Make a difference.

Get in touch.

It all begins with a heartbeat: theirs’, yours’, ours!

We are always looking for volunteers, both short and long-term. Ideally, we would welcome volunteers who can commit to three hours, to clean feed bowls, wipe and fill water bowls, scrub pools (how do they get so dirty so quickly?!) do small fence and pen repairs, sweep and of course… pick up poop. (Belly rubs are always a constant activity, too.)

You might be thinking you don’t have the flexibility to help out for a couple of hours periodically and that’s okay! Do you have a car and like the sporadic road trip? If so, we could always use a helping hand to pick up our feed! Created just for potbelly pigs, it is crafted in Dundas, Ontario. Just doing this pick-up would be an immense help to Sweet Acres.

Are you a student 16 or older, looking for Volunteer or Placement hours? We might be of mutual-benefit to one another! We would happily welcome those who can demonstrate that they are reliable, committed, and have initiative. There is so much to do in a day, we need helpers who can look around, see what needs to be done, and just get to it, rather than wait to be directed. You see, only the pigs are bossy at Sweet Acres.

Please drop us a line if you are interested in discussing volunteer activities and we’ll be happy to send you more information and chat with you further. Check out our Volunteer profiles below to see where you might find a best-fit role!

What do volunteers look like?

Well they’re possibly…

Person wearing orange shirt, dark shorts, and black boots standing on dirt next to a shovel.

Muckers and Tuckers

Well, it’s not a glamorous job but it is a necessary one! We can’t invite the public in for tours and have them worrying about where they should step, so picking up manure is a must. And, since scopopin’ of the poopin’ is not high on anyone’s list, we think it only fair that Muckers get the happy job of being our ‘tuckers’ too. Calling the pigs in to “HOME!” and blanketing them for their naps or bedtime is truly heart warming.
Picking up and removing manure to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Taking responsibility for keeping the facility clean and presentable for visitors.
Assisting with the care of pigs by calling them in and guiding them to their designated areas.
Maintaining a positive and caring attitude towards the animals.
Following established protocols and procedures for waste management and animal care.
Collaborating with team members to ensure efficient and effective execution of tasks.

Person in a yellow sweater holding a camera in a forested area.

Piggy Portraitist

We need a photographer who is willing to build a relationship with their muse. When the pigs are feeling safe and comfortable, they will allow the perfect shot to be taken. It’s important to our four-legged residents that the camera lens captures their best self and at a complimentary angle. That may not always be easy (understatement) but we guarantee it will be fun. And loud. Photos for our SM posts are always in demand.
Build a strong relationship with the pigs to create a comfortable and trusting environment for photography sessions.
Capture the perfect shots of our four-legged residents when they are feeling safe and at ease.
Embrace the challenge of capturing the pigs' unique personalities and expressions
Provide high-quality images for our social media posts, meeting the demand for captivating photos.
Collaborate with the sanctuary team to understand desired visual styles and themes for photography.
Attend sanctuary events and capture memorable moments through photography.
Enhance and optimize the captured images for social media use through post-processing activities.

Two construction workers wearing protective gear working on a wooden structure.

Bob the Builders

There is always something that needs repair at a sanctuary: fixing pen fencing; shingling a shelter roof; MacGivering an umbrella stand; insulating a shelter wall or two…the list goes on and on. Persons who know how to use a hammer or screwdriver, or even a saw, will definitely be revered here!
Please note: We desperately need help to create a proper pen and shelter for Pebbles, before Fall arrives! Can you assist?
Repairing and maintaining pen fencing to ensure the safety and containment of the animals.
Utilizing problem-solving skills and creative thinking to rectify and enhance various structures.
Insulating shelter walls to enhance comfort and provide insulation during colder seasons.
Shingling shelter roofs to provide protection from the elements.
Conducting regular inspections of the sanctuary premises to identify areas in need of repair.
Collaborating with other team members to coordinate repair efforts and ensure timely completion of tasks.
Utilizing tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, saws, and other necessary equipment for repair and construction work.
.Assisting with other general maintenance tasks and duties as required.

Three people looking at their smartphones with social media notification icons, including comments, likes, and followers.

