Volunteer With Us
Be part of something that truly matters.
Volunteering at Pear Tree Farm Animal Sanctuary is about showing up, helping where it’s needed, and putting animals first.
We welcome volunteers aged 18+ who can support us with hands-on sanctuary tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and general animal care, as well as those who can help remotely with fundraising, admin, or online support. For your safety and the wellbeing of our animals, please follow our health and safety guidelines at all times, which can be viewed here.
If you’re looking to give your time in a meaningful way and make a real difference to the lives of rescued animals, you may have found your place.
More Than a Sanctuary
Pear Tree Farm Animal Sanctuary is not just a haven for rescue animals, it’s an empowering space for humans too.
Our volunteers are trusted. They have agency. They take responsibility. They make decisions.
They are Rescue Animal Carers.
Volunteering here means becoming part of a strong, passionate, and supportive team, united by compassion, respect, and a shared commitment to animal welfare.
What Volunteering Involves
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Caring for Animals
Daily hands-on care including feeding, cleaning, bedding, and observation, always guided by the animals’ needs and boundaries.
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Working Outdoors
Spending time in nature, in all seasons, alongside incredible animals, breathing fresh air and slowing life down.
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Using Your Body
Physical work that builds strength, releases endorphins, and improves fitness, no gym required.
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Learning Real Skills
Gaining practical, real-world experience in animal care, teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving, valuable far beyond animal-related roles.
Who We’re Looking For
Volunteering at the sanctuary isn’t always easy, but it is deeply rewarding.
We’re looking for people who are:
Reliable and committed
Calm, patient, and compassionate
Comfortable with physical outdoor work
Respectful of animals and their boundaries
Willing to learn and take responsibility
No previous animal care experience is required, just the right attitude.
Important Practical Information
Please read carefully before applying:
We are based near Wells, Somerset
You must have your own transport to reach the sanctuary
Volunteering is outdoors and continues in all weather
You must be over the age of 18 to volunteer
We are ideally looking for people who can commit too volunteering for six months or more, as consistency helps maintain routines and ensures the animals feel secure.
These boundaries help protect both our animals and our team.
Volunteer FAQs
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No. We provide guidance and support. What matters most is reliability, patience, and a willingness to learn.
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This varies depending on the day and the animals’ needs, but may include pigs, goats, sheep, hens, horses, and other rescued residents.
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Tasks vary depending on the day and the animals’ needs, but may include:
Preparing food and feeding residents
Cleaning enclosures and shelters
Refreshing bedding and water
Basic maintenance and tidying
Helping with events or visitor days
It’s hands-on work, but incredibly rewarding.
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We’re usually looking for people who can commit regularly. Consistency is important for both the animals and the team.
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We welcome compassionate, reliable people aged 18+ who are happy to work outdoors in all weather. You don’t need prior animal experience, just a willingness to learn and get stuck in.
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We are a small, part-time volunteer-led team, so availability can vary. Most volunteering takes place during daytime hours, and we’ll agree a regular day or schedule that works for both you and the sanctuary.
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Please wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear (wellies or boots are ideal) and weather-appropriate clothing you don’t mind getting muddy. Sanctuary life can be messy but that’s part of the charm.
A Thank You, In Advance
To volunteer is to give your time, energy, and heart.
We never take that lightly.
Thank you for considering being part of the work that keeps animals safe, seen, and valued.