Animal Voluntourism: Sanctuaries in the US where you can work as a volunteer

Wildlife Connect

Ever dreamed of rolling up your sleeves and getting up close and personal with some of the most amazing animals on the planet? Animal voluntourism is your chance to do just that! Across the US, there are sanctuaries dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of wildlife, and they're on the lookout for passionate volunteers just like you. Whether you're looking to make a difference during your vacation or seeking a more hands-on experience with creatures great and small, these havens for the furry and feathered offer incredible opportunities to work, learn, and contribute to vital conservation efforts. Get ready to embark on an adventure where your hard work translates into better lives for animals and unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime. Here's a list of sanctuaries in the US that are waiting for your help.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Center for Great Apes, Farm Sanctuary, Carolina Tiger Rescue, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Lions Tigers & Bears, Wolf Conservation Center, White Oak (Yulee, FL), COAST Big Sur, Big Cat Rescue, Save the Chimps, Exotic Feline Rescue Center, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, International Wolf Center, Wolf Haven International, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, Chimp Haven, Inc., Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Best Friends Animal Society

  • Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, United States

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      Pacific Marine Mammal Center, located in Laguna Beach, California, is a renowned sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals primarily found along the Orange County coastline. As a hub for animal voluntourism, the center offers opportunities for individuals to actively participate in the care and conservation of seals, sea lions, and other marine life as volunteers. With hands-on tasks ranging from preparing meals for the animals to assisting with their medical treatments, volunteers at Pacific Marine Mammal Center play a critical role in supporting the center's mission while gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of marine conservation efforts.

  • Center for Great Apes, United States

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      The Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, offers a unique opportunity for animal enthusiasts to engage in voluntourism by providing care for rescued and retired chimpanzees and orangutans. Volunteers can participate in various tasks, including preparing meals, assisting with enrichment activities, and maintaining the sanctuary's facilities, all while contributing to the welfare of these intelligent primates. Through such programs, the Center for Great Apes not only allows visitors to immerse themselves in conservation efforts but also educates them about the complexities of ape rehabilitation and the importance of sanctuary work.

  • Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, United States

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      Farm Sanctuary, with locations in both California and New York, is a haven for rescued farm animals and a pivotal organization in the animal rights movement. As one of the pioneers in the sanctuaries landscape, it offers a unique voluntourism experience where visitors can actively participate in the care of various animals, engage in educational outreach, and directly contribute to the sanctuary's mission of promoting compassionate living. Volunteers at Farm Sanctuary are given the opportunity to work alongside the animals and staff, gaining hands-on experience and creating a deeper connection with the cause of animal welfare.

  • Carolina Tiger Rescue, United States

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      Carolina Tiger Rescue, located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers to engage in voluntourism by actively participating in the conservation efforts for wild cats. As a volunteer at this non-profit wildlife sanctuary, individuals can contribute to the care and well-being of rescued animals, including tigers, lions, cougars, and leopards, through educational tours, animal enrichment, and habitat construction and maintenance. By dedicating their time and energy, volunteers not only gain hands-on experience with these majestic creatures but also help promote awareness and advocacy for endangered species.

  • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage, United States

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      The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) offers a unique opportunity for animal voluntourism amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. As a sanctuary focused on preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, education, and quality animal care, volunteers at AWCC can immerse themselves in activities ranging from feeding and caring for the animals to participating in educational programs and wildlife rescue. This hands-on experience not only provides help to the center but also educates volunteers about local wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of species such as bears, bison, moose, and eagles.

  • The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jacksonville, United States

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      The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a unique voluntourism experience for animal lovers aimed at supporting the care and conservation of big cats. Volunteers at the sanctuary contribute to various tasks such as feeding the animals, maintaining enclosures, and participating in educational outreach programs. Providing a haven for rescued tigers, lions, pumas, and other wild felines, the Catty Shack Ranch emphasizes the importance of wildlife preservation and offers volunteers a hands-on role in supporting their mission.

  • Lions Tigers & Bears, United States

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      Lions Tigers & Bears, located in Alpine, California, is a renowned animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and providing a safe haven for big cats and other exotic animals. As part of their voluntourism program, compassionate animal lovers can engage in a meaningful volunteer experience, assisting with the daily care of the animals, maintenance of the sanctuary, and educational outreach efforts. This provides a unique opportunity for individuals to work closely with these majestic creatures, contribute to their welfare, and learn about the importance of wildlife conservation.

  • Wolf Conservation Center in New York, United States

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      The Wolf Conservation Center, located in South Salem, New York, offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers to participate in voluntourism through their various volunteer programs. As a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and protection of wolf species in North America, volunteers at the center can engage in educational outreach, assist with the care of resident wolves, and contribute to vital conservation efforts. This hands-on involvement not only benefits the wolves and the ecosystem but also provides volunteers with an enriching experience that deepens their understanding and commitment to wildlife conservation.

  • White Oak (Yulee, FL), United States

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      White Oak, located in Yulee, FL, is a premiere wildlife conservation sanctuary that provides a unique opportunity for animal voluntourism in the United States. Volunteers at White Oak can engage in meaningful work by supporting various conservation efforts, including caring for the sanctuary's diverse population of species such as rhinos, cheetahs, and okapis. By participating in its volunteer programs, individuals contribute to the welfare of these animals and gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation practices within an expansive and picturesque setting.

