We get asked all the time: “Can I come volunteer and help with the animals?”
YES! And volunteering at Legendary Acres Animal Rescue is probably a little different from what you imagine.
There are definitely opportunities to cuddle kittens, socialize cats, spend time with goats and interact with some of the many animals who call Legendary Acres home.
But there’s also poop.
A LOT of poop.
Our volunteers help us with the everyday jobs that keep the animals happy, healthy and comfortable—and once the work is done, there is usually plenty of time for the fun stuff!
A typical volunteer visit might include:
Feeding, watering and helping care for goats and other farm animals
Socializing and cuddling rescue kittens and cats
Cleaning pens, cages and animal areas
Washing food and water dishes
Helping with bedding, laundry and supplies
Assisting with appropriate animal chores
Filling water buckets and helping with feeding
Providing enrichment, attention and companionship
Organizing donations and supplies
Helping with general farm and rescue projects
Animal-rescue volunteer programs commonly combine direct animal interaction with cleaning, feeding, enrichment and behind-the-scenes work, and training and supervision are important parts of safe animal handling. (ASPCA)
OUR BIGGEST RULE: THE ANIMALS COME FIRST.
Some animals LOVE attention. Some are still learning to trust people. Some animals can be handled only with supervision, and occasionally an animal may simply need to be left alone that day.
We ask volunteers to listen to instructions, respect gates and fences, never enter an enclosure or handle an animal without permission, and understand that farm animals—even very friendly ones—can be unpredictable. Learning animal behavior and using careful, humane handling practices are important parts of keeping both animals and volunteers safe. (ASPCA)
You don’t have to be an animal expert to help.
You DO need to be willing to learn, get dirty, follow directions and understand that sometimes loving animals looks a lot like carrying a water bucket and scooping poop.
And yes… after the chores are finished, we’ll absolutely understand if you need to spend a little extra time sitting with the goats.
Because that’s one of the perks.
Volunteer opportunities at Legendary Acres Animal Rescue in Howell, Michigan are scheduled in advance. Message us to inquire about becoming a volunteer, our current needs, age requirements and available times.
Come help us care for the animals—and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll leave with a few new four-legged and feathered best friends.
