That 70's Sanctuary: Slow Down, Reconnect, and Heal

In the middle of Las Vegas, tucked behind a charming retro-inspired salon, is a place where cows greet visitors, rescued pigs bask in the sunshine, and an emu might wander by to say hello. It isn't a petting zoo or a working farm; it's That 70's Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to giving rescued animals a second chance while offering the community a place to slow down, reconnect, and heal.

Founded by longtime hairstylist Tayla Hart, That 70's Sanctuary grew from an unexpected realization: the same animals that brought comfort to her clients were quietly transforming lives.

"I wanted a space where my clients and people from the community could connect with animals," Hart says. "After working professionally with exotic animals for 15 years and living on such a large property, I knew I had to open up my home to save animals as they had saved me."

Today, That 70's Sanctuary is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and home to rescued pigs, miniature Zebu cows, birds, an emu, and other animals that have found permanent refuge on the property. Many have been surrendered after owners realized they could no longer care for them. Others simply needed a safe place to live out the rest of their lives.

From Retro Salon to Community Sanctuary

The story begins eight years ago, when Hart and her mother both purchased homes built in the 1950s and 1970s. Inspired by her mother's vintage décor, turquoise, pink, and iconic starburst accents, Hart embraced the nostalgic style of her own 1970s home.

"I love the '70s," Hart says with a smile. "It's before my time, but such a vibe. As a child, I spent time with my grandma at her antique store and auction house. I wanted to create a space where people felt welcome. Something as cozy as your grandma's house, but with a little twist."

After 25 years behind the chair, Hart decided to leave the traditional salon environment and create something more personal, That 70’s Salon and Sanctuary. Her fully licensed, appointment-only salon became a place where clients could escape the demands of everyday life. But it wasn't long before two very special family members began stealing the spotlight.

"My clients loved visiting with my pigs, Petunia and Pudding," she recalls. "I got to see their faces light up every time they saw them. It reminded me how much people love to connect with animals."

That simple observation planted the seed for something much bigger.

More Than Animal Rescue

Hart had spent years working with exotic animals, witnessing firsthand the extraordinary bond between people and animals. She partnered with local rescues to provide lifelong homes for animals in need, particularly older animals that might otherwise struggle to find placement.

"I wanted to create a safe space for older animals to come and retire and enjoy the later years of their lives," she says.

Many of the sanctuary's pigs arrived after being purchased as tiny piglets, only to outgrow their owners' expectations. "People think they're going to stay 20 to 40 pounds," Hart laughs. "I'm here to say I don't have one under 200 pounds."

Every animal at the sanctuary has a story. More importantly, every animal has a future.

The Healing Power of Animals

While the sanctuary's mission begins with animal rescue, its impact extends far beyond the fences. Hart believes animals have an incredible ability to help people reconnect with themselves.

"Animals help us heal because they help us feel safe enough to be ourselves," she says. "They don't care about who you pretend to be. They remind us what it feels like to exist without constantly proving our worth."

She has watched visitors arrive carrying stress, anxiety, grief, or emotional exhaustion, only to leave noticeably lighter. "I've watched people soften around animals in minutes when they couldn't soften around other people for years," she explains. "Animals don't heal us because they fix us; they remind us of parts of ourselves we've forgotten."

It's a philosophy that perfectly aligns with today's broader definition of wellness. Healing isn't always found in a doctor's office or fitness studio. Sometimes it happens while feeding a rescued pig, petting a miniature cow, or simply sitting quietly beside an animal that asks nothing from you except your presence.

Wellness Through Connection

To expand that mission, Hart recently joined forces with longtime friend Jenifer Freer, a Las Vegas native, certified yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, meditation teacher, and former professional animal caretaker. Together, they are transforming the sanctuary into a wellness destination where animals become part of the healing experience.

"Jen knows firsthand how animals can mirror our emotions, guide us back to presence, and support profound emotional healing," Hart says.

Today, the sanctuary hosts yoga classes, Reiki sessions, meditation, art workshops, game nights, and community gatherings that encourage people to unplug and reconnect with nature, with animals, and with one another.

One recent yoga participant arrived with significant physical discomfort. "When the session was done," Hart recalls, "she told us all of her pain was gone. Whether it's healing your body or your mind, it's a space that's held for everyone." 

Visitors often describe the experience as stepping into another world. "Some people feel like they've been transported back to childhood," Hart says. "Some people become incredibly present in the moment. Everyone experiences the space differently."

Building Community One Animal at a Time

For Hart, creating the sanctuary has always been about more than saving animals.

Growing up in Las Vegas, she wanted to build something that strengthened the community she has always called home and create a legacy for her daughter, Lola, who now helps care for the sanctuary and its residents.

"It's been amazing to watch the sanctuary bring people together," Hart says. "At one of our yoga events, I watched my sister, my daughter, and her mother-in-law spending time together. There were neighbors, friends, sisters, stepmothers and daughters. Some people came for the animals. Some came to heal. Some simply wanted to connect with other people."

In a city that can sometimes feel fast-paced and disconnected, Hart hopes visitors discover something increasingly rare: belonging. "I want people coming into this space to feel connected," she says. "To touch grass. To be kissed by a cow. To feel part of a community. It's a little slice of paradise in the middle of it all."

Looking Ahead

As a nonprofit, That 70's Sanctuary continues to grow through donations, class registrations, volunteers, and community partnerships. One of its next major goals is building a walk-in aviary for rescued lovebirds and parakeets, along with additional shade structures to improve the animals' quality of life.

Supporting the sanctuary can be as simple as attending a yoga class, participating in an art workshop, volunteering, donating, or following along on social media to learn about upcoming events, including one of the sanctuary's most popular celebrations: a birthday party for miniature cows Zee and Coco. After all, who wouldn't want to celebrate a cow's birthday?

When asked what she hopes every guest experiences before leaving, Hart doesn't hesitate.

In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, That 70's Sanctuary offers something beautifully simple: a reminder that healing sometimes begins with slowing down, opening your heart, and sharing a quiet moment with an animal that finally found its forever home.

To learn more, volunteer, donate, or register for classes, visit That70sSanctuary.com or follow @that70ssalonandsanctuary on Instagram and TikTok. Yoga, Reiki, and meditation sessions with Jenifer Freer can be booked through the sanctuary or by following @jenifer.freer on Instagram.