This volunteer opportunity is at Ziegenhain Gnadenbrothof, an animal sanctuary in Germany. Volunteers help with intensive daily animal care and farm routines, and the host says work is shift-based, can include night shifts, and there is no clear weekly hour cap. Accommodation is on site in guest rooms, the household is vegetarian (no meat), and the experience sounds demanding, structured, and very responsibility-focused.

Volunteer at an animal sanctuary in Germany

The Ziegenhain Gnadenbrothof needs (travel) volunteers

Our project has existed for 33 years and has developed to the present day with the help of many people who have taken responsibility, both over many years and for a few months. The animals living here used to be in peril, which is why they have now got their place here with us. Only when people like you show real commitment and take responsibility can these animals lead a better life.

THERE IS NOTHING GOOD UNLESS YOU DO IT!!!

Currently, there are 46 animals living on the Ziegenhain Gnadenbrothof. They were lucky enough to find a place with us due to a variety of circumstances. Some were brought in by their “owners”, some by people who noticed their threatening situation, and some were found by us or we were called for help. We receive requests every day to take in animals, especially large animals, but we can only care for as many animals as we can manage and finance together.

Our mission

Our aim is for every animal to receive the care we would want for ourselves, our family, and our friends. This includes medical care, operations, and health measures. Medical needs can create sudden large costs, especially for horses and other large animals.

Important note before you apply

Nobody gets wages or anything for working here. The host also explains that night shifts can be needed, and that the care of animals must be ensured day and night.

Hours: The host describes this as shift work with high responsibility. There is no clear weekly hour cap in the text, and the host says volunteers should cover as many hours as possible once trained. Please confirm the real weekly schedule, days off, and night shift expectations before you commit.

• Andrea’s job is to bring all the money together.
• Anja’s job is to make the public appearance.
• Siggi’s job is to do all the bookkeeping.
• Everyone also has to go to work normally.

The host asks readers to think carefully before coming. They say that once you agree to help, you are responsible and they are counting on you.

The daily routine

The host says the following animals are currently living here:

• 10 horses
• 4 sheep
• 4 pigs
• 7 dogs
• 4 cats
• 2 geese
• 3 chickens and 1 rooster
• 2 rabbits
• 2 goldfish

Since this is a “grace yard”, the host explains that some animals are disabled and need continuous care. Some animals are traumatised or need special medical routines. Work is described as being done in shifts, and after training you are expected to cover as many hours as possible.

The host also explains that at times there may be very few people on site, and that volunteers are currently very important for keeping care routines going.

Tasks

Your tasks are described as complex. The host explains the basic daily procedure and gives these examples:

• The diet pony enclosure is cleaned every day (about 3000 square meters). The host says this must be done very precisely due to health risks.
• Cleaning the area in and around the hall (used as an open stable and feeding area for horses with special needs).
• Regular checks and assistance for a sheep named Leonie (the host describes checks every 20 minutes, due to serious past injuries).
• Cleaning the house each morning, including guest rooms and shared areas, because the home is also used for work and clients may enter.
• Bringing geese to the meadow and back.
• Helping an older pig (Robbie) with medication and special food.
• Feeding and managing chickens, and checking rabbits.
• Supporting a dog (Anouk) with paralysed hind legs (the host describes long assisted walks).
• Counting and checking horses in the large paddock.
• Administering medications and recording everything carefully in logs and plans.

The host compares the work to an animal hospital and says you must concentrate, write everything down, and sign off medications and care steps. They also say basic tasks can be done in about 5 hours if you are fit and focused.

More information from the host

The host says many animals need special care and close attention, and that volunteers should be focused and ready for action.

The host also states that volunteers should be mentally and physically in good condition due to the workload and safety demands, and says they cannot host people with mental or physical impairments. Please discuss your situation openly with the host before committing, to avoid problems for you and the animals.

• 1) to do justice to all animals permanently
• 2) to allow people on site to step out when needed
• 3) to help treat illness
• 4) to allow someone to take a short or long break

The host stresses that you are coming to work for the animals, not for a holiday, and that small mistakes can have serious consequences in a system like this.

Benefits

The host says you will learn a lot about animal care and medical routines.

• Learning about care and about animals in general.
• Learning about medical care for different animals.
• Learning about lab values, X-rays, and rehabilitation for serious illnesses (as described by the host).
• Learning about special foods and routines.

The host also shares an example that volunteering can be physically demanding and may change your fitness.

After all of this, if you still want to come, the host says they look forward to hearing from you, with warm regards from the Hof team and the animals.

Accommodation and food

The host mentions guest rooms and shared indoor areas, and stresses that the house must be kept clean because it is privately owned and also used for work.

Diet

Vegetarian household: The host says they are vegetarians, so you cannot eat meat there.

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