Volunteer at Oscar’s Place

An Oscar's Place volunteer kneeling on the ground and petting a donkey outside.

Want to volunteer with our donkeys?

Volunteers are an essential part of our mission and work at Oscar’s Place. They help each donkey feel safe, cared for, and loved… sometimes, for the very first time.

Many of our rescued donkeys have endured neglect, abuse, or trauma. Healing takes time. It takes patience. It takes consistency. That’s where our volunteers come in.

Apply Now
An Oscar's Place volunteer kneels next to a donkey outdoors on a sunny day.

Hands on donkey.

That’s what our volunteer program is all about. Volunteers work one-on-one with individual donkeys to help them regain trust in people over time. They pet them, brush them, hug them, and snuggle them. They show them that humans can be kind.  

A commitment that matters.

Because trust is built through consistency, all volunteers must commit to regular scheduled visits. That could be coming once a week or a few times a month. 

In return, you’ll become part of a close-knit team that shows up for the donkeys and for each other. You’ll get just as much love back from the donkeys as you give (we promise).

Apply to Become a Volunteer

Ready to volunteer at Oscar’s Place? Submit the application form below, and a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Oscar’s Place has two locations: our ranch in Hopland (4425 Hwy 175, Hopland, CA 95449) and our sanctuary in Potter Valley. The greatest need for volunteers is at our Hopland location. Potter Valley is designed as a quiet environment for donkeys who prefer less social interaction, so there is less of a need for volunteers there. 

  • Volunteer hours are the same as our visiting hours: 9 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

  • While Oscar’s Place is not open to the public, we welcome scheduled visits from donors. You can schedule your tour on our Visit page. Please note that we cannot accommodate visitors without an appointment or visitors who have not signed liability release waivers.

  • If you can’t commit to regular shifts, we encourage you to become a donor and schedule a visit to Oscar’s Place. You can schedule your tour on our Visit page.

  • All volunteers must be at least 12 years old due to liability reasons. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Please leave your dog at home. No dogs are allowed on our property.

Not ready to become a volunteer?

Other Ways to Get Involved