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Let's Make Some Magic Happen: Volunteer with Stardust 

Welcome to Stardust Sanctuary! We are an animal sanctuary that provides a safe and loving home for rescued animals. Our mission is to protect, care for, and raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare. Volunteering with us means directly impacting the lives of the animals while helping us spread kindness and compassion.

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Why Volunteer with Us?
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  • Make a Difference: Every hour you volunteer helps us provide better care, shelter, and love to the animals who need it most.

  • Hands-on Experience: Learn about farm animal care, rescue operations, and animal welfare practices.

  • Join a Compassionate Community: Become part of a dedicated, like-minded group of volunteers who share your passion for animals.

  • Learn and Grow: Gain valuable skills in animal care, event planning, fundraising, and much more.

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Types of Volunteer Opportunities:

We offer a variety of ways you can help at Stardust, including:

  1. Animal Care:

    • Feeding and watering animals

    • Cleaning stalls and paddocks

    • Grooming and providing enrichment for the animals

    • Assisting with medical care (under supervision)

  2. Farm Maintenance:

    • Building and repairing fences and shelters

    • Planting and maintaining gardens for food and enrichment

    • General upkeep of the sanctuary grounds

  3. Event Support:

    • Helping organize fundraising events, educational programs, and tours

    • Assisting with set-up, registration, and activities during events

    • Promoting sanctuary events through social media and community outreach

  4. Administrative Assistance:

    • Outreach emails and phone calls to encourage support and build relationships with local businesses 

    • Helping with outreach, grant writing, and social media content creation

    • Fundraising efforts

How to Become a Volunteer:

Becoming a volunteer at Stardust is easy! Just follow these steps:

  1. Fill out the Volunteer Registration Form

  2. Tell us about yourself, your interests, and what you’re passionate about!

  3. Attend a Volunteer Orientation held quarterly or send an email to info@stardustsanctuaryca.org to schedule an opportunity to discuss how you'd like to get involved.

  4. All new volunteers must attend an orientation session to learn more about our mission, the animals, and our volunteer guidelines.

  5. Start Volunteering!

  6. Once you’ve completed the orientation or have permission to get involved, you can start contributing your time and energy to the animals and the sanctuary.

Volunteer Requirements:

  1. Age Requirement: Volunteers must be at least 14 to volunteer independently. Students under 14 may volunteer on special days with their parents, but they are encouraged to join Sanctuary Stewards to gain an increased understanding of working with the species at our barn. All volunteers under 18 need parental consent. 

  2. Physical Requirements: Some tasks involve physical labor, such as lifting, walking long distances, and being on your feet for extended periods.

  3. Commitment: We ask volunteers to commit to at least five hours per month to ensure consistency in care for the animals.

  4. Animal Lovers Only: You should have a passion for animal welfare, as well as a willingness to work with a variety of animals, including those that have experienced trauma or neglect. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

​What types of animals do you care for at the sanctuary?

  • We provide a forever home to farm animals, including ponies, pigs, donkeys, goats and cats.

 

Can I volunteer with my friends or family?

  • Yes! We encourage group volunteering. Please let us know when you sign up so we can accommodate your group.

 

Do I need any special experience to volunteer?

  • No prior experience is necessary, but a love for animals and a willingness to learn is essential. We provide all necessary training.

 

Are there any costs involved with volunteering?

  • Volunteering is free! However, donations to support the sanctuary are always appreciated.

Volunteer Perks

  • Free hat after your first 25 volunteer hours.

  • Free t-shirt after your first 40 volunteer hours. 

  • Invitation to Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event

  • Discounts on Sanctuary Merchandise and specialty clinics 

  • Training and educational opportunities to deepen your understanding of animal welfare

Presidential Award for Volunteer Service

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a prestigious national award that recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding volunteer service. The award, established by AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), honors volunteers who demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in their communities through selfless service.

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Stardust Sanctuary is a certifying organization with PVSA so all hours volunteered at Stardust can make you eligible for this award. 

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Who is Eligible for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award?
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Anyone who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and completes a qualifying amount of volunteer service in a 12-month period can be nominated for the PVSA. This includes individuals of all ages—from youth volunteers to seniors—across all types of volunteer roles and organizations, including farm animal sanctuaries, nonprofits, schools, hospitals, and more.

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There are three different levels of recognition depending on the total number of volunteer hours completed:

  1. Bronze Level

    • Kids (5-10 years old): 26–49 hours

    • Teens (11-15 years old): 50-74 hours

    • Young Adults (16-25 years old): 100-174 hours

    • Adults (18 and older): 100–249 hours

  2. Silver Level

    • Kids (5-10 years old): 50–74 hours

    • Teens (11-15 years old): 75-99 hours

    • Young Adults (16-25 years old): 175-249 hours

    • Adults (18 and older): 250–499 hours

  3. Gold Level

    • Kids (5-10 years old): 75+ hours

    • Teens (11-15 years old): 100+ hours

    • Young Adults (16-25 years old): 250+ hours

    • Adults (18 and older): 500+ hours

 

Additionally, Lifetime Achievement Awards are available for individuals who have completed over 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.

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The Presidential Volunteer Service Award is a meaningful way to recognize the efforts of volunteers who dedicate their time to serving others, and farm animal sanctuaries are often a great place to make a tangible impact. Whether you’re a youth volunteer starting your journey or an adult who’s been volunteering for years, earning the PVSA is a reflection of your dedication to positive change and your community.

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Volunteering at a sanctuary not only provides critical support to animals but also contributes to the broader culture of service and compassion in our society. If you’re passionate about animal welfare and giving back, consider aiming for the PVSA as part of your journey. Your time and efforts can be truly rewarding, both for you and the animals you care for.

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