Where are you located?

3201 Napa Road, Sonoma, CA 95476
It is safest and easiest to make a right turn onto our property as Napa Road is a busy and fast road. We recommend you take 8th Street E. to turn right onto Napa Road and slow down and signal early on approaching the address. When leaving, we also suggest you take a right turn out of the property.

Can I bring my dog?

Please leave your companion animals (dogs, cats, etc.) at home. We do not have a space for them to be left safely during the tour and temperatures heat up tremendously in cars in Sonoma.

Where should I park?

When you pull in to the property follow signs for "Parking" and park in the parking lot in front of the garden, or if full on the grassy parking area adjacent. Follow signs to check-in at the Education Center to receive instructions.

Are children welcome?

Children are encouraged to attend and interact with the animals but are expected to follow the same safety rules as adults. Please be mindful that Charlie's Acres is a sanctuary for rescued animals, not a petting zoo. Parents are responsible for ensuring that children do not harass or interact unsafely with animals. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and all minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Learn more about the difference between a sanctuary and a petting zoo here.

What should I expect?

We are a working farm animal sanctuary, so please expect to do some walking, potentially get dirty, and be exposed to the natural weather elements (rain, heat, wind). Also expect to meet some amazing farm animals and hear their incredible stories. 

What should I wear?

If you would like to go into the animal pastures, please wear closed toe shoes. If you are wearing clothing that we do not think is safe to be with the animals, we may ask you to wait outside the pastures.

What should I bring?

Please bring a water bottle in the summer months as it gets hot! We have filtered water on site, so you can refill it as needed. We have limited shade and coverings, so an umbrella and/or hat could be useful as well. Please do NOT bring any food or really yummy smelling items on your body or in your purse during the tour as our animals love to eat! Feel free to bring your camera and take pictures. Tag us on Facebook /charliesacresfarmanimalsanctuary and Instagram @charliesacres.

What should I leave behind?

Out of respect for the animals at the sanctuary, please leave behind any non-vegan food items (dairy, egg and meat products). You are welcome to bring any plant-based food with you and we do have some picnic space available after the tour. Please leave this is in your vehicle during the tour.
Please leave your companion animals (dogs, cats, etc.) at home. We do not have a space for them to be left safely during the tour and temperatures heat up tremendously in cars in Sonoma.

What are some safety rules?

Please follow the instructions of staff and docents present. Watch your fingers near the animals’ mouths, they don’t want to hurt you but might think your finger looks like food. 

What exactly is a sanctuary?

As a non-profit farm animal sanctuary, our priority is the physical and emotional well being of the rescued animals who call Charlie's Acres home. Our animal residents always have a choice as to whether or not they want to interact with visitors and will reside at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives. In contrast, the goal of a petting zoo is profit and entertaining, meaning that animals may be forced to be handled regardless of what they want and are often discarded when they are no longer profitable. Our ambassador animals are happy to meet visitors in order to share their stories and teach people about the plight of animals like them.

Where do my donations go?

Your donations go to our life-saving work at Charlie’s Acres. We take care of our rescued animals for the entirety of their lives, ensuring they have proper veterinary care, housing, medicine, and food. Charlie’s Acres is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit so all donations are tax-deductible.

Please note:

We have a lot of hay and alfalfa on site so if you suspect this may trigger your allergies please plan accordingly.

More questions?

Click here to send us a message.