Move over, goat yoga—there’s a new wellness trend in town. You can hug a cow at Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary in Arizona, and it’s the most adorable way to relieve stress.

Nothing helps reduce stress quite like spending some time with fuzzy farm animals, and you can do just that right here in Arizona.
Google/Aimees Farm Animal Sanctuary
Aimee's Farm Animal Sanctuary in Queen Creek began offering cow hugging sessions in 2020, citing the stress-relieving benefits of cuddling with cows.
The sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing farm animals from slaughter.
Google/Kelly Virtanen
Many of the animals are disabled or in poor health, and Aimee's does whatever it takes to ensure the innocent creatures get to live a full life.
Despite having struggles of their own, the animals are always ready to lend a helping hand—albeit in an unusual way.
Google/Chris K.
Cow hugging, a trend that started in the Netherlands, has really taken hold in the Valley.
Much like petting dogs and riding horses, cow hugging supposedly has therapeutic benefits.
Facebook/Aimees Farm Animal Sanctuary
It isn't hard to understand why— just look at that sweet face!
Sessions take place after the cows have eaten dinner, as digestion takes a great deal of energy.
Google/Kelly Virtanen
This is the time of day when they're most receptive to physical contact.
If you'd like to hug a cow, you may have to wait a little while, as sessions book up fast.
Facebook/Aimees Farm Animal Sanctuary
To ensure you get in as soon as possible and reserve a spot, you can visit the official website of this Arizona farm sanctuary .
Scheduling a one-hour private tour of the farm sanctuary allows you to spend some time cuddling with cows and meeting the other animals on the farm.
Facebook/Aimees Farm Animal Sanctuary
Visitors can also enjoy giving "piggy belly rubs" and feeding select animals. You may even get to hug a donkey as well!

Visit the farm’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Would you hug a cow? Are there any other wellness trends involving animals that we should know about? Feel free to reach out and let us know, and check out this amazing Arizona ostrich farm, highlighted in a previous article.

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Animal Sanctuary In Arizona

Meghan Byers | May 06, 2022

What other animal sanctuaries are in Arizona?

Looking for more unique animal sanctuary experiences? Stay in a cabin right next to Healing River Ranch, a sanctuary for wild burros, mustangs, and other animals. You can even take a tour of the sanctuary. Goats with Horns Animal Sanctuary in Gilbert is another Arizona farm sanctuary you can tour, which takes in all sorts of livestock, like goats, pigs, and chickens. If you’re more interested in seeing native Arizona wildlife, visit the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale. The center rescues native wildlife that need rehabilitation or long-term care, like coyotes, wolves, bears, wild boars, raccoons, and more. You can take a guided tour of the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, and even take a yoga class there.

Where can I find more animal encounters in Arizona?

The Phoenix Zoo is a great place to visit for animal lovers looking for animal encounters in Arizona. It’s a well-maintained zoo with a great reputation for focusing on conservation and enrichment for the animals in its care, and has a four-star Charity Navigator rating. From camel rides to an interactive stingray exhibit to a walk-through monkey village and even giraffe encounters, the Phoenix Zoo always has unique ways to get up close with some amazing animals. It also regularly hosts events such as “Roars & Pours,” an adults-only happy hour at the zoo with food, games, and animal encounters.

What are some other great day trips in Arizona?

From waterfalls to wine tastings, there's no shortage of day trips in Arizona to enjoy. Visit beautiful Antelope Canyon and admire nature’s handiwork, or stop in Ajo and take a look at some impressive manmade beauty in the form of Spanish Colonial architecture. Walk through the airplane boneyard in Tucson, visit a meteor crater near Winslow, or cool off in a natural waterslide for a relaxing Arizona summer day trip.

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