Sammamish Animal Sanctuary — Local services in Renton

The personal is great. They guide you through the farm and provide you as much information as possible. 2 things that don't let me give 5 stars are - the potty is suuuuper dirty and it's just one, they should have a minimum of 2 and kid friendly. And 2, when I booked the spot and the website does a reference about a guide, parking spot etc... once we arrived, the check-in young ladies didn't explain anything, how it works, what to do, just asked for my name and say something like "you're good to go", go where? So I had to ask for a map or something that tells me how to start, and they point to a little map, meaning take it and go, and I asked for a guide or if there is someone who can help us more, the 2 girls again were like (more or less) "oh yes there inside you can find some one to help you". I walked in, and 5 or 6 young people was leaving so I asked then again if they know where I can find a guide, it was our first time, so we were not sure how things work there. Half of them look at us like idk and didn't respond, and just 2 of them give us an idea and go to get another girl to walk with us, the only ones who really helped and explain us most of the things. Everything ended great after that first check-in bad experience. The girl who walked w us was above and beyond, and we enjoyed our visit. Same when we were leaving, in the entrance was another girl super nice checking people so I went to give our donation and...

I would have loved to give this place a better review, but our experience wasn’t welcoming. We had reservations and made a donation online. When we arrived, there are no signs for the entrance. We saw someone working through the barn aisle, she made eye contact with us then walked the other way. We decided to move the gate that blocked access to the barn and head through to the other side, hoping to find someone to give us the run down on what we could expect for the visit - ie; what animals we can and can’t touch, if we would be supervised so, where to get treats, etc. I went through the barn & saw the same girl and asked if she was working there. She says yes, and I responded that we had reservations & was wondering what to do. She said she wouldn’t show us around because they’re short handed. That left me a little dumbfounded. Then another volunteer came around the corner & I asked her if she could give me any insight to the expectations of the visit….pretty much it was free reign, except don’t go in with the horses. In the end my daughter had a nice time, the animals are well cared for & that is what matters. But I really would have had such a better time if there was at least a greeting policy to visitors. It would make all the difference in wanting to visit again, feeling as if you’re welcomed and that your time, interest, and donations are...

So many wonderful animals 🥺 and you can go inside their pens to pet them (except for pigs and horses. And birds ofc) I went for the sheep but there are plenty of sweet goats who come up to you for pets too. My favorite goat was Dahlia, she was soo sweet and cuddly and didn't want me to leave 💕 some of her fur is soft and curly like a sheep. They have treat buckets for the animals but you can also bring carrots of your own. The sheep, goats, and highland cow all enjoyed munching the carrots. The bunnies were timid and skiddish so don't expect to be able to pet them. I had a pet bunny who really enjoyed ear rubs, but these ones wanted some personal space. The alpacas were also very independent

I know they make necessary $ off kids visiting, but it is obnoxious to have loud kids there b/c they scare off the more timid animals which was a bummer especially since I wanted to hang out with the sheep. The animals got more friendly when the group of kids left. If you're bringing children, please don't let them yell or chase the animals. Remember to let the animals approach you for pets instead of you going to them.

Overall wonderful experience and I wish I lived closer so I could...