Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it located?

20767 Fortuna Del Norte Escondido CA 92029 **see image at bottom of page (scroll all the way) for entrance location *Pull into top area, walk through gates and walk up to office area. There you will see the training staff to assist you.


Where can I learn more about the ranch besides this site?

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=102795131683333&story_fbid=106177601345086


How much time should I expect to spend volunteering at the ranch weekly?

There is always plenty to do, and you can spend as much time helping here as you like! However, a regular volunteer shift can be anywhere between 1-3 hours. Volunteers will need to sign up for a weekly shift.


What are some of the volunteer duties?

Top priority (approx. 2 hours):

  • Scrub and refill water troughs

  • "Muck" stalls (rake and clean horse enclosures)

Extras / Time permitting (approx. 1+ hour)

  • Rake the barn hall (central walkway between stalls)

  • Clean and water bunnies

  • Change small animal waters

Experienced horse handlers / volunteers after training with Megan at the ranch:

  • Turn out and retrieve horses to/from pasture

  • Exercise rescue horses as needed

  • Bathe and groom rescue animals and horses


Can I bring friends to volunteer?

Absolutely! The more the merrier. Before their visit, they must also sign a volunteer release. Please share this website and our training resources with them, and either you, Gary, Megan, or another volunteer can train and introduce them to the ranch, animals, and volunteer program.


Who do I go to with questions while volunteering?

You'll be introduced to the ranch, animals, and duties on your first volunteer shift. Should any questions come up during your shift, you can refer to the resources on our training page or ask Megan (owner), Gary (ranch foreman), Noe (ranch assistant), or any other available volunteers will be happy to help.


How do I contact Megan, Gary, or the volunteer group to coordinate shifts and duties?

We have a WhatsApp group for volunteers. This is how we coordinate shifts, ask each other questions, report observations about the animals.


What if I go on vacation / am sick / have a schedule conflict?

As soon as you become aware of a scheduling conflict, please notify the volunteer group via the WhatsApp group chat. The more advanced notice we have, the more time there is for another volunteer to pick up the shift so all days are covered. In the event of an emergency, we understand things come up but please do your best to give notice on the WhatsApp group chat.


Will we be compensated for volunteering?

We are a non-profit organization that runs solely on donations. Volunteers contribute their time to provide excellent standard of care to the animals along with providing them with a healthy, happy life at the ranch. We can sign off on volunteer hours for educational purposes (middle or high school graduation requirements, applications, etc). Any court ordered community service we may be able to sign for- please inquire and misdemeanors only due to insurance.