Volunteer With Us
We're a small team taking care of over 450 animals. Every extra pair of hands makes a real difference.
Odessa Animal Sanctuary relies on volunteers to help care for over 450 rescued animals on more than 5 acres in Odessa, Florida. If you're interested in volunteering, contact us and we'll let you know how you can help. No prior experience with animals is required. Just a willingness to show up and work.
Hands-On Work With the Animals
This isn't sitting behind a table or answering phones. You'll be outdoors, working directly with the animals and the land they live on.
Feeding
Preparing and distributing food for horses, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, tortoises, and more. Each species has its own diet and feeding routine.
Cleaning
Mucking stalls, cleaning water troughs, sweeping shelters, and keeping the animals' living areas safe and sanitary.
Hauling & Building
Moving hay bales, hauling feed bags, repairing fences, and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps the sanctuary running.
Socialization
Spending time with the animals. Brushing horses, handling rabbits, sitting with goats. Many of our residents were neglected. They need human contact.
What to Know
We keep it simple. Reach out, and we'll find a time that works. Be ready to work, and we'll tell you what needs doing.
Getting Started
Contact us and we'll coordinate a time for you to come out. We'll let you know what we need help with and when.
What to Wear
Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. You will get dirty.
Age & Experience
No experience necessary. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. If you can lift a hay bale, you're qualified.
What to Bring
Water, sunscreen, and a good attitude. We provide gloves, tools, and anything else you need. Leave your pets at home.
These Animals Depend on People Showing Up
We feed over 450 animals every single day. There are no days off. The animals don't care about the weather or what day it is. They need to eat, their water needs to be clean, and their shelters need to be maintained.
We're a small operation funded entirely by donations. We don't have a paid staff rotating through shifts. We have a handful of people who show up every day, and volunteers who come when they can. That's it.
Volunteering here isn't glamorous, but it matters. If you want to do something real for animals that nobody else wanted, this is the place.
How to Get Started
Get in Touch
Email karenann@odessaanimalsanctuary.org or call 813-792-5454 to let us know you're interested.
We'll Set It Up
We'll coordinate a day and time for you to come out to 18404 Rustic Woods Trail, Odessa, FL 33556.
We'll Put You to Work
We'll pair you with someone who knows the routine. You'll learn as you go. There's always more to do than people to do it.
Ready to Help?
The animals don't get days off, and neither do we. If you've got some time to spare, we could use you.