FAQ – Charliesacres

KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT...

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. If you do bring an animal, you may be asked to leave and come back for a tour on another day. If you have a registered service dog, please contact is in advance so we can arrange accomodations.

Can I bring food?

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.

What COVID19 safety protocols are in place?

We are adhereing to the most current local regulations. Please be prepared to wear a mask if asked.

In the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, we are taking the safety of our community very seriously. All of our tour guides are fully vaccinated but are happy to wear a mask on request if that would make you feel more comfortable. Hand sanitizer is available at check-in and throughout the tour path. As the tour is outdoors in open spaces, you’ll be able to easily socially distance yourself, just stay close enough to hear instructions from your tour guide.

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. Tours last between 75 and 90 minutes and involve about 1/2 mile of walking.

What should I wear?

If you would like to go into the animal pastures, please wear closed toe shoes. Boots are preferable, but any closed toe shoe will do. 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 are some safety rules?

We ask that you let animals approach you first. If they do not want to be touched don’t chase them. Let them smell your hand first. Pigs don’t love their faces being touched, but their backs and bellies are fair game! Watch your fingers near the animals’ mouths, they don’t want to hurt you but might think your finger looks like food. Don’t disturb animals while they are eating. We will give you species specific safety instructions so please listen to your tour guide and stay with the group at all times.

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 are you located?

Our main entrance is at 3281 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.

Where should I park?

When you pull in to the property, follow the signs for tours and park in our designated parking area next to the garden. We will meet you in our Education Center before beginning the tour. We would appreciate you waiting for us before exploring and meeting the animals.

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.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

All visitors must complete a release of liability waiver at the sanctuary in order to attend a tour.

TOUR FAQ