Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other
Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other

Frequently Asked Questions

We have provided answers to our most commonly asked question. Contact us after reviewing the questions below if you still don't find the answer to your question.

California:

Tennessee:

  • Purchase/Redeem Tickets:
  • Visiting on Sunday:
  • Volunteering/Internship:
    • I want to become a volunteer; how do I start?

      The first step in volunteering with us is to come visit on a Sunday while we are open to the public. While you are here for your visit ask to speak with our volunteer coordinator and we can provide you with more details.

    • How old do you have to be to volunteer?

      The minimum age requirement for a volunteer is 14 years old.

    • What days/times can I volunteer?

      We have volunteer shifts every day of the week from 8am-12pm, and on Sundays from 10am-2pm. We also offer opportunities to assist with field trips and birthday parties in the mornings and afternoons. Volunteers who wish to work Sunday through Friday are required to make a weekly commitment. Volunteers under 18 years old may only work on Sundays from 10am-2pm.

    • What is required of me as a volunteer? Is there any training involved?

      We take the role of caring for our many animal residents and our sanctuary grounds very seriously. It is for this reason that much training goes into preparing our regular weekly volunteers for their roles. No experience is required, but a love for animals and the willingness to listen and learn is a must.

  • Private Tours/Field Trips:
    • What is the cost, times/days offered for a private tour?

      We offer two different types of tours.

      2-Hour VIP Private Tour:

      For a $400 donation you can take a VIP Private tour and have the barnyard to yourself. You can bring up to 20 people or come by yourself and have all the animals to yourself

      • Private tours offered Saturday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am-1pm

      You will get an intimate 2-hour experience as we share the history of The Gentle Barn, personally introduce you to all of our animals, and share their stories of rescue and recovery. You will also get to brush our cows, feed our horses carrots, give our pig's belly rubs, pet the goats, hold the chickens and give hugs to our beautiful cows! It is an experience unlike any other!

      All Day VIP Private Tour:

      For a $1,000 donation, you can come for a VIP All Day Tour with up to 5 guests. You will get an intimate VIP experience as we share the history of The Gentle Barn, personally introduce you to all of our animals, and share their stories of rescue and recovery.

      Our All Day VIP private tours are held on Saturdays and Wednesdays only, from 8am -2pm.

      Spend the morning helping us feed the chickens and turkeys, brush the horses, feeding snacks to the pigs and getting the back-story from us of why and how The Gentle Barn got started. Then you will have lunch with us as well.

      After lunch you will come back to the barn for one last round of cuddles and time in our gift shop. It will be an amazing day!
      Please contact us if you would like to book a private tour and what dates you’re interest in and we will get you set up and confirmed.

      We offer private field trips during the week as well:

      • Field trips during the week are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-1pm.

      We ask for a $10 donation per child with a $200 minimum with a 20 child maximum ($10 per child over 20) and we max out at 25 kids. You can bring as many chaperones/parents as needed with no extra charge.

    • What do field trips get to do?

      Your group will get an intimate 2-hour experience as we share the history of The Gentle Barn, personally introduce you to all of our animals, and share their stories of rescue and recovery. You will also get to feed our cows cookies, feed our horses carrots, give our pig's belly rubs, and feed the chickens. It is an experience unlike any other.

      For either option, we have a large, shaded picnic area with plenty of tables. You are welcome to bring your own food, however, out of respect to the animals we ask that you do not bring any products containing dairy, meat, poultry or fish. In either case, it will be very hands-on with the animals and a great experience for all!

      If this is something you are interested in booking then please contact us first to be place on the calendar and set up

  • Private Parties/Special Events:
    • What are your birthday party options?

      You are welcome to have a birthday party on any Sunday between 10am and 2pm while we are open to the public. Tickets do need to be purchased in advance at http://www.gentlebarn.org/tennessee/ .

      We offer private parties as well on Saturdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am-1pm.

      We ask for a $400 donation for private parties and max out at 25 guests per group.

      Please contact us first if you would like to get set up for a private birthday party.

    • What goes on during a private party on a Saturday?

      You will get an intimate 2-hour experience as we share the history of The Gentle Barn, personally introduce you to all of our animals, and share their stories of rescue and recovery. Within the two hours, you are able to have your time to sit and relax at the picnic tables as well as meet our animals. You will get to feed our cows cookies, feed our horses carrots, give our pig's belly rubs, and feed our chickens and turkeys. It is an experience unlike any other!

    • Are we allowed to bring our own food and cake?

      Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food, however, out of respect to the animals we ask that you do not bring any dairy, meat, poultry or fish. Any cakes or cupcakes/desserts need to be dairy-free as well. Please contact us if you need recommendations.

    • Can we bring decorations for either options for a birthday party?

      Yes, you may bring balloons, table clothes, etc. as long as they all stay within the picnic area and tables.

    • Do you allow weddings to be hosted on your property?

      Yes, please contact us directly for future information.

Online Donating/Orders:

  • Online Orders:
  • Animal Sponsorship/Monthly Reoccurring Donations:
    • How do I sponsor an animal?

      You can do this by visiting our selecting "Animals" from our main navigation. From there, you can choose which animal you would like to sponsor. Each animal has a sponsorship amount, which is indicated when you click on the sponsorship button.

      When we receive a sponsorship donation, a packet is sent out with a certificate of sponsorship, so you will receive yours shortly after that!

    • How does the donation of an animal sponsorship work?

      Once a sponsorship is set up, you will be charged on the same day each month (the day you set up the sponsorship). This will be an ongoing charge for the life of the animal or until you decide to cancel it.

    • Can I sponsor an animal with a one-time donation? How?

      Yes, you may make a one time animal sponsorship within each animals sponsorship section. This will be a one time non-recurring payment for the amount of that animals sponsorship x12 month for the year.

    • How do I update my credit card information for my monthly donation/sponsorship?

      In order to update any credit card information, there are two different ways:

      1. If you know that you set it up using PayPal, then you would need to log into your PayPal account directly or contact them to update your billing information.
      2. If you know that the donation was not set up using your PayPal info then please go into one of your old monthly emailed receipts and in that email you will click on the link where it states “Update your billing information” and follow the steps it guides you through.

      Once you have completed the steps and submitted all your new information then you will be all set.

    • How do I cancel my monthly donation/sponsorship?

      In order to cancel any monthly donation, there are two different ways:

      1. If you know that you set it up using PayPal, then you would need to log into your PayPal account directly or contact them to cancel the account on their end.
      2. If you know that the donation was not set up using your PayPal info then please go into one of your old monthly emailed receipts and in that email you will click on the link where it states “Cancel this subscription” and follow the steps it guides you through.

      Once you have completed the steps either way, then you will be all set.