Cat Caregiver - MSPCA-Angell

Position Description:

Cat Caregiver volunteers assist in providing care and enrichment to shelter cats and kittens. Day-to-day duties include ensuring living environments remain clean, safe, and as comfortable as possible, and disinfecting cages after cat adoptions. This role is a good match for individuals who thrive in a busy environment, are self-directed, and who work equally well independently or as part of a team.

We do not offer an option for volunteers to socialize with cats as their only task.

Responsibilities:

Clean and disinfect enclosures, which are often soiled with urine and feces, using appropriate equipment and while following our sanitization protocol.
Feed and water cats, following feeding plans.
Provide in-kennel enrichment according to MSPCA-Angell enrichment or training plans.
Record behavior and limited health information.
Restock supplies dedicated to the cat areas.
Wash dishes, litterboxes, and toys.
Wash and fold laundry.
Complete additional tasks as needed when requested by shelter staff or Cat Matchmakers.
Read daily emails and other email communications pertaining to cats in our care.

Physical Requirements:

Staying active the full duration of a shift, with variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping. Caring for a large volume of cats can be a much more physically demanding position than people who have regularly cared for one or a few pets in their home may expect.
Must be able to safely use a stepladder to access upper cat cages and food and linen storage
Ability to lift, push, pull or carry objects and/or animals weighing up to 40 lbs.

Emotional Requirements:

Able to maintain composure during challenging and/or emotionally charged situations.
Able to remain open-minded and understanding of decisions for euthanasia that consider the animal’s physical and emotional well-being and the safety of the community.
Able to keep information confidential.
Able to receive constructive criticism from staff related to interactions with our cats.
Able to work with staff, fellow volunteers, and clients in an empathetic and supportive manner

Required Skills and Attributes:

Previous experience with cat husbandry.
Ability to work well and communicate effectively with the staff, fellow volunteers, and, in limited circumstances, the public.
Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to be judgment-free in challenging situations.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and use good judgment in a fast paced, high stress environment.
The ability to remain aware of your surroundings, and use good judgment with animals of all sizes.
Able to be self-aware of body language when working with or around animals.
Applicants must be able to adhere to rules regarding infectious disease quarantine and other important safety matters.
Proficiency in using a computer without assistance, and learning new programs. All volunteers digitally log hours and use an online scheduling function.

Other:

For this role, volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and their own personal vehicle. We have other roles which do not require a license and a car, and request that you apply to one of those instead if you do not meet this criteria.
3pm-5pm shifts overlap with open hours, leading to potential interaction with the public. Volunteers applying for these shifts must be comfortable working in public areas and following rules for interacting with the public. Caregivers are asked to abstain from speaking with the public regarding cat adoptions. That is the role of our designated Cat Matchmakers. Matchmaking is not an entry-level role.

Time Commitment:

A weekly shift on a set day and time.
Minimum of a 6 month commitment. These months must be consecutive.
Some weekday evaluation and training will be required as part of the application and onboarding process.
7:30am-10:30am shifts accepting applications: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
3:00pm-5:00pm shifts accepting applications: Monday.
We are unable to accommodate requests for alterations to the schedule. Please ensure you will be available for the full, exact duration of a listed shift before applying. Thank you!ply No

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