Volunteering

Volunteering at TRAK

Did you know that 90% of our daily animal care is completed by our volunteers? Volunteers at TRAK can expect to help with daily care tasks of our large and small animals such as filling waters, feeding, mucking horse stalls, raking the grounds, among many other tasks. We also offer our Horse Handler certification, for ages 12 and up, which allows volunteers to help with horse specific tasks like walking horses to and from turn-out, leading horses in our Buckaroo program or special events.

Our volunteers can choose to participate in our daily Ranch Hand shifts. These shifts are twice a day, morning and evening, and we do change to our summer hours Memorial Day-Labor Day. We are committed to involving today’s youth in community service and service to others. For children ages 10-11, they must volunteer alongside a parent (exceptions may be made for lesson students, contact your instructor). For children over 12, youth can begin volunteering independently, unless a specific need arises. We do ask that our volunteers commit to a weekly shift for a minimum of four months. We understand that life happens, if you are unable to make it to your shift please call ahead.

Important Information for New Volunteers
  • The minimum age to volunteer is 10 years old. If you are under 12, you MUST volunteer with a parent. 
  • Horse handlers at TRAK MUST be 12+ years old
  • You MUST complete the background check if you are 18+ years old by using both the payment link, and the submit background check link.
  • If you have a current Finger Print Clearance Card, you may email this to the TRAK office instead of completing the background check. 
  • Please make sure you can commit to volunteering at least once a week for four months.
  • You MUST have Health Insurance to participate as a volunteer.
  • Reserving your spot for Volunteer Orientation is mandatory.
  • Contact Office@traktucson.org with any questions.

TRAK 2023 Liability waiver 

Click below if you wish to fill out our liability waiver online, rather than a physical copy at TRAK.

This form is required for visitors and non-members to participate in events at our property. Thank you for your interest in our programs!

How to become a TRAK Volunteer

Please follow the links below in order to fully register for Volunteer Orientation. 

Each task must be completed prior to orientation

Orientation Schedule:

Saturday 9AM – 11AM

January 6

March 2

May 4

July 6

September 7

November 2

Payments:

Orientation: $20 / Horse Handler Course: $25

Bundle: $40 (Save $5)

Groups & Events

At TRAK, we welcome groups to come and volunteer at the ranch! Each member is required to complete a registration and waiver form to participate.

If you would like to bring your group to volunteer at TRAK, please submit this form!

Sign Your Group Up to Volunteer Here!

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Children at birthday party

Group of volunteers

College Interns

Through the course of these activities the intern will learn about and assist with animal care including cleaning pens, cages, arenas, feeding, exercising and providing for the general care of the animals. The intern may also provide assistance with grounds maintenance ensuring the ranch facilities are safe and presentable for animals, guests and clients and participate in community outreach programs such as ranch tours and field trips as time permits.

Interns gain experience and understanding of the challenges of working with individuals with emotional trauma, cognitive challenges, mental and physical disability and psychiatric illness. The Intern will also gain an understanding of Animal Assisted activities and will gain skills in animal handling and knowledge of animal care, behavior, and diseases.

Our Interns spend time observing and helping to facilitate the interaction between clients and animals and have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with clients to help them further develop life and social skills and work toward their individual goals.

Intern Testimonials

“After being an intern here at TRAK, I can only say positive things about this facility. Every single person has cared so much about the animals, as well as the kids and families. I have made so many connections with everyone here. Everyone here is family to me, and I always leave here with a big smile on my face and a warm heart. If you want to feel impacted and cared for, I would absolutely come to TRAK, you wont regret it.” ~Tess (Fall 2022)

“I had the pleasure of interning here this summer and these animals have such an amazing impact on people, as well as the staff. ~ Cece R. (Summer 2015)”

College Internship Applications OPEN for SPRING 2024

  1. Background Checks are REQUIRED, please remember to complete it!
  2. Please submit completed online application form along with a cover letter and your resume.
  3. Email cover letter and resume to: office@traktucson.org
  4. Sign up for your interview slot. We are excited to meet you! 
  5. Share our flyer with friends who may want to intern as well!

APPLICATIONS OPEN for SPRING 2024

Volunteer and Intern Shift and Event Sign Ups

VOLUNTEER CARE SHIFT SIGN UP 

Here is where our current volunteers can sign up for care shifts!
Our care shifts are:
Every Day: 8am-12am & 3:30pm-5:30pm

Special Event Sign up for Current Volunteers and Interns

Camp Help Sign Up

Please sign up to help with our events at TRAK or out in the community! Check back regularly for updated sign ups.


Current Volunteers & Interns Hours Log:

For any active TRAK volunteers and interns, we encourage you to log your hours in the barn office. Please add the time you have arrived and the time you leave.

Thank you for all that you do!

**Please reach out to our volunteer coordinator McKinley for more information!**

mckinleyhuddleston@traktucson.org

People riding horses
Children at birthday party
  • Richard Harris

    “Incredible what this group is doing with these kids. Thanks for all you do, just amazing. IF you are wondering if you should be a part of what TRAK is doing stop wondering, pick up the phone and give them a call. You won’t regret it. Top notch staff, leadership, and facilities.”

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  • Wilmadeen Minger

    “My son and I volunteer here and we love it! Even though you’re working it is a lot of fun too. They have petting zoo birthday parties that the kids absolutely love! They also have horseback riding lessons. The atmosphere is relaxed and it’s so much fun here!”

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  • Lee Buzzard

    “TRAK Ranch is where you will find a family of people doing the right things for the Tucson community. It is a great place to interact with so many animals, riding lessons, a fantastic site for birthday parties for all ages. If you have not stopped by for at least a visit, you are missing Tucson’s true gems.”

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  • Melanie McKissick

    “WOW, what a wonderful staff and crew these guys have. Very kind and caring people who want to better the community and the children who live in it. I HIGHLY recommend TRAK ranch in Tucson.”

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  • Michael J. Monroe

    “TRAK RANCH is nothing short of awesome. Scott Tilley works tirelessly to provide incredible programs for the therapeutic benefit for those in need and does so in a clean, attractive environment. Tucson is is so fortunate to have Scott and TRAK. Everyone should stop by and learn about and see all the wonderful programs offered at the ranch.”

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    Location

    3250 E. Allen Rd. Tucson, AZ 85718

    NOTICE: When you come to TRAK, you MUST only park along Edith Blvd.
    Parking is not permitted anywhere else.

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    © Copyright TRAK Therapeutic Ranch for Animals & Kids

    Website by CS Design Studios

    Business Hours:

    Mon - Sun: 8 AM - 2 PM


    Member Hours:

    Mon - Sun: 8 AM - 12 PM  and  3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

    Closed New Year's Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas


    TRAK is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit program focused on children with and without specific challenges.