Cat/Kitten Foster Coordinator (aka Chief Kitty Cuddler)

The Chief Kitty Cuddler (Foster Coordinator for Cats and Kittens) is an important volunteer position that would be purrfect for a retired veterinary assistant or technician, or other experienced animal care professional. In 2025 nearly 800 felines were in our care, with about half of them kittens in foster homes.

The Coordinator places cats and kittens in short and longer term foster homes; tracks foster parent activities and their needs to care for the cats properly; provides foster parents with the information and tools they need to perform the job they volunteered for. The Coordinator also helps schedule medical care appointments including spay/neuter; and facilitates bringing cats and kittens that are adoptable into the shelter or to store partners for adoption. The Coordinator is key to recruiting new fosters, retaining the foster family core and collaborating with colleagues to ensure each foster family experience is rewarding. The Coordinator’s activities are a big part of cat/kitten wellness.

This hybrid position requires both volunteering on site at EASEL’s Animal Shelter in Ewing NJ and work at home. Occasional visits to foster homes may be needed. Training is provided.

SKILLS:

Excellent communication, organization, recordkeeping, and computer skills. Ability to multitask and troubleshoot if emergencies arise. Ready to set priorities, develop routines and manage workload, which is high spring through fall due to the seasonal influx of kittens. Experience caring for cats and kittens. Quick to learn and able to follow shelter protocols. Ability to remain composed in stressful, sensitive or emergency situations. Capacity to handle people calmly and professionally, including handling emotionally charged situations.

Flexible availability is required, including evenings and weekends. This position will encounter emergency situations requiring the Coordinator to respond during off hours. These situations may require a need to organize the intake of cat/kitten(s), coordinate emergency vet care with the shelter staff.

PURRSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Commitment to the mission and vision of EASEL Animal Rescue.
• Energetic, hard-working, and a team player.
• Passionate about cat/kitten(s) health and well being.
• Mature, reliable and independent.
• Willing to work with people from a variety of backgrounds.

DUTIES:

• Interview and screen potential fosters for short and longer term foster care.
• Maintain a list of all foster parents’ capabilities.
• Ensure all fosters receive the foster care manual. Discuss specific areas of the manual with each foster depending on need.
• Schedule and host regular foster volunteer training sessions and accommodate special individual training as needed.
• Work with Assistant Foster Coordinator to promote annual kitten shower, post wish list, and provide foster parents with all needed items.
• Promote a strong commitment to teamwork, customer service, consistent standards, and continuing development within the foster program.
• Keep foster families updated on program enhancements, challenges, policies, and protocols.
• Coordinate with foster parents the pickup of cats and kittens, scheduling of wellness treatments, spay/neuter, and placement of cats and kittens for adoption.
• Maintain constant communication on the welfare of the cats in the foster homes, and provide guidance with any questions foster parents may have.
• Enter information into the shelter computer database. Document calls to/from fosters.
• Work with foster parents to ensure the cats’ medical needs are met.
• Provide special diet food when needed.
• Maintain regular communication with key shelter staff and volunteers.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES may be assigned. EASEL Animal Rescue is a no-kill shelter with a live release rate of 94% or higher for the last 5 years.