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.
Through our humane education programs, participants of all ages learn to foster compassion and respect for all living beings. By learning how we provide sanctuary, enrichment and high-quality care to our residents, participants also develop skills to be compassionate members of their own communities.
Heartland's experiential therapy programs address the individual needs of participants and inspire compassion for all people and animals. Through interventions such as creative expression, caregiving, journaling, innovative problem-solving and games, and in partnership with our rescued farm animal residents, we’re able to address the social and emotional needs of kids.
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.
Internships are available in the following departments: Farm Animal Shelter, Humane Education and Experiential Therapy. Specific responsibilities and qualifications vary by department. For more information, please check the description for the position that you are applying for.
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.
Most Heartland Farm Sanctuary internships are available year round. Positions are filled on an ongoing basis as applications are received. Summer positions fill quickly, so, if you’re interested in these months, be sure to contact us well in advance.
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.
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 all beings.
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 Director, Alecia.Torres@HeartlandFarmSanctuary.org, and Shelter Assistant, Stephanie.Weis@HeartlandFarmSanctuary.org.
Time requirements include:
What is Humane Education?
Our world is changing, and our children need the tools to adapt and thrive in their changing environment. Humane Education offers a different approach to how children see and access the world, themselves and the environment. With concerns of children becoming disengaged, isolated and limited in their capacity to be creative problem solvers, Heartland offers a solution. Through the four elements of Humane Education, Heartland is teaching kids how to:
By learning how we provide sanctuary, enrichment and high-quality care to our rescued residents, through our unique camps, classes and clubs, kids develop skills to be compassionate, problem-solving members of their own communities.
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 Program Director, Annie.Aschenbrenner@HeartlandFarmSanctuary.org.
What is Experiential Therapy?
Experiential therapy isn’t “typical” therapy. Instead, it’s the ability to approach the needs of the participant in a way that allows them to express themselves through exploration, authenticity, compassion, creativity and the development of experiences where a real sense of belonging can occur. At a time when kids are feeling more cooped up and isolated than ever, Heartland’s unique experiential therapy program gives them a foundation for healing and connection.
Heartland’s Therapeutic Programs:
Through interventions such as creative expression, caregiving, journaling, innovative problem-solving and games, and in partnership with our rescued farm animal residents, we’re able to address the social and emotional needs of kids. Some examples of what our therapists address: increasing coping skills, regulating and expressing emotions, practicing self-advocacy, building social skills and setting boundaries—all with the intention for our therapy participants to go on to become involved with our humane education camps and classes, and/or volunteer at our sanctuary to become active members of Heartland’s community
By learning how we provide sanctuary, enrichment and high-quality care to our rescued residents, through our unique camps, classes and clubs, kids develop skills to be compassionate, problem-solving members of their own communities.
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 Program Director, Annie.Aschenbrenner@HeartlandFarmSanctuary.org.