This 26-acre animal sanctuary is dedicated to providing homes to animals saved from factory farms, stockyards and slaughterhouses.

Home to more than 150 rescued cows, chickens, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats and turkeys, Acton's Animal Acres (located 45 minutes outside LA) strives to teach visitors about compassionate, meat-free living. Some of the refuge's residents include chickens rescued from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, calves saved from a California stockyard and several turkeys spared from becoming Thanksgiving dinner. Visitors can become better acquainted with hoofed and winged denizens every Sunday at 11am and 1pm on the one-hour guided tour. Animal Acres also has several volunteer opportunities. Caregivers, who must commit to volunteering one day per week, assist with animal health care and barn cleanings; interns, who live on-site, volunteer 32 hours a week; anyone who just wants to spare a day can show up without notice (but with boots and gloves). Duties on these chores usually include barn cleaning, painting, gardening and other outdoor tasks. (Those who are unable to come to the farm on a Saturday can email or call to set up an alternate volunteer day. It's also suggested that helpers pack a vegan lunch—you wouldn't want to incur the wrath of a roaming wild bird by whipping out a turkey sub. —Elisa Jacobs