VOLUNTEER AT CARING FOR CATS
We would love to have you join us!
Welcome and thank you for your interest in volunteering at Caring for Cats!
We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the lives of cats and kittens through positive human/feline experiences.
Our organization is a non-profit, no-kill cat shelter and foster network. As a member of our volunteer team, you will be part of the mission to provide compassionate care and help find loving homes for the cats and kittens in our care.
As a Caring for Cats volunteer, you also represent the shelter to the general public and to potential adopters who wish to provide a forever home.
If you are at least 18 years old, and looking for a volunteer commitment of at least twelve months please keep reading.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join us as a volunteer to make a difference!
We can’t do this work without volunteers like you. We hope you apply for one of our current volunteer opportunities and join us in our important mission:
😻 Cat Caregiver: Scoop litter, clean various shelter areas, sweep and mop the floors, feed the cats and kittens, provide basic grooming and socializing, and provide much-needed love and attention.
Physical requirements include standing, bending, reaching, and lifting. This is a typical starting role for new volunteers without previous shelter experience.
Note: Caring for Cats volunteers use an Ecolab disinfectant which is an irritant so gloves may be worn for protection. If you would like to download or print the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for more information, click HERE for more information. All volunteers must be 18+.
😻 Adoption Support Staff: Support adoption counselors by greeting visitors who come to the shelter. Screen and assist with potential adoptions. Groom and socialize the cats and provide support for miscellaneous cleaning as needed. This position is only on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and all volunteers must be 18+.
😻 Temporary Fostering: Time commitment ranges from 1 to 2 months for adult cats OR 4 to 5 months for pregnant cats/kittens. During the fostering commitment, you will need to be able to drive to vet appointments in Oakdale, Roseville, or the east side of St. Paul. Foster cats/kittens must have a dedicated room away from other animals in the home.
😻 Remote Board and Committee Opportunities: Are you looking for a remote opportunity to support our feline friends? We have openings on our Board of Directors and opportunities for people interested in volunteering to help with fundraising, development, and communications. We are also looking for veterinary and cat care professionals to educate the community on various topics related to feline care online. If you would like to chat more about our remote opportunities please email us at cfc@caringforcatsmn.org.
As you complete the volunteer application, we encourage you to think about what skills you can share, when you are available, and how you’d like to benefit from volunteering your time and talents. Your application information will be kept confidential within our organization, and will not be shared for any reason. We will review your application and if we have openings that align with your volunteer interests and availability, we will be in contact with you.
Our volunteers are our lifeblood – we look forward to welcoming you into our community.
CARING FOR CATS VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
Please read the Caring for Cats Volunteer Code of Conduct before filling out the volunteer application.
Caring for Cats (CFC) is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in transition to loving homes through education, direct shelter care, and other means.
In an effort to promote these purposes, volunteers are required to follow policies and procedures which support the efficient operation of CFC. These policies and procedures also benefit and protect individual rights while supporting the shelter animals.
Volunteers are required to abide by CFC’s Code of Conduct at all times. Adherence to the Code of Conduct is a condition of engagement as a CFC volunteer, and violation of the Code may result in dismissal.
Code of Conduct Expectations
☑️ In the interest of both others and the shelter animals, fully commit to the responsibility of your volunteer assignment(s). This responsibility includes consistently showing up for scheduled shifts and proactively communicating any absences to the shift lead or volunteer coordinator.
☑️ Treat all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth. Make a personal commitment to be nonjudgmental about cultural differences, living conditions, and the life-style of other volunteers and shelter patrons. Agree to cooperative and inclusive behavior with other volunteers, shelter management, and the Board of Directors.
☑️ Individual political, cultural, or religious beliefs should remain personal and are not appropriate topics for discussion at the shelter. Refrain from bringing these topics into the shelter through verbal statements, clothing, documents, e-mails, postings, or any other form of communication.
☑️ Do not use profane or abusive language, and refrain from disruptive behavior that is dangerous to shelter patrons, other volunteers, shelter management, or members of the Board of Directors.
☑️ Address ethical concerns by speaking directly with the colleague with whom you have the concern; when necessary, report ethical concerns to the lead volunteer on your shift, or to a board member.
☑️ Abstain from the use of photo, audio or video recording equipment unless authorized by the lead volunteer on your shift, or a board member.
☑️ Respect all confidential information. Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a single staff member, volunteer, adopter, or other person. This responsibility continues even if the volunteer is no longer actively serving with the shelter.
☑️ Respect and use all shelter equipment appropriately and as required for your assignment. Do not engage in negligent or intentional destruction of CFC property. Abstain from the use of equipment/resources for personal use.
☑️ Do not use tobacco in or around the shelter premises as Caring for Cats is a smoke-free organization. Strong smoke smell is prohibited and volunteers may be sent home. Please wear clean, smoke-free clothing.
☑️ Do not use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during any work shifts or shelter-related events, and abstain from all illegal activity. Report suspicious activities to the lead volunteer on your shift, or a board member.
☑️ Wear clothing that is suitable for the work environment. Clothing should not contain offensive or objectionable material (slogans or graphics).
☑️ Follow safe workplace practices, including participation in applicable education sessions, using appropriate personal safety equipment, and reporting accidents, injuries, and unsafe situations. Abstain from the violation of any safety rules or endangering the health or safety of any other person or shelter animal.