  • COAST Big Sur in Big Sur, United States

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      COAST Big Sur does not directly offer animal voluntourism or function as an animal sanctuary. It is actually a notable coastal destination in California that features a gallery, a café, and offers visitors stunning views of the rugged Pacific coastline. Those interested in animal voluntourism in the region of Big Sur can look into nearby wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers where they can contribute as volunteers to help with the care and preservation of local wildlife species.

  • Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, United States

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      Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida, is a sanctuary that offers unique voluntourism experiences for animal lovers looking to contribute to the welfare of big cats. As a volunteer at Big Cat Rescue, individuals can participate in various tasks such as feeding and caring for lions, tigers, leopards, and other exotic cats, while also learning about conservation issues and the dangers of the exotic pet trade. This hands-on opportunity not only supports the sanctuary's mission to provide the best possible life for the animals in their care, but also educates visitors on the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures and their natural habitats.

  • Save the Chimps, United States

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      Save the Chimps is a renowned chimpanzee sanctuary located in Fort Pierce, Florida, providing a refuge for chimps retired from medical research, entertainment, and the pet trade. As part of the growing trend of animal voluntourism, Save the Chimps offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to engage with and support the care of these rescued animals in a sanctuary setting. Although direct interaction with the chimpanzees is not permitted for safety and welfare reasons, volunteers can contribute through enrichment activities, facility maintenance, and educational programs, experiencing the rewarding process of aiding in the chimps' rehabilitation and lifelong care.

  • Exotic Feline Rescue Center, United States

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      The Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) in Center Point, Indiana, is a haven for over 150 rescued large cats, providing a permanent home for exotic feline species that have been neglected, abused, or displaced. As part of its commitment to education and conservation, the EFRC offers animal voluntourism opportunities for those passionate about wildlife, allowing volunteers to contribute to the care and enrichment of its residents, such as lions, tigers, cougars, and leopards. Volunteers at this sanctuary engage in a unique hands-on experience that not only helps improve the lives of these majestic animals but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by exotic felines in captivity.

  • Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, United States

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      Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a haven for big cats and other wildlife rescued from neglectful or abusive situations. As an accredited sanctuary, it offers animal enthusiasts the opportunity to engage in voluntourism, participating in the care of its residents by assisting with feeding, habitat maintenance, and educational outreach. Volunteers play a critical role in supporting the refuge's mission of providing lifelong safe havens for its animal inhabitants while gaining unique insights into wildlife conservation and sanctuary operations.

  • International Wolf Center, United States

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      The International Wolf Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, is a renowned sanctuary dedicated to the education, conservation, and research of wolves. As a hub for animal voluntourism in the US, the center offers unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to engage in volunteer work, where participants can contribute to the care and wellbeing of these majestic animals and learn about their importance in the ecosystem. Volunteers at the International Wolf Center may assist with educational programs, help with maintenance tasks, and observe wolf behavior, playing a pivotal role in supporting the mission of wolf preservation and advocacy.

  • Wolf Haven International in Washington, United States

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      Wolf Haven International, located in Tenino, Washington, is a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and protection of wolves and other wild canid species. As a haven for displaced, captive-born animals, it offers unique voluntourism opportunities where individuals can contribute to the wellbeing of these majestic creatures through physical labor and educational outreach. Volunteers at Wolf Haven can engage in habitat restoration, assist with maintenance projects, or help with events and tours, ensuring an enriching experience while aiding in the sanctuary's mission to promote wolf conservation.

  • Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in New York, United States

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      Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, located in High Falls, New York, offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers to engage in voluntourism by working alongside staff to care for rescued farm animals. Volunteers can immerse themselves in the daily operations of the sanctuary, participating in activities such as feeding, grooming, and enrichment, while also learning about animal rights and welfare. By providing a hands-on experience, the sanctuary not only enriches the lives of its animal residents but also educates and inspires visitors to advocate for compassionate living and a vegan lifestyle.

  • Chimp Haven, Inc., United States

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      Chimp Haven, Inc. is a renowned chimpanzee sanctuary located in Keithville, Louisiana, offering a unique voluntourism experience for those passionate about animal welfare and conservation. As a volunteer at this refuge, which is dedicated to providing a haven for retired research chimpanzees and those rescued from unsuitable living conditions, participants have the opportunity to assist with various tasks ranging from enrichment activities for the chimps to habitat maintenance, all while promoting their mission to provide lifelong, loving care to these incredible primates. This immersive experience not only supports Chimp Haven's vital work but also educates volunteers about chimpanzee behavior and the importance of sanctuary efforts in the broader context of wildlife conservation.

  • Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, United States

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      Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Indiana is a haven for rescued and retired exotic animals, providing them with life-long care in a peaceful environment. As a destination for animal voluntourism, the sanctuary offers individuals a unique opportunity to work closely with a variety of species as volunteers. Participants at Black Pine contribute to the animals' welfare through tasks such as habitat maintenance, diet preparation, and education outreach, gaining hands-on experience while supporting the sanctuary's mission of compassion and conservation.

  • Best Friends Animal Society, United States

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      Best Friends Animal Society is a leader in the animal welfare movement, operating one of the most revered sanctuaries for homeless pets in the United States. Nestled in the red rocks of Kanab, Utah, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary provides a picturesque setting for volunteers from all over the world to engage in animal voluntourism. Those who choose to volunteer at this expansive sanctuary can work directly with a variety of animals, help with the daily operations, and contribute to the society's ultimate goal of bringing about a time when there are no more homeless pets.