Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization.
Our efforts continue to succeed and to grow due to the hard work put forth by the many caring individuals who donate their time, energy and love to the hundreds of cats we help each year.
Available shelter shifts for caretakers and supervisors are Monday-Sunday 8am-10am and 5pm-7pm. You may sign up for whatever shift or shifts work best for you, the kitties just ask that you be reliable and on time because they need you!
Shelter Positions – All Are Local
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Cat Caretaker
The Cat Caretaker position is responsible for the daily cleaning and sanitation of the shelter; daily care and monitoring of all cats in the shelter, including feeding and scooping litter. We put high priority on cat care and well-being. Working in a small, busy environment these Caretakers need to have strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to be a team player. This position has to be flexible in the duties and responsibilities to best fit the changing needs of the shelter. We have both morning and evening shifts each day, and we couldn’t run the shelter without these dedicated and reliable volunteers!
Cat Care Supervisor
These volunteers are the supervisors of the facility if the Shelter Director is unavailable. They provide answers to questions asked by newer Cat Caretakers. They monitor inventory to ensure sufficient availability of needed food and supplies. They input all notes on any clipboards into the computer database. They ensure a clean, fear free, safe and organized environment for cats in the shelter. These Cat Care Supervisors continue to assist with some of the Cat Caretaking responsibilities while getting to know the cats and their personalities to help potential adopters.
Shelter Medical Care Specialists
This very important position is for those with veterinary medicine experience. Some responsibilities include: Working with the Medical Director, Shelter Director, Veterinarian, or any medical care providers in the quarantine and isolation rooms. Triage cats upon intake and as needed to determine priority for scheduling examinations. Oversee any veterinary treatment of shelter cats by cat care volunteers. Ensure that medical records are adequately documented. Assist during veterinary examinations. Coordinate scheduling and work with TCC’s Cat Transport Coordinator for any off-site veterinary appointments. Collect lab samples such as blood and ringworm cultures. Perform routine procedures such as nail trims, basic grooming, ear cleaning, otoscopic exams and suture removal. Maintain shelter medical supplies and equipment. Monitor inventory for expired medications.
Shelter Volunteer Manager
The Shelter Volunteer Manager supports volunteers with training, management, and recognition. To train all the new incoming volunteers who want to provide cat care and attention to the cats currently located in the shelter.
Works with the Shelter Director and Director of Operations to develop and implement any procedural changes, and distribute any training materials used in the care of the animals and their environment. Helps to schedule all volunteers and work with the Shelter Director and Cat Care Supervisors to ensure that volunteer goals and needs are met.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining a schedule of volunteers.
- Ensure accurate tracking of volunteer hours for grants, volunteer recognition programs, and other TCC purposes.
- Assisting with the implementation of training materials used in the care of the animals and their environment.
- Tracking and implementation of procedural changes.
- Oversee/be responsible for corrective action, promotions, and terminations.
Volunteer Position Descriptions
For an up-to-date list of positions that are available please see the volunteer application.
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Grant Committee (could be virtual)
We have a grant committee that meets every 4-6 weeks (1-1.5 hrs at a time) and works on writing grants to fund Cat Connection programs. You don’t have to have a background in grant writing for this, but skill in writing and/or research is a plus. TCC typically submits 10-11 grants per year. You can be very helpful even if you don’t have a lot of spare time.
Events Committee (could be virtual)
The events committee involves planning smaller fundraising events, running the annual calendar raffle, the gift-wrapping fundraiser, the restaurant, etc. fundraisers, and coming up with new fundraising ideas. We need people for the committee who can be workers under the direction of others, or people with experience fundraising at any level. The committee meets once a month and members work independently, anywhere from 1-3 hours a week (very flexible).
Whiskers & Whiskey Committee (can be virtual)
Help with planning & set up for our annual silent auction fundraiser! This will involve procuring whatever we need for the event: donations, live/online entertainment, food & beverages. Especially donations! This will be a live event with a virtual component. Attendance will be required for monthly meetings, which will become more frequent as the event approaches.
