunteers have been great to work with. And who can resist the cuteness of all these animals and gif them pets. Awesome to be part of this organization rescue and giving animals a good place to be happy

crash2170 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

12/31/2024

After recovering from the COVID depression, I always listen to inner self - Do things make you happy. Every time I see goats, I find it incredibly healing and soulful. I can’t stop smiling. I love the way they look at me and accept instantly. What can I say? I am obsessed with their beautiful eyes! They also make me want to be a better person.

I was so happy to stumble across Goatlandia. Seeing all the animals get to be just themselves. So grateful for everybody working and volunteering at Goatlandia to make such a magical place possible. ❤

During the Sonoma County Farm Trail, I was able to spend time with the Willow Girls. It was my dream come true just to sit in the pasture. Every time Hope approached me to scratch her ears and back, I placed my forehead onto hers. It was such an incredible connection. I was also very lucky to have met Deb on my baby bottle feeding tour. It is amazing to hear her story in person (while feeding the kids!). With all the responsibilities, she still takes time to greet visitors. I am committed to support Goatlandia in any way I can!

CinMac22 Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/30/2024

I’ve been volunteering at Goatlandia for over 2 1/2 years. It’s so heartwarming to spend time with the animals and other volunteers. We provide animal care such as feeding, ensuring they have clean water and cleaning their structures and outdoor areas. We also contribute to the socialization of the animals, spending time with them and grooming them. The animals all have unique personalities and recognize you after consistent interaction.
Deborah Blum (Founder) is highly involved and respected by the team (employees, board members and volunteers). She has a heart of gold and strong work ethic, leading by example.
I highly recommend the Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary for anyone considering donating time to a worthy cause. It is a very fulfilling experience. ❤️

Betster Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/30/2024

I’ve been volunteering at Goatlandia for more than a year and am so impressed by the level of integrity, commitment, organization and attention to detail that it takes to run such a successful animal sanctuary and community education program. Every animal and bird resident receives daily gentle loving care, clean safe housing, healthy nutrition, socialization and timely veterinary attention when warranted. And we humans also go through a comprehensive orientation and are provided with a variety of opportunities and resources to care for different animals/birds in a safe, respectful environment. What an exemplary model for a kind, compassionate and ethical plant-based lifestyle. Goatlandia truly walks the talk!

SylvieF Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/30/2024

Goatlandia is not just a Farm Animal Sanctuary, it's a family. As with every family, it goes with its share of enthusiasm, worries and small dramas, but it mostly thrives on a close bond between Deborah Blum, the volunteers and the staff. We have each others's backs and are fiercely protective of the animals.
I have been with Goatlandia for more than 6 years, and I can honestly say that its a very happy place.
Every newly rescued animal is welcome with love and compassion, every baby goat saved is a small miracle and all animals have a story to tell if you take the time to listen.
There is nothing more heartwarming than. seeing an abused, neglected wounded animal
bloom into a healthy, grateful member of the community.
I have seen Goatlandia flourish from a small sanctuary to a truly amazing place fitted with cozy barns, coops and stables. Place like Goatlandia truly make the world a better place.

ninacap General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

12/30/2024

Goatlandia Sanctuary and Education Center does amazing work in the animal welfare space, affecting not just animals but also humans. They provide care and love to a variety of rescued farm animals, primarily goats, who are lucky to enjoy the care and dedication of a small loving staff and a steadfast group of volunteers. Their resident rescued dogs and rescued "barn" cats greet guests and roam the farm. Goatlandia's commitment to compassion doesn't stop at animals, they also provide compassionate education to youth and other community members through private events, kids camps, animal assisted therapy, tours and parties. A visit to the sanctuary and some nuzzles from goats is all you need to be hooked on supporting this incredible organization!

pjazz Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/23/2024

I volunteer at Goatlandia and it has been a wonderful experience. The amazing way the animals are cared for is heart warming. It is well run farm and the staff is knowledgeable, caring and professional. They love these adorable critters and do their best to provide them with a nurturing environment and to educate the public.

carolinemartha333 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/20/2024

This organization walks the talk. They take great care of their animals as well as volunteers. It is so rewarding to volunteer there. I also am a donor and go to donor events. I have volunteered with various animal charities and this one is partly well run and does a great job of stretching each dollar without compromising on care for the animals.

