Cat Caretakers (cat & shelter care)

Chicagoland Animal Rescue, NFP is a small, all-volunteer cat rescue organization based out of the Downers Grove PetSmart at Butterfield & Finley Rd.

• We are looking to add volunteers to join several rotating shifts ASAP, including Wednesday evenings, Sunday evenings, and Saturday mornings**

Even if we can't use you right now, we'd love to have you come meet us and learn about volunteering! Options for volunteering can open unexpectedly, so please reach out if you are interested in volunteering.

Our ONLY location is at the Downers Grove PetSmart, 1550 Butterfield Rd, Downers Grove IL. This is the only location where volunteering of this type will take place. If you cannot come out to this location, we hope you will find an organization near your home that you can volunteer with instead.

Please know that as a small organization, our volunteer slots can fill up quickly, so please still reach out if you are interested to see where we might use you!

C.A.R. is looking for volunteers (21 years old or older) to be placed on a set schedule to help during the day, in the evenings, on weekends. Schedules are flexible, but are typically on a set rotating schedule. Duties will include scoop liter boxes, provide food and fresh water to the cats, clean the adoption room, monitor & document cat behavior and health, socialize the cats in our care, and medicate cats when necessary. Ideal volunteers are organized, detail-oriented, and familiar with cats, but can learn along the way as well.

Volunteer shifts typically last between 2-3 hours and require some lifting, kneeling, bending, and using a small step stool. Volunteers should be able to perform these tasks without assistance.

NOTE: We are NOT able to accommodate those who need a specific number of volunteer hours (such as court-ordered community service or to fulfill school obligations) with this opportunity. Please check out our virtual options if that is something you need fulfilled.

We are almost always looking for volunteers, even if your commitment can only be a few hours a month, but you need to be able to commit to a schedule and keep it indefinitely. Volunteers must also be at least 21 years old per insurance and PetSmart requirements. Thank you!