The Gentle Barn Foundation

What The Gentle Barn Foundation does

The Gentle Barn Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary founded in 1999 and headquartered at 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, California. The organization operates two physical sanctuary campuses — Santa Clarita, CA and Christiana, TN (Nashville area, opened 2019) — that house farm animals rescued from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and provide them with lifelong care. The foundation is the employer of 11-50 staff and is led by Founder Ellie Laks and Chef, Cofounder & CEO Jay L. Weiner, with Donny Makower as Chairman of the Board.

The Gentle Barn's core products are animal-assisted therapy and educational experiences built around the rescued animals. Signature offerings include Cow Hug Therapy (a registered trademark) in which participants rest against a cow's frame to achieve emotional regulation; Equine Therapy focused on leadership and confidence; Turkey Cuddle Therapy for joy and emotional healing; and the multi-session Peace Enhancement Program for at-risk youth and trauma survivors. Educational products include NGSS-aligned school field trips, a Literacy Program in which children read to chickens, and visitor experiences ranging from $200 virtual tours to $1,000 all-day private tours. The eStore at store.gentlebarn.org sells branded apparel, home goods, the "Cow Hug Therapy" book ($24.95 autographed), the 2024 children's book "Gentle," gift cards ($10-$250), and specialty merchandise.

Revenue is generated through five streams: (1) tax-deductible donations including monthly recurring and one-time gifts, (2) animal sponsorship subscriptions ($15-$1,200/month across 2,028 active sponsors), (3) fee-based tours and programs, (4) eStore merchandise sales (with international shipping), and (5) the Gentle 12 monthly corporate sponsorship program that onboards plant-based and cruelty-free brands such as Sun Chlorella, Beyond Meat, Dr. Bronner's, Pacifica, Miyoko's Creamery, Field Roast, and Health-Ade Kombucha. Legacy giving rounds out the funding model. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via two physical sites, an owned e-commerce storefront, and third-party booking through FareHarbor; a hybrid segment mix serves individuals seeking healing, K-12 schools, socially conscious corporates, families, and trauma-affected youth.

Name

The Gentle Barn Foundation

Legal name

The Gentle Barn Foundation

Website

https://gentlebarn.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Gentle Barn Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary operating two campuses in Santa Clarita, CA and Christiana, TN that delivers animal-assisted therapy, including the trademarked Cow Hug Therapy, alongside educational field trips, visitor tours, merchandise sales, animal sponsorship, and the Gentle 12 corporate partnership program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Sanctuary / Animal-Assisted Therapy

NAICS

Support Activities for Animal Production (115210), Support Activities for Animal Production (11521)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA), Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB)

Keywords

• Animal sanctuary services
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Rescue farm animals
• Therapeutic programs
• Nonprofit animal care

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Clarita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting animal rescue and care operations. Donors can contribute one-time or recurring monthly gifts at various levels ($36, $50, $150, $360, or custom amounts). Also includes hay/food sponsorship and animal sponsorship programs where donors receive certificates, photos, and monthly updates about specific animals.
2. Merchandise Sales: The Gentle Barn eStore sells branded merchandise including apparel, home goods, books (Cow Hug Therapy book at $24.95), kids items, and specialty products. Gift cards available in denominations from $10 to $250. International shipping available with customer responsibility for customs duties.
3. Tours and Programs: Fee-based visitor experiences including Family Tours ($400 for 1-10 guests), Group Tours ($500 for 11-20 adults), Party Tours ($600 for up to 20 people), Field Trips ($400 minimum 20 kids), All-Day Tours ($1000 for 1-5 guests), Virtual Tours ($200), and therapeutic programs like Cow Hug Therapy, Equine Therapy, and Turkey Cuddle Therapy.
4. Legacy Giving: Planned giving program allowing donors to ensure The Gentle Barn is funded in perpetuity. The Legacy Society offers estate planning vehicles for long-term supporter engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Gentle Barn Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary that rescues farm animals from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and provides them lifelong care. It sells therapeutic programs (Cow Hug Therapy, Equine Therapy, Turkey Cuddle Therapy, Peace Enhancement), educational field trips, public and private tour experiences, and an eStore of branded merchandise and books. The organization also operates the Gentle 12 corporate sponsorship program and an animal sponsorship donation program to fund animal care operations.

