It is a known fact that pets can lower human blood pressure and reduce our levels of stress. Simply put, they make us happier and healthier! Whether you have an animal companion at home or not, there are plenty of places in LA to love on our animal friends big and small!
PETS UNSTRESSING PASSENGERS (PUP) – LAX
Dealing with the fear of flying is not easy! Next time you’re at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) look for the red-vested therapy dogs with the Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) logos in the departures level and cuddle your fears away. Each pup handler and dog has completed an in-terminal training and all are registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Click here for more info!
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If you check into the Hyatt Regency LAX you will be welcomed in the lobby by Sir Hyatt of Regency, the hotel’s official welcome ambassador and certified therapy dog.
His favorite food is carne asada fries at the hotel’s onsite restaurant so don’t forget to give him a little tread for being such a good boy!
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Crumbs & Whiskers started with owner Kanchan Singh’s Kickstarter campaign and the dream of helping more shelter cats get adopted. Visits must be pre-booked via the website. Pricing starts at $15 for a walk-in, up to $26-$35 for 70-minute “Kitten Extravaganza.”
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Eco station is an environmental science museum/exotic rescue facility in Culver City where you can learn more about tortoises, fish, alligators, parrots, pythons and more on a guided tour. This place is family-friendly and kids love it! Seasonal eco-camps teach kids about the care and feeding of their animals, with an emphasis on conservation and ecosystems. Party packages are also available. STAR Eco Station is a designated Official Wildlife Rescue Center by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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The Gentle Barn is a place full of love! It rescues severely abused farm animals, offering them healing and lifelong sanctuary. Ellie Laks founded The Gentle Barn in 1999 on a half-acre of land in her backyard in Tarzana. Today it’s a six-acre paradise nestled in the mountains of Santa Clarita. The general public can visit the non-profit on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Season passes, two-hour private tours and a VIP All Day Tour with Ellie are also available. The Gentle Barn also offers children’s tours for special needs, at-risk youth and educational programs.
Visit the farm and fall in love with Faith the blind cow, Hiroka the one-eyed horse, Braveheart the mighty goat, Nalla the cuddle-loving turkey, Earl the elegant Emu and other furry and feathered friends.
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Only 45 minutes from Hollywood, the Farm Sanctuary is a home to up to 100 cows, pigs, turkeys and other farm animals. It is a well-revered haven to creatures great and small, even offering an adoption network for animals escaping cruel environments. On Saturdays and Sundays, they open their barn doors to visitors for one-hour tours. Group tours are available by appointment.
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Shambala Preserve is the high desert home for over 30 exotic felines “who have suffered from gross mistreatment or neglect” in their previous lives. The big cat sanctuary was founded by actress Tippi Hedren, who serves as president of the non-profit Roar Foundation and resides at Shambala. The property is only open to the public one weekend a month for Safari Tours, a three-hour planned program that includes a one-hour guided walking tour. Sunset Safaris and deluxe Malaika Marquee overnight tent stays are also available.
Safari Tours are available by advance reservation, for ages 18 and up only. Admission is $50 per person.
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Source: discoverlosangeles.com
