River's Wish | Volunteer with us!
Want to help? We'd love to have you!
All volunteers go through a Volunteer Orientation at the Sanctuary.
Due to COVID-19, we are handling all volunteer applications on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us.
All volunteers go through a Volunteer Orientation at the Sanctuary.
Due to COVID-19, we are handling all volunteer applications on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us.
Volunteer opportunities
large animal volunteers
Large Animal Volunteer (18+)
These volunteers will have the most hands on experience with the animals. Volunteers will NOT ride horses at River's Wish.
Experience Required: None but must love animals
Animal Interaction: Horses, cows, sheep, goats and pigs. Chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks.
These volunteers will have the most hands on experience with the animals. Volunteers will NOT ride horses at River's Wish.
Experience Required: None but must love animals
Animal Interaction: Horses, cows, sheep, goats and pigs. Chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks.

Example of Duties:
- Varies by day
- Brushing the animals
- Helping to socialize
- Cleaning pens
- Watering/feeding
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old to work with the large animals. Our horses are often abused or seniors, so volunteers may work with the horses but will not be able to ride.
manual labor volunteers
Manual Labor Volunteer (18+)
Not really an animal person? That's ok, we need help with other stuff! Experience Required: Yes. Willing to train in some scenarios. Animal Interaction: Interaction with the animals may happen but is not required for this volunteer opportunity Example of Duties:
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old |
fundraiser and event volunteers
Fundraisers, Events & Planning Volunteer (18+)
Not an animal person and not so handy? Fear not - we have something for you too!
Experience Required: Preferred
Animal Interaction: Interaction with the animals may happen but is not required for this volunteer opportunity.
Example of Duties:
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old and while it's not required we do prefer someone with experience.
Not an animal person and not so handy? Fear not - we have something for you too!
Experience Required: Preferred
Animal Interaction: Interaction with the animals may happen but is not required for this volunteer opportunity.
Example of Duties:
- Helping and/or planning fundraisers and events
- Setup and teardown
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old and while it's not required we do prefer someone with experience.
office volunteers
Office Volunteers (at our place or yours):
Experience Required: Yes. Willing to train in some scenarios.
Animals Interaction: Interaction with the animals may happen but is not required for this volunteer opportunity.
Example of Duties:
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old
Experience Required: Yes. Willing to train in some scenarios.
Animals Interaction: Interaction with the animals may happen but is not required for this volunteer opportunity.
Example of Duties:
- Volunteer recruitment assistance
- Internships: writing job descriptions and submitting to all colleges
- Group Events: scheduling, prepping, monitoring, thanking volunteers.
- Graphic designer to assist with creating forms and marketing materials
- Experienced marketing volunteer for campaigns, social media, SEO, advertising
- Someone to hand write thank you card for donors
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old
experienced farm volunteers
Experienced Farm Volunteers
Experience Required: Yes
Animal Interaction: Interaction with the animals may happen but is not required for this volunteer opportunity.
Animal Interaction: Interaction with the animals may happen but is not required for this volunteer opportunity.

Example of Duties:
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old
- Tractor maintenance
- Construction and repair of shelters
- Fence construction and repair
- Irrigation installation
Please Note: Volunteers must be over 18 years old
No time to volunteer? Check out our wish list for other ways you can help!