Product overview

The Gentle Barn Foundation is a nonprofit animal sanctuary operating two locations (Santa Clarita, CA and Christiana, TN) that offers a portfolio of animal-assisted therapy programs and visitor experiences centered on rescued farm animals. Core therapeutic programs include Cow Hug Therapy (the signature offering), Equine Therapy, Turkey Cuddle Therapy, Peace Enhancement, and Literacy Programs. Visitor offerings include Public Sunday tours, Private Tours, Party Tours, Field Trips, and Virtual Tours. The organization generates revenue through an eStore selling merchandise (apparel, home goods, books, kids items) and accepts donations via animal sponsorship, legacy giving, and hay/feed donations. The Gentle 12 corporate sponsorship program partners with plant-based and ethical companies. The organization is led by founder Ellie Laks and Co-Founder Jay L. Weiner.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cow Hug Therapy: A therapeutic program where participants embrace cows for emotional healing, used for trauma, addiction, grief, and stress.
• My Gentle Kitchen

Products and services

• Cow Hug Therapy Program A therapeutic program where participants embrace cows to achieve emotional healing. While resting against the cow's warm frame, participants experience reduced anxiety, centeredness, and emotional openness. Effective for depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, and trauma. Targeted at individuals seeking alternative therapeutic interventions and at-risk youth.
• Equine Therapy Program A program using horse grooming and walking activities to teach confidence, leadership, and body language awareness. Participants learn to transmit intention and energy to become gentle leaders. Targeted at individuals seeking leadership and emotional growth.
• Turkey Cuddle Therapy Program A program where participants cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, give pigs belly rubs, and interact with small animals to find joy and healing. Designed to help individuals feel wanted, needed, and valuable.
• Peace Enhancement Program A multi-session program (weekly or monthly for six months) combining animal interactions, nature connection, and healing experiences. Designed to cultivate self-awareness, responsibility, and hope through unconditional animal love. Targeted at abuse survivors, at-risk youth, and trauma survivors referred by social workers and group homes.
• Literacy Program A school-based program where children practice reading books about Gentle Barn animals, then read aloud to a visiting chicken without judgment. Includes monthly classroom visits and an end-of-year field trip. Targeted at K-12 schools seeking literacy development programs.
• School Field Trips Educational tours for K-12 students aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Children learn about animal care, behavior, and empathy through hands-on experiences with sanctuary animals. $400 minimum for 20 kids and adults, with Title 1 school financial assistance.
• Public Sunday Tours Weekly public open days where visitors can hug cows, give pigs tummy rubs, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, and learn animal stories of resilience. Targeted at general consumers and families.
• Private Tours Intimate private tours offering exclusive barnyard access with guided experiences including brushing cows, meeting horses, cuddling turkeys, and learning animal stories. Available in four tiers: Family Tour ($400 for 1-10 guests, 2 hours), Group Tour ($500 for 11-20 adults, 2 hours), Party Tour ($600 for up to 20 people, 3 hours), and All-Day Tour ($1000 for 1-5 guests, 6 hours with vegan lunch).
• Virtual Tours
• Cow Hug Therapy Book An inspirational book by Ellie Laks chronicling the journey of rescued animals at The Gentle Barn and how they became therapeutic for countless guests. Features stories of healing for trauma, illness, disabilities, addiction, grief, and stress. Priced at $24.95 (autographed). Targeted at general consumers and supporters.
• Gentle: Hope and Healing at an Animal Sanctuary (Children's Book) A 2024 children's book about John Lewis Thunderheart (a calf) who found healing and friendship with Sky (a dog) at The Gentle Barn. Written by founder Ellie Laks. This is the first book written specifically for children, following 'My Gentle Barn' and 'Cow Hug Therapy'. Targeted at children, families, and schools.
• eStore Merchandise Online store offering apparel (tanks, tees, hoodies, bags, keychains, pins, socks, lanyards, hats), home goods (art, decor, books, coasters, drinkware, pet care, kitchen items, stationary, travel items), kids corner (plushies, toys, games, youth tees), sweet treats, pet supplies, hay donations, and eGift Cards ($10-$250 denominations). Targeted at general consumers and supporters.
• Animal Sponsorship Program Monthly recurring sponsorship program providing immediate funds for animal care. Sponsors receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, animal bio, photo, and monthly email updates with photos. Monthly tiers from $15 to $1,200; one-time honor donations $20 to $250. Targeted at individual animal lovers and donors.
• Gentle 12 Corporate Sponsorship Program Monthly corporate sponsorship program launched in 2014 featuring corporate partners through social media. Includes product demos, website recognition, newsletter mentions, social media exposure, and live event mentions. Sponsors include Sun Chlorella, Beyond Meat, Pacifica, Dr. Bronner's, MyChelle, Dr. Praeger's, Health-Ade Kombucha, Miyoko's Creamery, Follow Your Heart, Fry Family Foods, Field Roast, and Repurpose. Targeted at plant-based and ethical consumer brands seeking CSR partnerships.
• Legacy Giving Program Planned giving program allowing donors to ensure The Gentle Barn is funded in perpetuity through estate planning vehicles. The Legacy Society supports long-term donor engagement. Targeted at estate planners and high-net-worth donors.
