We're Not Just a Sanctuary — We're a Family
Hearts & Hooves Haven was built on love, rescued one animal at a time.
Hearts & Hooves Haven is a nonprofit 501(c)3 sanctuary in San Diego County dedicated to providing lifelong care for rescued farm animals. Animals who arrive here often come from difficult circumstances and are given safety, compassionate care, and a permanent place to call home.
Hearts and Hooves provides a lifelong safe haven for a variety of rescued farm animals, including horses, ponies, miniature horses, goats, pigs, chickens, roosters, tortoises, barn cats, and more. Each rescue has a story; some arrived due to neglect, abuse, abandonment, or unsafe situations. We focus on providing lifelong care for often sick, injured, or older animals. The love these animals give back to us is truly priceless!
Our Story
Founder Gina Gladstone didn't set out to build a sanctuary — she opened her ranch to help a few animals in need. A mini-horse needing stability. A bonded pony and full-size horse who couldn't be separated. Little goats who lost their mom at birth and were brought in and lovingly bottle-fed. A pig whose future was uncertain at just 11 days old. A rooster saved at the last moment. Tortoises whose owners lost their home and needed somewhere safe for them to go. The list goes on.
Before long, the ranch transformed into a place where farm animals who had been forgotten, mistreated, rehomed repeatedly, or left behind found a permanent home — a place where they would finally be safe.
But something unexpected happened alongside the rescue work: People began to heal here, too.
Children struggling with anxiety began smiling again while brushing a miniature horse, feeling the love of hooves and hearts. Families going through hard times found comfort in an afternoon of feeding goats. Veterans discovered peace in the quiet moments with gentle animals who asked for nothing but kindness.
Local friends and volunteers helped build barns, fences, sheds, and enclosures — not because they had to, but because they believed in the sanctuary's mission. Little by little, this ranch transformed into a safe haven — a place where animals and people support one another, and where love and kindness leave a lasting impression.
The sanctuary remains deeply rooted in the Lakeside/Eucalyptus Hills community. Local businesses, neighbors, sponsors, and volunteers have built this place alongside us — with donated materials, time, resources, and love. Every shed, fence panel, and enclosure carries the fingerprints of people who believed these animals deserved better.
At its core, Hearts & Hooves Haven is more than a sanctuary. It's a place of love, compassion, and hope.
This is our story. And everyone who gets involved, volunteers, donates, or simply shares a kind word becomes part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Hearts & Hooves Haven? Find answers below.