Marketing/Media Gurus

We are always appreciative of outside-the-box thinkers who can come up with ideas for fundraising. Can you sell poop to a pig farm? Will your ideas elevate the Sanctuary?! Do you think the creation of a Pig Calendar will “fly”? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, we’d love to speak with you! We’re definitely ‘nosey’ to find out more… and to have you help us ensure the herd lives their best lives ever.
Generate innovative and outside-the-box fundraising ideas to support the sanctuary's mission, considering their potential impact on social media platforms.
Analyze trends and best practices in social media marketing to identify opportunities for promoting fundraising initiatives effectively.
Research optimal posting times and strategies to maximize engagement and reach on various social media platforms.
Stay updated on algorithm changes and platform updates to adapt social media strategies accordingly and optimize content visibility.
Brainstorm and develop creative social media campaigns to engage supporters and raise funds for the sanctuary.
Collaborate with the sanctuary team to incorporate social media marketing strategies into fundraising initiatives, aligning with overall marketing goals.
Assist in creating compelling and visually appealing content for social media platforms to promote fundraising campaigns or initiatives.
Monitor social media analytics and insights to evaluate the performance of posts and campaigns, making data-driven adjustments for improved reach and engagement.

Man trimming grass with a string trimmer in a backyard garden

Groundskeepers

Immerse yourself in our mantra of EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT, and don't forget to REFRESH, as you play a vital role in caring for our adorable pigs. Your mission? Keeping everything fresh and pristine. From checking and replenishing water supplies to giving their pools a sparkling scrub, you'll ensure our furry friends stay hydrated and happy. As a Tidy Trotter, you'll join the grass-cutting brigade, ensuring our pigs are always visible amidst the sweet snack they adore, keeping the grass short is crucial, despite what the pigs say! And during wintertime, you'll be responsible for shovelling pathways, paving the way for delightful strolls through the snow for our curious pigs following in your footsteps. Everyday adventure with nature.
Ensuring our precious pigs stay hydrated by regularly checking and refreshing their water supply, becoming their ultimate hydration hero.
Taking on the noble task of scrubbing and refreshing the piggy pools, witnessing firsthand the sheer joy our pigs experience when splashing around.
Embracing the art of sweeping as you combat the ever-present dust that results from the glorious mud-turned-dust phenomenon, keeping our sanctuary tidy around the clock.
Joining the "Grass Cutting Brigade" to maintain a perfect balance between the pigs' love for sweet, snackable grass and the need for clear visibility to keep a watchful eye on them.
Becoming a winter wonderland wizard by shovelling paths for both our visitors and pigs, allowing everyone to enjoy crisp winter walks without any towering drifts obstructing their way.
Witnessing the heartwarming sight of our pigs playfully following the paths you've created, as they embark on delightful snowy adventures.

A woman painting an abstract artwork on a canvas outdoors amid blooming trees.

Artists and Musicians

Here at Sweet Acres, PBPs feel free to roam, graze, and enjoy their surroundings. In order to keep their homes looking bright and new, we could use the skills of a talented artist (or someone who knows how to hold a paintbrush!). Can you help spread paint, joy, and compassion? If yes, we’d love to hear from you and so would the PBPs! (They also love music so if you bring a guitar to sing a lullaby or two, they’d be all-in for that!)
Use your artistic skills and creative vision to paint and rejuvenate the homes and structures within the sanctuary, adding a fresh and vibrant touch.
Collaborate with the sanctuary team to discuss design ideas and colour schemes that align with the sanctuary's aesthetics and create a joyful environment.
Spread joy and compassion through your artistic expressions, knowing that your work will contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of the PBPs.
Bring your musical talents to serenade the PBPs with heartwarming tunes, playing the guitar or any other instrument to create a soothing and harmonious atmosphere.
Engage with the PBPs by singing lullabies or cheerful songs, making their experience at Sweet Acres even more enjoyable and enriching.
Embrace the opportunity to connect with the PBPs on a deeper level, understanding their reactions and preferences to create a positive and interactive musical experience.
Collaborate with the sanctuary team to organize special events or performances where your artistic and musical talents can be showcased to engage both the PBPs and visitors.
Share your passion for art and music with the Sweet Acres community, inspiring others to embrace creativity and compassion in their own lives.