Cat Care Volunteer

Overview

As a Starlight Strays Sanctuary Cat Care Volunteer, you will support our mission by caring for the animals at our brick and mortal location. By ensuring that the cats you are caring for have a clean space, food, fresh water, soft bedding, and toys for enrichment, you will be playing a critical role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of felines in need.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning: Follow Starlight Strays Sanctuary's standard operating procedure for cleaning the cat areas, including, but not limited to: litter boxes, water bowls / fountains, food bowls, walls, floors.
• Socialization: Meet the animals where they are and provide them with opportunities for socialization, for example: facilitating playtime, giving gentle pets, sitting in the space.
• Medicating: Some cats may require medications that need to be administered in a variety of ways. Any needs of this type will be discussed with you by a member of our rescue team and you will not be expected to be responsible for anything that you are not comfortable with.
• Monitoring: Monitor the condition of each animal during your interaction and follow provided guidelines to record and report any observed behavior.
• Schedule Coordination: Work with the rescue team to coordinate care schedules and notify team members of any changes or delays. Note: We are hopeful to open our brick and mortar space in late February. Cat care core hours for a.m. and p.m. will be published soon and we welcome your input!

Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Minors are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
• Transportation: You must have reliable transportation.
• Training: Must attend an in-person training session during one of the provided times. Note: We are hopeful to open our brick and mortar space in late February. Training session schedules will be published soon and we welcome your input!
• Animal Experience: Previous experience handling or caring for animals, particularly cats, is preferred.
• Communication Skills: Must be comfortable communicating with rescue team members.
• Time Committment: Willingness to help on a regular basis by assisting during defined cat care hours. Volunteers should be interested in committing to helping as able for a period of at least 6 months.
• Physical Ability: Ability to lift and move animal carriers and supplies (up to 20 pounds).
• Empathy and Compassion: A genuine love and care for animals that drives your desire to make a difference.