• Hay and Feed Donation Program Donation program specifically for organic grass hay, organic fruits, vegetables, and other feed for the sanctuary animals. Donation options range from $36 to $360 or other amounts. Available via Facebook, Venmo, and PayPal. Targeted at individual animal welfare supporters.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,028 Active Animal Sponsors
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Sun ChlorellacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2014Flagship sponsor and founding partner of The Gentle Barn's Gentle 12 corporate sponsorship program. Featured as key sponsor of the Sun Chlorella Healing Center at the California sanctuary location. Company provides chlorella superfood products that support animal health and rehabilitation programs.
• Beyond MeatcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlant-based meat company sponsoring The Gentle Barn through the Gentle 12 program. Aligns brand values of compassion and sustainability with animal welfare mission.
• PacificasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBeauty brand participating in Gentle 12 program, promoting cruelty-free and vegan products while supporting animal sanctuary mission.
• Dr. Bronner'scoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSocially-conscious soap company known for charitable giving. Participates in Gentle 12 monthly sponsorship highlighting their ethical business practices.
• MyChellesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerClean beauty brand supporting Gentle 12 program with focus on natural, cruelty-free products aligned with Gentle Barn values.
• Dr. Praeger'ssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPlant-based food company participating in Gentle 12 sponsorship, sharing commitment to compassionate food choices.
• Health-Ade KombuchasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerKombucha brand supporting Gentle 12 program, promoting gut health and wellness aligned with sanctuary's holistic approach.
• Miyoko's CreamerysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPlant-based dairy alternative company in Gentle 12 program, sharing mission of compassionate food production.
• Follow Your HeartsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProducer of vegan products (Vegenaise, Earth Island) participating in Gentle 12 sponsorship program.
• Fry Family FoodssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPlant-based meat alternatives company supporting Gentle 12 with focus on sustainable protein options.
• Field RoastsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGrain meat company participating in Gentle 12, aligned with compassionate eating mission.
• RepurposeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCompostable products company supporting Gentle 12, aligned with environmental sustainability values.
• PuremedysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHealing salve products used for animal care (particularly for goat Oreo's eye treatment and skin conditions). Supplies products directly benefiting sanctuary animals.
• Love Always SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnimal sanctuary that rescued and cared for Rosalie cow before transferring her to The Gentle Barn. Represents network of sanctuaries working together to provide lifelong care for rescued animals.
• Little Hooves RescueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRescue organization that brought Marvel the Unicorn and 64 other miniature horses from Oklahoma to San Diego before The Gentle Barn adopted the final animal.
• Lifesavers Horse RescueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRescued Celeste the mustang along with 170 other horses from Nevada roundup in 2010, enabling adoption that eventually led to Gentle Barn.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals): Major animal-rights nonprofit with overlapping plant-based messaging and merchandise revenue. Comparable on nonprofit mission alignment with plant-based sponsors and merchandise-driven eStore, though operates more as advocacy/education than sanctuary.
• Best Friends Animal Society: Large-scale 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofit with sanctuary operations, donation-driven revenue, and signature national programs. Compares on nonprofit fundraising scale, recurring sponsorship model, and program-as-brand structure.
• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Largest U.S. animal welfare nonprofit. Comparable on 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure, donor sponsorship model, and merchandise/revenue diversification, but much broader advocacy scope rather than sanctuary operations.

Direct peers

• Farm Sanctuary: Largest U.S. farm animal sanctuary/rescue nonprofit, operating multiple sites in NY and CA. Directly comparable to The Gentle Barn in mission, founder-driven storytelling, plant-based corporate sponsorships, and visitor/tour-based revenue model.
• Animal Acres: California farm animal sanctuary (Acton, CA) focused on rescue, education and outreach. Highly comparable by mission, region, and tour/program-driven engagement model.
• Lollypop Farm: Mid-sized animal welfare nonprofit operating sanctuary, education programs, and corporate partnerships. Comparable on donation/revenue diversification, humane education, and corporate sponsorship programs.
• Woodstock Farm Sanctuary: New York-based farm animal rescue offering public tours, humane education, and animal-assisted programming. Closely comparable mid-size sanctuary with similar visitor experience, educational field trips, and donation/sponsor revenue mix.

Regional players

• Circle Acres Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center: Sanctuary-style nonprofit offering education, tours, and rescue programming. Comparable on nonprofit structure, donor dependence, and visitor experience model, though serving a different (Texas) geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TheGentleBarn
• Instagraminstagram.com/thegentlebarn
• Xx.com/thegentlebarn

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Gentle Barn Foundation