Volunteer Program Update: Due to the ongoing risk of avian flu, we are not currently accepting volunteers to ensure the safety of our rescued animals. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Please check back for updates on when our volunteer program will resume.
Volunteer with Us
Tamerlaine operates with a full-time staff of amazing caregivers to support our wonderful residents. But running a sanctuary and preserve takes a lot of work. We are always in need of dedicated volunteers each and every day to help our staff with daily chores.
Volunteers do not get a tour of the facility. If you would like a tour please sign up for a tour. We are a very busy sanctuary and do not have the extra manpower to show volunteers around. Volunteers sign up at least 3 days in advance of your volunteer day.
VONY-Vegans of NY
Edrington Americas Staff
Volunteer Activities
A typical volunteer day will involve tasks such as cleaning, dusting, and mucking our residents’ barns, coops, and pastures. Many of our residents like to keep you company during your tasks and may request a head scratch or two.
If you’d prefer to just spend time with our residents, please check out our “Tour the Sanctuary” page.
Volunteer Hours
The volunteer day starts at 12:00 pm. We ask that you commit to at least three hours if you sign up to volunteer. After you volunteer, you can walk the property and visit with the animals. You cannot enter an animal enclosure without a staff member present. If you are unable to make your scheduled day, or are running late, please email us at viola@tamerlaine.org.
Age Restrictions
All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age for safety and liability purposes. If you want to volunteer as a family children must be 8 years of age to volunteer and must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day.
Ready to Sign Up? Click the Sign Up link below!
PLEASE NOTE: Why We Do Not Allow Companion Animals at the Sanctuary
We understand how much people love their companion animals, and we truly appreciate that they want to share special experiences with them—including visiting the sanctuary for volunteering, tours, weddings, and events. However, for the safety of all animals—both our residents and visiting pets—we have a strict policy that does not allow companion animals on-site.Our sanctuary is home to many free-roaming animals, including 24 cats, rescued chickens, turkeys, peafowl, goats, pigs, and other vulnerable residents. Even the most well-trained and gentle dogs have natural instincts that can be unpredictable in a new environment, and unfortunately, we have seen firsthand how tragic the consequences can be. Instincts can override training in a split second.Because we prioritize the safety and well-being of our rescued residents, we are unable to make exceptions to this policy. We kindly ask that visitors leave their companion animals at home when attending our tours, weddings, or events.We truly appreciate your understanding and respect for our sanctuary's mission to provide a peaceful, safe haven for the animals in our care. Thank you for helping us keep them protected!Useful Tips
Please check the weather forecast in advance for Montague (zip code 07827) and dress appropriately. We strongly suggest waterproof footwear or boots you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, and gloves. We do not allow open toes shoes in with the animals.
PLEASE NOTE: you will be in the countryside where there are ticks and mosquitos. Bring bug spray! Please make sure any food or drink you bring to Tamerlaine is plant-based (aka “vegan” - no meat or dairy, please) out of respect for our rescued residents.
It is strongly recommended that all visitors and volunteers thoroughly wash their hands prior to touching their faces or eating as diseases occur naturally among farmed animals.