As summer winds down and the kids look toward getting back to school, one last-gasp outing for families could involve some furred (and feathered) friends. Several farms and organizations in the region provide ample opportunity to safely spend time with animals—admiring up close and sometimes petting and feeding. Here are a few local spots for animal encounters.
Jollity Farm Goat Dairy, Garden Valley
This farmstead creamery maintains a herd of dairy goats—primarily Alpines, but with some Saanens and Mini Nubians too. They all have names, and they’re friendly and productive, giving forth some 15 to 30 gallons of milk each day. That milk is used to make cheese, lotion, and soap on the bucolic farm; purchase them on-site at the Tiny Store (and from area farmers markets, co-ops, and the website). Jollity Farm is open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and if you come before 11 a.m., you might get to watch milking happen. To see behind-the-scenes and get questions answered, set up a farm tour. jollityfarm.net
GoatHouse Brewing Co., Lincoln
Visitors are invited to come out to this Placer County brewhouse for a beer, and while they’re at it, meet the amiable goats, a fuzzy-nosed gray donkey (that’s Rory), and a mini highland cow named Wyatt. (So shaggy!) With a rotation of craft beers on tap, GoatHouse also usually has a food truck on-site so no one goes hungry. The animals don’t go hungry, either; visitors can purchase a cup of feed for $3 and feel a soft muzzle in their palm. Kids are always welcome! GoatHouse is open Thursday through Sunday. Check the website and Instagram for special events, such as flower arranging, painting, watch parties, and music bingo. goathousebrewing.com
Loomis Alpacas, Loomis
A family-owned and -operated working farm since 2005, Loomis Alpacas started with three fluffy alpacas and now maintains more than a dozen of the regal animals. Visits are scheduled by appointment, and families can feed, pet, and play with the alpacas—some are very social, some more shy. The farm tour also includes information about alpaca fiber, which is used to make luxurious garments, hand-spun into yarn (you might see a demo), and used to create numerous products, including socks sold on-site. To schedule a visit, contact owner Beckie Perell by phone (916-768-0735) or e-mail (bperell@icloud.com).
Not By Luck Ranch, Gold Run
Whether you’re looking for a walk with goats or donkeys or some time petting bunnies, Not By Luck Ranch has it. Owned and run by Johnita Wemken, the ranch is home to a herd of rescued wild burros known collectively as the Jackpot Jennies (a jenny is a female donkey). Guests older than 12 can participate in a Donkey Walk, a peaceful, guided experience that includes learning about burros, moseying with one at her pace, and feeding them treats. On a Goat Walk, guests older than 12 stroll with the lively creatures on a forested mountain trail, feed them treats, and enjoy their friendly, curious personalities. (For younger children, the Little Hooves Goat Walk Club is a recurring second-Sunday morning meetup where littles ages 4–10 learn how to care for goats and take walks with them.) Bunny Snuggles are for groups of 10 to pet and feed rabbits. Visit the website for prices, tickets, and more information. notbyluckranch.com
Puppy Retreat, Roseville
This Roseville-based business brings wiggly, fluffy, tail-wagging puppies to all kinds of activities at its Vernon Street studio, including yoga, sound baths, movie nights, birthday parties, team-buildings, and more. Sign up for a simple cuddle session to snuggle and play with well-socialized, vaccinated puppies that love attention and petting. Children are welcome and must be supervised by an adult. Puppies can attend outside events as well. Puppy Retreat works with trusted local breeders for the puppies. Some may be up for adoption, so ask about that if you fall in love and are seeking a sweet new member of the family! Yoga mats are provided; puppy treats are available for purchase at the studio. Book through the website. puppyretreat.com
Folsom Zoo Sanctuary
As a safe haven for rescued wild and domestic animals, Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary provides an opportunity to view and learn about bears, wolf-hybrids, monkeys, cougars, birds, raptors, reptiles, insects, and more. Pathways wind through the zoo sanctuary’s wooded landscape, where stories are told about each animal’s history and circumstances. The zoo sanctuary has a mission to teach “responsible behavior toward all animals,” which includes zoo staff’s treating each animal as an individual and seeing to its specific needs. Watch the website for opportunities to interact with zoo staff and the animals. Open Thursday through Sunday. folsom.ca.us
Several farms and organizations in the region provide ample opportunity to safely spend time with animals.
Whether you’re looking for a walk with goats or donkeys or some time petting bunnies, Not By Luck Ranch has it
Puppy Retreat brings wiggly, fluffy, tail-wagging puppies to all kinds of activities at its studio, including yoga and birthday parties.