Volunteering in the ENICU
Please click the links below for more information.
Foal Unit Volunteer Protocol
Volunteer Availablilty Form
Volunteer Release Form
ENICU Volunteer Schedule
Our volunteers are an intricate part of the Hofmann Equine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and have contributed greatly to its success. Volunteering is an excellent way for Pre-Veterinary students to gain large animal experience with both mares and foals, as well as a chance for all horse lovers to experience the veterinary aspect of large animal care.
Volunteers are needed every year from February to July. If you are 18 years of age or older and interested in volunteering next season, contact us at foals@vetmed.ufl.edu.
The University of Florida was one of the first institutions to establish an equine neonatal intensive care center. The Ocala population of Thoroughbred horses has caused the foal unit to thrive each season, creating such a demand that a volunteer program was established.
The volunteer program allows all horse lovers the opportunity to do hands on work in a medical setting. Volunteers are needed to aid in the 24 hour monitoring that our foals receive.
Many of our foals are unable to nurse from their mothers or have suffered some degree of brain damage and are unable to care for themselves. Volunteers are needed for feeding these foals and milking the mares, as well as monitoring and protecting the foals from possible self-inflicted injury.
We need volunteers from January 1 until July 1. Volunteer for four (4) hour shifts, anytime day or night. Volunteer as much or as little as you like, although we ask our volunteers to be available for at least one 4-hour shift every other week. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
If interested in volunteering, please, contact Eric Johnson at foals@vetmed.ufl.edu to be considered on an individual basis.