Helping rescue animals from abuse, Rose Bridge Farm in Dresher offers the opportunity to cuddle nurtured animals such as cattle, serving as a time to bond and de-stress.
According to manager Annie Kovolski, the cow-cuddling experience consists of spending time with two cows in their pen, where they will greet you with affection.
“All our cuddling sessions are private for 30 minutes,” Kovolski said. “We offer sessions with baby goats, lambs, piglets, cows and kittens.”
Many individuals love to spend time with the cows, especially because of their sweetness. “The cows, especially, are great animals to cuddle with, which people might not expect,” owner Kristin Sutch said. “They love chin scratches, to give kisses and be close with people.”
Animal cuddling experiences can be therapeutic for many individuals seeking to de-stress.
“Being present with any animal, especially in nature, is such a powerful way to disconnect from outside stressors,” Kovolski said. “It’s proven that spending time with animals like the ones on the farm releases hormones like oxytocin, which help reduce stress.”
Many who book an animal for cuddling bring friends and family with them to share the experience.
“[My mom] told me about Rose Bridge Farm and how they offer a chance to cuddle cattle, which I had never heard of before,” visitor Kaylee Smid said. “It’s definitely a great place to bring family and bond with both the animals and your family.”
According to visitor Marnie McCaughan, she “certainly plans” to bring her grandkids to cuddle with the animals in the near future. “I think when we bring some little ones, we’ll book a smaller animal like the baby goats, but I know they would love something like this,” McCaughan said.
Outside of family, many individuals choose to visit the farm with their partner or with a group of friends.
“I would say the most common people who book it [the cuddlings] are couples, and it’s a way for them to spend time with each other,” Sutch said. “Just yesterday, there was also a group of girls who came in that were so excited to spend their Friday with each other here.”
According to Sutch, all the animals at the farm are rescued from the livestock industry and are deeply cared for.
“In the case of the cows, we rescued them from a veal auction and brought them back here, where they are loved by everyone here at the farm,” Sutch said. “We consider them friends, not food, whereas the industry views them as objects.”
For visitor Brandon Mercer, the best part about Rose Bridge Farm is that the animals aren’t mistreated like they are at most other livestock factories.
“When you look at something like the cattle industry, these animals are locked up in 20 square foot pens where they are milked by machines and can’t roam more than two steps,” Mercer said. “It just makes me happy that there’s a farm like this nearby that is giving its animals a good life.
According to Sutch, the farm is about seven years old, and the cuddling experiences have been part of it “since the beginning.”
“Our goal has always been to give animals a better life and let others see how sweet these animals are,” Sutch said.
Private animal cuddling sessions can be booked on Rose Bridge Farm’s website, with costs varying by animal.