>About the Farm:
The Happy Heart Haven, located at 30398 Vía Valencia, Valley Center, CA 92082, is more than just a petting zoo—it’s a sanctuary where love, compassion, and healing converge. Founded by Cristi, this haven provides a safe space for rescued farm animals while offering visitors a heartfelt experience.
Cristi’s journey, marked by her medical challenges, is interwoven with the sanctuary’s mission to create a place of solace for both animals and people. Whether through private tours, events, or educational programs, every visit promises to leave you with a happier heart.
Animals
- Types of Animals: The Happy Heart Haven is home to a diverse array of animals, including sheep, ducks, ponies, goats, pigs, and cows. Each animal has a unique rescue story, symbolizing resilience and the transformative power of care.
- Animal Care: The animals at The Happy Heart Haven receive exceptional care, thanks to Cristi’s dedication. They are not only well-fed and groomed but also provided with a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Visitors can see firsthand the love and attention each animal receives, making the experience both educational and emotionally enriching.
Safety and Hygiene
- Safety Protocols: The sanctuary adheres to strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both visitors and animals. Social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures are diligently practiced, making it a safe outing for families, even during the pandemic.
- Cleanliness: Cleanliness is a top priority at The Happy Heart Haven. The grounds are well-maintained, with ample sanitation stations available. The organized setup ensures that every visitor can enjoy a clean and safe environment.
Facilities and Amenities
- Parking: The sanctuary offers plenty of parking space, making it convenient for visitors. The parking area is well-organized, allowing for easy access to the farm.
- Picnic Area: There is a designated picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy their meals. This space is particularly popular for events and birthday parties, offering a scenic spot to unwind and interact with the animals.
- Virtual Tours: For those who cannot visit in person, The Happy Heart Haven offers virtual tours. These tours are highly interactive, with animals dressed in party hats and flower leis, adding a fun and festive touch to virtual celebrations.
Educational Opportunities
- Storytelling: Cristi’s storytelling is a highlight of the experience. She shares the personal journeys of the animals, as well as her own, creating an educational and emotional connection with visitors.
- Animal Interaction: Visitors are encouraged to interact with the animals, providing a hands-on learning experience. This interaction is particularly beneficial for children, offering them a closer look at animal care and farm life.
- Homeschool Field Trips: The sanctuary is an excellent destination for homeschoolers. It offers a unique, up-close educational experience that complements animal studies and other related subjects.
Special Events
- Birthday Parties: The Happy Heart Haven is a popular venue for birthday parties. The sanctuary offers personalized experiences, including private tours, animal interactions, and the use of the picnic area. The staff goes the extra mile to make these events memorable, with special touches like party hats for the animals.
- Mother’s Day Events: Special events, such as the Mother’s Day celebration, are thoughtfully organized to create lasting memories. These events are family-friendly and designed to make everyone feel at home.
Activities and Experiences
- Cow Cuddles: One of the unique experiences offered is “cow cuddles,” where visitors can spend time with Buddy, a Jersey steer, and Emma, a heifer. This activity is a favorite for those seeking a relaxing and joyful experience.
- Music and Story Time: For younger visitors, the sanctuary offers story time and music sessions. These activities are well-organized and designed to keep children engaged and entertained.
Staff
- Cristi: The heart and soul of The Happy Heart Haven, Cristi is not just a host but a guardian of the animals. Her compassionate nature and dedication to the sanctuary’s mission shine through in every interaction. Her storytelling and teaching skills make each visit an enriching experience.
- Michael: Cristi’s husband, Michael, plays a crucial role in maintaining the sanctuary. His helpful and supportive presence contributes to the overall warmth and efficiency of the haven.
The Happy Heart Haven is a sanctuary of love, care, and education. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a unique educational experience, or a meaningful way to celebrate an event, this haven offers something for everyone.
Cristi and her team’s dedication to providing a safe and joyful environment ensures that every visitor leaves with a fuller heart. Visit The Happy Heart Haven and be part of a community that values compassion and connection.
Add Review
julio gasson
7 months agoHappy Heart Haven in Valley Center, California, radiates an unparalleled warmth, all thanks to the heart and soul behind it – Cristi. Our Saturday morning, accommodated by this exceptional host, transcended mere hospitality; it was a journey into the profound sanctuary that is Happy Heart Haven. Cristi, with a heart as compassionate as her haven's name suggests, welcomed us into her world of rescued farm animals. As we arrived a bit early and parked just outside the gate, Cristi seamlessly transitioned between hosting duties and tending to the sheep. As the rest of the group assembled, the morning began with Cristi graciously sharing the intimate details of her life journey – a narrative interwoven with medical challenges and triumphs, all leading to the establishment of this sanctuary. Her heart condition became not just a personal story but a driving force behind the creation of a haven where farm animals find solace and care. The farm tour, guided by Cristi's passion, was a profound experience. Each animal we met, from sheep and ducks to ponies, goats, pigs, and cows, carried with them a tale of resilience and rescue. Cristi's storytelling not only painted vivid pictures of their individual struggles but also illuminated the depth of her commitment to providing a safe haven. Our brief time at Happy Heart Haven left an indelible mark on our souls. Beyond expressing gratitude, we found ourselves inspired by Cristi's tireless efforts. She is not just a host; she's a guardian, a compassionate force ensuring that these animals, often in danger, have a safe place to call home. Promising to return as volunteers, we left with hearts brimming with appreciation for Cristi and a profound understanding of the transformative power of her work. Happy Heart Haven is not just a sanctuary; it's a testament to one person's ability to create a haven of hope and love for those who need it most.
philip (hp3ba)
a year agoWe had such a fabulous experience on a private tour with Kristie. She is so passionate and loving with her animals. Kristie’s story is so tender and inspirational and she strikes just the right balance of sharing/teaching and with a fun experience. We loved meeting each of the animals and can’t wait to return and support the important works she’s doing to provide animals a sanctuary. Thank you Happy Heart Haven!
Michelle M.
3 years agoThe Happy Heart Haven is definitely the happiest place in North County! My Husband and little one stop raving about it. My Husband loved everything about it from family owned, Owner, Cristi's background and her helpful husband, Michael, sweet animals, craft time, snack time and most importantly following social distancing guidelines/ safety protocols are practiced during this pandemic. Everything is outside, organized, plenty of parking, clean and everyone felt safe the whole time. This is the BEST fun/memorable outing for your children especially during COVID-19. I seriously wish we could buy a membership and go there all the time! Again, My husband and little one were so impressed so we hired them for a Virtual Tour on ZOOM for there birthdays!! It was BEYOND perfect and everyone (80+guest) LOVED it!! They even put party hats and flower leis on the animals! It was the sweetest and couldn't have been more fun! Thank you Heart Haven for everything, especially making my families birthday absolutely perfect. We highly recommend them in person or virtual! You will not be dissapointed! See you all again soon!!
Mimi B.
a year agoSuch a cool experience and animal exposure for the kiddos. My favorite part of the tour was to learn about the owners story. Such a beautiful soul and human with an amazing engaging energy.
McNabb Elizabeth
3 years agoCristi thank you for sharing your story of your heart surgeries & your bovine heart valve. You have a great Animal Sanctuary! We loved meeting Buddy your Jersey Steer COW rescue he was such a big sweet heart & Pepper gave me loving the entire visit. Kyle loved the Indian Runner ducks; & Dakota & Liliac & Hobbs & Jovie & Pumba the new rescue. Also the new ewes Walker Texas Ranger ❤💞💗loved the tour. It became our Happy Place as well.