Volunteering

Volunteer at Scatter Joy Acres

Scatter Joy Acres is a nonprofit working ranch and animal sanctuary where youth and families learn life skills through service, compassion, and animal care. Our mission combines animal husbandry, environmental appreciation, and hands-on learning in a safe and supportive ranch environment.

We care for a wide variety of animals including rabbits, chickens, cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, camels, alpacas, and tortoises. Because volunteers work closely with animals, we recommend that volunteers not have severe allergies or sensitivities to animals, hay, dust, or outdoor environments.

Our ranches are active, welcoming spaces filled with animals, volunteers, guests, youth programs, and ongoing projects. Some volunteer tasks are completed independently, while others involve working alongside staff, families, and fellow volunteers. Every day is different, and many volunteers enjoy the opportunity to learn new skills while helping both animals and people.

What to Expect

Scatter Joy Acres properties are working ranch environments with year-round outdoor responsibilities. Volunteers should be prepared for changing weather conditions depending on the season and location.

Volunteer work may include:

• Animal feeding and care
• Cleaning barns and animal enclosures
• Gardening and landscaping
• Ranch maintenance and repairs
• Building and carpentry projects
• Fencing
• Assisting with youth programs
• Hospitality and guest engagement
• Art and enrichment projects
• Cleaning and organizing
• Administrative support
• General ranch chores

We welcome volunteers with all kinds of skills and experience levels. Whether you enjoy working with animals, helping guests, gardening, building, or simply lending a hand, there is a place for you at Scatter Joy Acres.

Please note:
While we teach livestock care and animal husbandry, Scatter Joy Acres does not slaughter or consume animals raised on the ranch.

Age Requirements

We welcome volunteers of many ages and believe volunteering can be a meaningful family experience.

• Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
• Teens ages 13–17 may volunteer independently after their first volunteer day with a parent or guardian and with approval from ranch administration.
• Younger children are welcome when participating with their families.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteer duties may include:

Animal & Barn Care

• Cleaning animal shelters, stalls, and barns
• Raking and replacing bedding
• Cleaning feed and water containers
• Dusting and maintaining barn areas
• Assisting with pasture maintenance
• Helping care for animals of all sizes

Ranch Support

• Gardening and landscaping
• Painting and building projects
• Assisting with ranch maintenance
• Organizing supplies and equipment
• Supporting youth activities and educational programs

Guest Hospitality

• Greeting and assisting visitors
• Answering guest questions
• Sharing information about our animals and mission
• Helping maintain a clean and welcoming environment
• Ensuring ranch safety rules are followed
• Monitoring gates and ranch areas for safety and cleanliness

Volunteer Qualifications

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Reliable and dependable
• Comfortable working independently and with teams
• Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Physically capable of lifting, bending, walking, and performing ranch chores
• Positive and willing to learn
• Respectful toward animals, guests, and fellow volunteers

Helpful but not required:

• Previous farm or animal care experience
• Gardening or landscaping experience
• Carpentry or maintenance skills
• Tractor or farm equipment knowledge

Why Volunteer With Us?

Volunteering at Scatter Joy Acres is more than helping on a ranch — it’s becoming part of a mission centered on compassion, healing, learning, and community. Volunteers gain hands-on experience with animals, connect with nature, and help create meaningful experiences for youth and families.

We are grateful for every helping hand and look forward to welcoming you to the ranch.