Safety at the Sanctuary
Best Practices
The sanctuary is home for our animals. Please be kind, respect their space, and follow the guidance at each pasture.
Move calmly, speak softly, and take your time. The animals are more likely to feel comfortable and may even come over to meet you.
Moving Around the Sanctuary
The sanctuary grounds are mostly gravel and dirt. The gravel trails can be uneven, and pastures get muddy, so please watch your footing and be aware of your surroundings.
Uneven Ground
Watch your footing on gravel, dirt, muddy areas, and other uneven surfaces.
Stroller Parking
You are welcome to leave strollers under the covered area near the Second Chance Ranch sign.
Visitor Areas Only
Please avoid compost areas, equipment sheds, gravel piles, and other areas that are not used for the animals.
Do's & Don'ts
DO: Watch your step and your surroundings. DON’T: Enter any non-animal areas.
The Friendly Four
Four simple things to remember while visiting our animals.
Ask Ivy Signs
Every pasture has its own guides. Look for the Ask Ivy sign at each gate for reminders about petting, feeding, and entering.
Be Aware
Horns, hooves, and teeth can hurt. Stay alert and let the animals set the pace.
Approved Treats Only
Feed only sanctuary-prepared treats and follow the instructions posted at each pasture, leaving all treats outside the gate.
Secure Every Gate
Enter only where permitted, move through the gate quickly, and close it securely.
Looking for a place to play?
Visit the children’s play area at the back of the sanctuary. Kids can enjoy the little tractor and toys in an area designed for climbing and playing.
Interacting With the Animals
As cute as all the animals are, please remember that horns, hooves, and teeth can hurt. The animals are normally very sweet and docile, but visitors should stay alert when interacting with them.
Move Calmly
Avoid quick movements, loud noises, and anything that may startle the animals.
Respect Their Space
The sanctuary is their home. Let the animals decide whether they want to interact.
Kindness Only
Never chase, tease, hit, or scare an animal in any way.
Do's & Don'ts
DO: Have fun interacting with the animals.
DON’T: Chase, tease, hit, or scare the animals.
Treat Buckets Stay Outside
Do not carry treats or buckets into pastures that allow visitor entry. Animals can become overly excited or aggressive when they see the buckets.
Feeding the Animals
One of the joys of visiting the sanctuary is feeding the animals. For their health and safety, please follow these simple rules:
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Feed only approved treats from the front desk.
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Offer a few treats at a time. Do not let animals eat directly from the bucket.
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Leave treats and buckets outside pastures that allow visitor entry.
We’re Happy to Help
If you need assistance for any reason, please ask a sanctuary volunteer. We are happy to help.