Sanctuary Animal Assisted Therapy

Farm Sanctuary in California

Who We Are

The Sanctuary, a 501c3 non profit, will rescue animals from abuse and neglect, rehabilitate them, and help them trust and heal people in return. Professionals certified in Animal Assisted Therapies will provide therapeutic interventions specializing with adults and children with disabilities and those with a history of trauma or abuse. The Sanctuary will also engage individuals in horticulture therapy, gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve therapeutic treatment goals.

Our Story

We moved to a farm…

The Sanctuary was founded in 2018 by me, Alona Yorkshire, because of my conviction that animals can heal those who need it most. I have been informally rescuing animals my whole life, while having a “real job” and becoming a foster parent. I am a Behavior Analyst and primarily work with adults with disabilities. In this position I saw the incredible healing that animals bring to their lives.

Again, informally, I started exploring the world of animal assisted therapies. Then, I became a foster mom to an intensive treatment kiddo who could only hold it together when he was around animals. Through these experiences, I saw that we had to formalize a place, a sanctuary where we could spread this healing to others. So we moved from our Hollywood home to a farm in Santa Clarita. And here we are. Please follow our journey as we learn and establish ourselves in the rescue and therapeutic communities.

Mission: Our mission is to provide a therapeutic sanctuary connecting humans, animals and plants with the goal of healing, building compassion and respect between all sentient beings.

​Vision: In the Sanctuary, we envision a world free of cruelty and abuse where humans live in harmony with nature, utilizing its healing powers, and caring for all living things.

Our Programs

Rescue and Heal

Animal Rescue

The Sanctuary takes in unwanted, abused, or neglected animals and helps them heal through medical and therapeutic interventions. We help our animals trust people and in return they heal us. All of our animals will live our their lives at the farm knowing only love and care.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted  therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals, such as horses, dogs, cats, pigs, and birds, into the treatment plan. It is used to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy.

​Animal-assisted therapy can be a useful intervention for individuals or groups. A meta-analysis of 49 studies reporting on animal-assisted therapy found positive outcomes and overall improved emotional well-being in those with autism, medical conditions, or behavioral issues. Another review of randomized, controlled studies found that animal-assisted therapy can be helpful for those battling illnesses like  depression, schizophrenia, or addiction.

Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural therapy (also known as social and therapeutic horticulture or STH) is defined by the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) as the engagement of a person in gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific therapeutic treatment goals. The visual aesthetics of plants are known to elicit feelings of inner peace, which generates positive emotions toward a meaningful appreciation of life. Direct contact with plants guides the individual’s focus away from stress enhancing their overall quality of life.

To support us check this link https://www.sanctuaryaat.org/support

Volunteer

Come help out and be healed

We desperately need help with animal care, animal socialization, simple construction projects, and cleaning. If you are interested in volunteering at the Sanctuary, please email me at alona@sanctuaryaat.org or text me at 323-607-9539

​Monthly Volunteer Days

Check the dates on our facebook site.

​We have an amazing group of like minded individuals who have been invaluable to our start up. We would love to meet you and share our vision for a cruelty free world.

Private Events

Birthdays, Baby showers, Corporate parties, Anniversaries, Retreats

The Sanctuary offers a perfect, fun, rustic and romantic outdoor setting for your event with all the comforts and amenities you may need. Great for kids’ birthdays, movie nights, and other special occasions!

Private Event

$300

• 2 hours plus 1 hour set up ($75/each additional hour)
• Includes private use of the property
• All tables and chairs – seven 36 inch rounds with 4 chairs each, 5 picnic tables/benches, one 8 person table with chairs
• Bathrooms – one accessible
• Propane Barbecue
• Barn yard (guests will need to sign releases)
• Water dispenser (hot and cold)
• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Plenty of street parking
• This rate doesn’t apply to weddings – inquire if interested for more information

Additional Options

Available

• 25 foot movie screen (evening events) with projector and speaker. Please bring your own laptop with HDMI connection ($300)
• Fire pits with 3 hours of wood – total of 6 available ($40 each)
• Propane heaters with full propane tanks- total of 6 available ($50 each)
• Kids crafts and supplies ($15/child)
• Additional propane tanks ($30)
• 40 LED candles ($25)
• Animal treats ($20)

​All inclusive package includes rental and all of the above for up to 30 people including children $600 ($1000 value)

• $10/person additional people; max 50

Jumpers

Outside Rentals

Many people get jumpers from outside vendors. We have worked with and recommend Magic Jump Rentals (they also have cute farm themes). Book directly with other vendor and please notify us – we can help decide on sizing and placement.

​Other thoughts and rules

• Food, drinks, music, clean-up
• Bring your own music – bluetooth wireless speakers work best
• Bring your own food, drinks, cups, plates – our local area has tons of delivery options too! Vons is 2 minutes away in case you forget anything.
• Be aware that we are on a farm, so in the summer there are bugs – insect repellent or fly covers for food are a good idea.
• $150 cleaning fee will be charged if you don’t clean up food, drinks, decorations, and crafts
• Children must be supervised at all times on the property, especially in the barn yard and follow all barnyard rules. Must have closed toed shoes for barnyard entry. Releases must be signed prior to entry.
• Absolutely no fireworks or smoking on the property – we are in a high risk fire area
• All music should be off or minimal after 10pm