Xanadu Animal Sanctuary operates with a small full-time staff so we rely on dedicated volunteers seeking a rewarding experience to help us care for our rescue animals. Our X-cellent volunteers help with animal care, office administration, weekend visitation tours, outreach, events and special projects.

Volunteering is physically intensive, so expect a bit of a workout. Look out crossfit—we are Barnfit!

Individuals with an interest in volunteering professional skills (e.g. carpentry, fencing, veterinary care, maintenance, inventory management, landscaping, mechanics, etc) are encouraged to contact us as well as we always have specialized projects in need of this expertise! For all those interested in volunteering at Xanadu, fill out the Volunteer Interest Form or reach out to us directly-see our Contact Form.

• Mucking barns and coops, raking and pasture cleaning.
• Cleaning/Filling water buckets
• Restocking hay and shavings
• Various kitchen and laundry tasks
• Maintenance of Office space and filing.
• Welcoming & Orienting visitors and answering questions.
• Special Animal care—feeding, medicating, brushing, bathing, hoof care, treats, belly rubs, and extra attention.
• Help plan and execute on and offsite site events.
• Assist with research projects
• Assist with various farm maintenance projects related to special professional skills.

For safety and liability purposes, all volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, no exceptions. Volunteers who are under 18 will need parent/guardian approval via the Volunteer Liability waiver form.

Volunteering Tips

Bring clothes & boots that are weatherproof and that you don’t mind getting muddy, and work gloves if you have them. Check the weather forecast for zip code 38456 and dress appropriately. Rugged boots (not sneakers) are a must and don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen and rain gear.

Please note that diseases occur naturally among farm animals. Although the chances of such diseases occurring in a factory farm are greater than they are at a sanctuary with standards as high as ours, it can still happen. And some such diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans. Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. Pregnant women should not handle calves, kids (baby goats) or lambs younger than four months old, or mother animals who have given birth in the previous four weeks. Volunteers working directly with animals or in areas where animals live and produce waste should wear gloves. All visitors and volunteers should practice excellent hygiene after performing such work, by thoroughly washing their hands and scrubbing the bottoms of their shoes with antibacterial agents – especially prior to touching their faces or eating. And ideally, it’s a good idea to change clothes before spending time back in your home after a visit to the sanctuary.

Once a volunteer application is approved, each volunteer will be required to complete a Volunteer Liability Waiver which must be completed prior to initiating a first shift. If you are 18 years of age or younger the Volunteer Liability Waiver must be completed by your parent or legal guardian.

Volunteer Information Application