Volunteering at Virginia Farm Animal Sanctuary

Volunteering at Virginia Farm Animal Sanctuary (VFAS) is an opportunity to be part of a living, breathing place of care, connection, and respite. While the heart of our mission is providing lifelong sanctuary for rescued farm animals, the experience of volunteering is deeply mutual—benefiting both the animals and the people who show up for them. Our residents include equines, pigs, goats, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks, and other farm animals, each with their own personality, history, and needs.

Many of our volunteers find that simply being in their presence is grounding. Time spent with horses, donkeys, and mules in particular can be calming and restorative. Equines are highly sensitive animals; they respond to energy, intention, and consistency, often encouraging people to slow down, breathe, and be fully present.

Time spent with horses, donkeys, and mules in particular can be calming and restorative

Volunteers at VFAS support the sanctuary in many ways →

  • Some spend their time simply loving on the animals—offering companionship, scratches, brushing, and quiet presence.
  • Others assist with training and enrichment activities that help build trust and confidence between animals and caregivers.
  • Many volunteers help with essential daily farm chores such as feeding, cleaning shelters, filling water troughs, moving hay, and maintaining pastures.

Every task, no matter how small it seems, directly contributes to the health and comfort of the animals who call VFAS home.

But volunteering here is not only about what you give—it is also about what you receive. VFAS is a place of sanctuary in every sense of the word: a space for animals to heal, and a space for people to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the grounding presence of animals who live fully in the moment. Many volunteers describe their time here as peaceful, clarifying, and deeply meaningful.

A group of nine women smiling together outdoors at a farm, standing in front of a barn with horses in the background.

Whether you come for an hour or become a regular part of our community, your presence matters. You become part of the rhythm that keeps this sanctuary running.

If you feel called to be part of this work, we invite you to reach out and fill out our volunteer contact form to get started!