Please apply for the position that interests you most. After you submit your application, you'll have the opportunity to indicate other roles in which you might be willing to participate. Be sure to list all of the opportunities you're interested in so we can assign you where your help is most needed. Please also be sure to indicate the days/times you are available to work.

At Black Beauty Ranch (BBR), volunteers are essential to our ability to provide care to nearly 800 domestic and exotic animals daily. They contribute in a wide variety of ways ranging from administrative work, helping with maintaining the grounds, building enrichment toys, feeding and caring for the animals, and coordinating special events. Most importantly, our volunteers have fun and make new friends, while helping animals.

Events volunteers help plan and carry out our onsite events and have the opportunity to represent BBR at local events. Participating in these events increases the public's awareness of our programs and allows people to learn about our resident animals and the work we do at BBR.

What our volunteers say

"Volunteering at the largest animal sanctuary in the United States is such a unique experience; and, knowing that I'm contributing to the care of the amazing assortment of animals that get to call Black Beauty Ranch their forever home is so fulfilling." - Cynthia H.

"The equine team at BBR are a fantastic group of people to work with. They are passionate about what they do and have a wealth of knowledge they are happy and eager to share. They work hard to give every animal under their care the best life and it is a joy to be part of such a special mission." - Elizabeth F.

Benefits of volunteering

Regular volunteers at Black Beauty Ranch meet and work with like-minded people while having the opportunity to learn about animals. Volunteers can make a real difference for our animals while participating in activities that involve caring for more than 40 different species ranging from tortoises to horses to primates.

Becoming a volunteer

Commitment policies:

Our goal is to ensure you have a good volunteer experience, while creating consistent, trained volunteers to assist our staff. We maintain a minimum 4-hour volunteer shift. Depending on the volunteer role, shifts are somewhat flexible and can last up to 8 hours, but work typically needs to be completed when the majority of our staff works: between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
We ask all new volunteers to commit to at least 4 shifts in 8 weeks, but prefer you work more often to get fully trained on the various aspects of the work. After the first 8 weeks, we ask that all volunteers commit to at least two 4-hour shifts each month.
Please let us know your initial and long-term availability in your application.

Restrictions:

All volunteers must provide proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test. Pre-exposure rabies and tetanus vaccinations are strongly recommended. We recommend volunteers in certain roles have vaccination against Hepatitis A & B.
Volunteers must meet the requirements of the Essential Capabilities document.
Volunteers must pass a criminal background check.
Volunteers are provided with one t-shirt to wear during their volunteer service; additional shirts are available for sale.

Process:

Complete an online application form (click Apply Now above). A staff member will contact you to discuss opportunities and schedule you for an orientation.
If, after the orientation, we mutually determine that the opportunity appears to be a good fit, you will be asked to fill out an authorization form allowing us to carry out a background check based on the type of position for which you are applying.
Before your first shift, you will be asked to sign a volunteer agreement, essential capabilities document, safety agreement and a waiver and release of liability.
After you are made an official volunteer, you will be trained in all aspects of your volunteer work.