Internship Opportunities

The volunteer internship program at Heartland provides a unique opportunity to connect with rescued farm animals and the diverse community we serve while acquiring valuable knowledge of the various aspects of a farm animal sanctuary. Apply today and you too can contribute to Heartland Farm Sanctuary’s life-changing work. Learn more below.

Farm Animal Shelter Intern

Heartland provides high-quality, specialized care, hope and healing for farm animals who have suffered abuse, neglect, and have nowhere else to go. Many of our rescued residents experience safety and compassion for the very first time after walking through our sanctuary doors.

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Internship Information

The hard work and dedication of Heartland Farm Sanctuary interns has been a vital part of our work since Heartland Farm Sanctuary began in 2010. Your commitment helps us rescue and care for farm animals and provide therapeutic and educational programs to youth and adults in Dane County and beyond.

Heartland Farm Sanctuary does not provide housing for interns at this time. 

Interns are responsible for buying and preparing their own food. Out of respect for the animals and work that Heartland Farm Sanctuary does, all staff and interns are asked to adhere to a vegan diet while on the sanctuary grounds.

Interns have the option to volunteer full-time (40 hours per week), 30 hours per week, or 20 hours per week. Scheduling varies by department.

Heartland Farm Sanctuary internships are available in the summer and fill quickly. We start to evaluate applications and interview in December for the next summer.

Why Spend Summer In Madison?

Madison is a vibrant capital city often named one of the nation’s finest communities. It offers plentiful activities to enjoy year-round, from exploring natural, historic, and architectural marvels to attending a riveting arts performance or athletic event.

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    • Check out the over 300 vendors at the farmer’s market on the Capitol Square. Largest producer’s only farmer’s market in the U.S.
    • Visit the Thai Pavillion at the Olbrich Botannical Garden
    • Check out the restaurants and shops on State Street
    • Go paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Wingra
    • Listen to a concert at the Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota
    •  Go to a Madison Mallards baseball game
    •  Go to a Concerts on the Square performance held on the Capitol lawn
    •  Bike on the trails through Madison and around the lakes

Change Lives With Your Gift

Your tax-deductible donation to Heartland Farm Sanctuary allows us to care for farm animals in need and operate our unique people programs that inspire compassion for animals, the earth and each other.

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GET INVOLVED

Farm animal shelter internship

Through our Shelter Internship Program, you will connect with many species of rescued farmed animals in a safe, peaceful environment where people and farm animals can come together to heal, grow and have fun. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain experience with farmed animals and learn the basics of what it takes to operate and maintain a shelter.

We value diversity and strongly encourage individuals of every race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and ability to apply.

To apply: Read through the internship details below and click the “Apply Now” button to download our fillable PDF application. Please email completed application to our Shelter Coordinator at [email protected].

Internship Details

Time requirements include:

  • A commitment of between 20 and 40 hours per week
  • A commitment of two to three months
  • An ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Comfortable working with and around farm animals, including pigs, birds, etc.
  • Able to work in harsh/all weather conditions
  • Able to perform strenuous labor, including lifting, for extended periods of time
  • Flexible and open to performing a multitude of tasks
  • Detail oriented
  •  Able to work collaboratively with a number of different supervisors and volunteers, including children, individuals with special needs, etc.
  • Able to work independently while supporting a larger team effort
  • Willing to follow all safe animal handling protocols as explained
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Dependable, including reliable transportation to the Verona and Stoughton sanctuary locations
  • Committed to the mission and values of Heartland Farm Sanctuary
  • Stall, shelter and habitat cleaning and enrichment
  • Feeding and watering animals, including fresh food prep
  • Basic animal grooming
  • Assisting with animal health checks, including vet visits
  • Shelter errands as needed
  • General shelter maintenance projects, etc.
  • General grounds maintenance
  • Guided research and creative project options
  • Opportunities to learn from and interact with our rescued farm animal residents in a beautiful setting
  • Meeting and working with like-minded people for a common purpose
  • Opportunity to participate in educational presentations and tours
  • Gaining experience beneficial for future sanctuary employment
APPLY TODAY