HELP OUT: Support Rescued Farm Animals

MARA Rescue is a volunteer-powered organization that rescues a variety of farm animals such as horses, goats, and chickens that have been neglected and/or mistreated. The tasks can vary and are determined by what is needed to support the animals that day and are included in the MARA Rescue's volunteer checklist. 

Before arriving, volunteers must read and follow the below steps. MARA Rescue operates with limited staffing and the steps are to help volunteers understand their capacity and guidelines:

1. Complete the Mara Rescue waiver. This is separate from the HandsOn San Diego waiver

2. Arrive 15-20 minutes before the shift starts. This allows staff to get everyone checked in and trained before the shift begins. Unfortunately, volunteers will be turned away if they arrive after the shift starts.

3. Bring water and gloves. 

4. ​Volunteers must contact a MARA Rescue team member via text 1 hour before arrival. Contact Meg Brown at (760) 822-4778

5. ​The shift you register for must be completed in full. If you need to leave early, please let a supervisor know ahead of time. 

6. Please follow the HandsOn San Diego Code of Conduct. Volunteers will be asked to leave at the staff's discretion if the code is violated.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Key Responsibilities:

• Help with daily ranch chores and animal care

• Cleaning/mucking (removing manure) corrals

• Cleaning and refilling animals' waters

• Feeding animals

• Raking

• Light construction

Skills & Qualifications:

• Comfortable doing physical work and working outdoors

• Able to follow safety instructions and guidelines

• Tasks may be adapted depending on physical limitations

Training Provided: 

• On-site training provided at the beginning of the shift

• All volunteers must review the Mega Arte Ranch Rules and volunteer checklist prior to their shift

Attire: Jeans, closed-toe shoes (hiking boots recommended), long sleeved shirt, and a hat. Wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. You will be turned away if you are not wearing appropriate attire

Bring: Bring your own work gloves and plenty of water. MARA Rescue is unable to provide gloves and water for volunteers

Physical Requirements: Volunteers should be able to lift or wheelbarrow up to 25 pounds at a time. If volunteers have physical limitations, other tasks may be available. This location is not wheelchair accessible

Waiver: You MUST bring a signed MARA Rescue Waiver with you when you volunteer. Extra printed copies will not be available at the ranch

Note: 

• Volunteers must contact a MARA Rescue team member via text 1 hour before arrival. Contact Meg Brown at (760) 822-4778

• The ranch can be hard to find — review the “Location Details” in the confirmation email and the photo provided

• Do not turn on Fortuna Del Norte and do not approach the private residence

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early to your first shift to ensure you can find the location and check in before the start time. MARA Rescue will not verify attendance for partial shifts

• If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be turned away — the small team can only train volunteers at the beginning of the shift

• If you can no longer attend, please give at least 24 hours notice

About M.A.R.A. Rescue

Mega Arte Riding Academy (MARA) Rescue is an animal sanctuary that has rescued and cared for a variety of animals for the past 20 years. They support animals that were not wanted and/or mistreated and give them a new loving home for the rest of their natural lives. With a life spent around animals, it is their mission to give these animals an excellent quality of life and a forever home.