About Heartbeat Haven Sanctuary Inc

Heartbeat Haven Sanctuary Inc is a registered animal rescue charity based in Toogoolawah, Queensland.

We rescue and rehabilitate animals in need, provide lifetime sanctuary care where appropriate, support ethical rehoming, and are developing a Safe Haven program to provide temporary animal care for people experiencing family and domestic violence, hospitalisation or other serious crises.

Our residents and rescue cases can include horses, cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, roosters and turkeys.

The opportunity

We are looking for practical, reliable people to help with the day-to-day work involved in running an animal sanctuary.

This is a hands-on role and the work can vary depending on what needs doing on the day.

Tasks may include:

• Cleaning shelters, yards and animal areas

• Preparing and distributing feed

• Checking and refilling water

• Moving hay, feed and supplies

• Gardening and grounds maintenance

• Basic maintenance and repair tasks

• Cleaning equipment and facilities

• Helping prepare areas for new rescue intakes

• Assisting with general sanctuary projects

• Helping with events or fundraising activities from time to time

• Assisting with transport or supply runs where appropriate

• Supporting animal care tasks after suitable induction and guidance

This is a practical, hands-on role, so there will be plenty of real sanctuary work involved alongside the rewarding moments.

Sanctuary life can mean mud, manure, dust, heat, repetitive cleaning, lifting and physical outdoor work. Those jobs are what keep our residents safe, comfortable and well cared for.

And yes, once the work is done, there are usually plenty of opportunities for animal interaction and cuddles where appropriate.

Animal handling

Volunteers will not automatically be asked to handle animals.

Some of our residents are large, elderly, disabled, medically compromised, unfamiliar with new people or require specific handling.

Animal interaction and handling will only be introduced where appropriate, after induction and once we are confident the volunteer can work safely around that animal.

You will never be expected to undertake a task you are not comfortable or capable of doing.

Who we’re looking for

You do not need previous animal rescue experience.

We are looking for people who are:

• Reliable and willing to turn up when they say they will

• Comfortable working outdoors in rural conditions

• Happy to help with practical and sometimes messy jobs

• Respectful of animals and committed to good welfare

• Able to follow safety, hygiene and biosecurity instructions

• Comfortable working independently or as part of a small team

• Willing to learn and ask questions when unsure

Practical skills such as gardening, fencing, maintenance, repairs, animal care, driving or general property work are very welcome, but not essential.

Commitment

Ideally 3–4 hours per fortnight or more.

We are looking for people who can volunteer regularly enough to become familiar with the sanctuary, our routines and the animals.

Weekday and weekend opportunities are available, generally during daylight hours.

Travelling volunteers are also welcome to apply. Please note that this is a volunteering opportunity only and accommodation is not currently provided.

Training and support

All volunteers receive an induction covering sanctuary safety, animal welfare expectations, hygiene and biosecurity, and the tasks they will be helping with.

Task-specific guidance will be provided before volunteers undertake new activities.

The impact you can have

A huge amount of animal rescue work happens behind the scenes.

Clean shelters, fresh water, maintained fencing, prepared feed, safe yards and well-kept facilities directly affect the welfare of the animals in our care.

By helping with those practical jobs, you give us more time and capacity to respond to rescues, rehabilitate animals and develop the sanctuary.

If you enjoy practical work, being outdoors and knowing that the job you completed genuinely made life better for rescued animals, we’d love to hear from you.