4Goatlandia Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/15/2024

The rescued animals of Goatlandia are so well taken care of and loved. The loving energy and friendship that these rescued animals give back to the staff and volunteers is extraordinary. So many stories of saving sentinent lives that would otherwise be discarded; young, old, healthy and in need of medical attention. One tour visit or a volunteer shift will nourish your heart forever.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2023

Developing friendships with the residents and other volunteers is priceless! These rescued animals feed my spirit!

beckycomo Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/07/2024

Goatlandia is a wonderful organization doing wonderful work. They host lots of great events and outreach programs. They help to spread awareness and compassion in the community. It’s a place to volunteer as well!

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2023

I started volunteering at Goatlandia at the beginning of the pandemic when I was feeling a bit sad about the world. It was the best decision as I love volunteering with the animals, and I love all the great work the organization does. Goatlandia helps so many wonderful animals live the happy and full lives they deserve.

odjay66 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/07/2024

I was looking for volunteer work that fed my soul and this is the place. I went for the goats and fell in
love with the pigs. The staff is wonderful and the animals are well cared for and loved by all. The volunteers are great and my 4 hours here are the best hours of my week. Im so glad I found Goatlandia.

VolunteerDG Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/06/2024

Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary and Education Center is incredible. It’s home to beautiful animals, many with special needs, whose lives would be very different if not for the work done at Goatlandia. Witnessing new animals arrive at the sanctuary and knowing they’ll be safe is an emotional and magical experience, and seeing them adopted into their forever homes is even more rewarding. I particularly enjoy giving tours to large groups and seeing the education they receive, with help from the Goatlandia Kitchen and its delicious plant-based offerings.

One of the perks of volunteering at Goatlandia is the sense of community among the volunteers. It’s a diverse group, united by a shared love for animals and their well-being. Everyone has their favorite animal; mine is an alpaca who is blind in one eye. It’s heartwarming when she recognizes me with her good eye and comes running to say good morning!

sjmeyler Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2023

Animals here receive the best care. Each one is provided care tailoring to their own special needs. They are able to live happy and peaceful lives. Deb, the owner, goes to all lengths to ensure a high standard is always maintained, despite challenges of weather, finances, or whatever. I am proud to be a volunteer here and to be part of this.

SebastianZet General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/26/2023

I’ve seen first hand how the animals are cared for and met the people behind the scenes and they all really, truly care, and i;’ve seen what they do for the animals and can see that they are well provided for and the money is being put to very good use.

alidyk General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/25/2023

A group of us visited during the recent Fall Farm Trails Tour & were blown away by Goatlandia! We were so impressed with the animal habitats and peaceful rural setting - you can tell there was a lot of hard work that went into creating (& maintaining) this sanctuary. The owner, employees & volunteers are so genuine & take great pride in providing loving care to the animals & in sharing their mission with the public. They do an amazing job & their joy in doing so is truly infectious. Their animal residents won the lottery when they were saved by Goatlandia! Kudos!

BingoBanjo Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2023

Goatlandia is one of my favorite places! I have been volunteering there for over a year and it is one of my favorite parts of my week. The animals are amazing and the staff and other volunteers care so much and do amazing work! As a volunteer, I feel very valued for my contributions and really feel like I make a difference.

jodennis Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2023

The whole experience here is amazing. Of course the animals are fabulous; but also the dedicated, small, but mighty, staff…. And really wonderful volunteers. I love giving my time here, I adore being with, and supporting, the animals; and Deb’s mission. The care and love shown to the Goatlandia animals aka family is inspiring, and positively changing my life.

1

goatsnsheep Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

A wonderful opportunity to meet amazing volunteers that are there to help animals in need.
Working with all the animals is the best feeling. Letting them know they are safe and loved. With the goal of finding them the perfect forever home. It’s an honor to be part of the Goatlandia Sanctuary team.

1

outdoorsunshine Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/09/2022

Goatlandia was the community I needed, filled with love, compassion, and dedication to their work. All of the animals are happy, cared for, and living full lives. So glad I found this amazing place!

jenkalk Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/05/2022

I volunteer at Goatlandia. I have never experienced such wonderful loving people and such contented animals.

jazie24 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/05/2022

Goatlandia is the most wonderful place. Volunteering with them has brought so much love and joy into my life and I know my work is contributing to a greater mission of caring for, loving and saving animals. Deb and her team are passionate, caring, hard workers who do all they can to provide wonderful lives for these animals and educate the public.

Need help?