Experience Farm Animal Therapy: Hug Cows, Cuddle Turkeys, and Love Pigs

Though there’s nothing new or unexpected when it comes to stress, one animal rescue farm is offering a different approach to coping with it: cow-hugging therapy.

Cow-hugging Therapy: A Unique Stress Reliever

“I believe we haven’t lived life until we’ve hugged a cow,” said Ellie Laks, who founded The Gentle Barn on a half-acre property in the middle of California’s San Fernando Valley in 1999. Now, visitors can find The Gentle Barn on six acres of land in Santa Clarita, complete with large horse and cow pastures, a red and white barnyard for the smaller animals, an organic vegetable garden, plenty of trees providing shade, and a panoramic view of the nearby mountains.

The Gentle Barn: Sanctuary and Support

The Gentle Barn is open to public visits on most Sundays, allowing guests to wander the grounds and interact with numerous animals that call the farm home. Among these animals are horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, llamas, emus, dogs, cats, parrots, and pigeons — all of whom were rescued from severe abuse and neglect.

Staff will be on hand to help facilitate the experience; however, the true therapists are the cows. They can sense what a guest needs. For those seeking quiet meditation, the cows can be still with them. Conversely, for those needing to laugh, the cows display plenty of silly tricks. Furthermore, for individuals dealing with trauma, the cows are ready to lie with them in a warm embrace.

“I don’t know how people make it through even one day without a cow hug,” said Laks. “Cow hugs have been supporting and healing me for 22 years, and I’m so honored to be able to extend that out to the community to come heal along with us.”

The Benefits of Pet Therapy

Though cows aren’t the first animals that come to mind regarding pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy, this method of helping people is not new. According to Healthline, “Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state.”

This profound bond is exactly what The Gentle Barn helps visitors foster, inviting everyone to visit or arrange for a private experience tailored to their needs.

The Gentle Barn’s Expansion

Beyond the California farm, The Gentle Barn has expanded to Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, with the goal of having at least one location in every state. For more information about visiting and the unique experiences offered, check out The Gentle Barn website.

Jessica Poitevien is a contributor for iBestTravel, currently based in South Florida. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, she enjoys baking, engaging with new people, and taking long beach walks. Follow her journey on Instagram.