Kitty Content Writer (virtual)
We always need stories about the cats for newspaper articles (Kitty Korner) and social media posts. The writer would either meet the cat and talk to the foster parent, or work with our Foster or Adoption Coordinator to learn the story of a particular cat. Writing would be paired with photos (see photo/video) of the cat. We would expect a turnaround of about a week and the stories can be as short as a few paragraphs. We are also open to starting a blog on the web site that will feature other types of stories that would be of interest to cat lovers. We also need help writing fundraising letters.
Photographer/Videographer (local)
We can’t adopt out the cats without appealing cat photos! Videos are also very helpful for telling our story and fundraising. Pictures will be used on Petfinder, the TCC website, and on promotional materials. Prior photography and videography talent/expertise is required (i.e., we cannot train volunteers in photography). Time commitment is flexible, maybe once or twice a month (or more!). This position would be on an as-needed basis.
Reception (virtual)
This volunteer would be responsible for checking the TCC info line voicemail and either passing a message along to the appropriate TCC person or responding to the caller to obtain more information. We will provide training and info about how to respond. Duties include:
- Check phone messages and respond as needed at least twice a day for a period of 2-3 days per week (schedule is flexible)
- Ensure the proper TCC person gets the message (volunteer will be given info about who to contact for each message) or respond to caller with appropriate info/questions
Social Media (virtual)
We need help getting the word out about the work we do! Be part of our Communications Team and help by regularly posting on social media about various topics; the cats in our care, upcoming events, general cat info and many others!
Volunteer Intake Coordinator (could be virtual)
Duties include:
- Receiving and processing incoming volunteer applications.
- Contacting potential volunteers in a timely manner to discuss available positions.
- Matching potential volunteers with appropriate volunteer positions based on applicant’s skills and interests, and TCC need.
- Forwarding potential volunteer applications to the appropriate TCC coordinators.
- Recording volunteer contact and updates volunteer info spreadsheet as needed.
- Working with TCC coordinators to stay current on open volunteer positions.
Volunteer Liaison (could be virtual)
The Volunteer Liaison is the link between the volunteers and the board. This person would work with the Volunteer Intake Coordinator and board.
Duties include:
- Acting as liaison between The Cat Connection Board and the volunteer community
- Providing ongoing support and guidance for volunteers
- Welcoming new volunteers into The Cat Connection and establishing a connection.
- Orienting volunteers to increase their understanding of the organization, mission & services
- Checking in with new volunteers periodically to see how their volunteer experience is going
- Ensuring volunteers are up to date in policies and procedures
- Keeping current volunteer list up to date.
- Monitoring Facebook Volunteer Group, including posting a few times a week in order to engage volunteers
- Flexible time commitment; 2-4 hours a week
Volunteer Appreciation Coordinator (could be virtual)
We’d like to start a volunteer appreciation program because we truly do appreciate all our volunteers! We just need someone to run it. Duties include:
- Running volunteer appreciation program, which currently would entail the volunteer of the month (we’d like to add more features gradually)
- Flexible time commitment; 2-4 hours a week
Volunteer Events Coordinator (could be virtual)
We need someone to help engage volunteers and promote a sense of community.
Duties include:
- Helping plan and facilitate fun bi-monthly (every other month) volunteer events (during COVID, we are mainly doing virtual events.
- When things get safer, if we do a live event, it would include all precautions: take place outside, require masks, social distancing, etc)
- Monitoring Facebook Volunteer Group, including several posts a week in order to engage volunteers
- Flexible time commitment; 2-4 hours a week
Trapper (local)
Trappers are called in when a new cat is spotted in a colony area that needs to be trapped for some reason, either for spay/neuter (their ear is not tipped), because they are pregnant or kittens already born, or if a cat is sick or injured. Trapping is done with box traps or drop traps. Trap is set up with food in it and monitored until a cat is trapped in it. Traps are not left unattended. Once a cat is trapped, the trapper moves in to cover it with towels to keep the trapped cat calm. Cat is then transported in the trap (in a box trap or transferred from a drop trap to a box trap or carrier) to vet care or temporary foster/recovery location. The time commitment can vary, but is typically 2-3 hours a week. TCC will provide traps and training.
Cat Transport (local)
Sometimes transportation is needed to get cats to and from the vet, to or from foster homes, or other transport. You need to be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, a clean driving record and current insurance coverage. Cats are transported in a carrier or trap, and generally the cat would already be in the carrier or trap at pickup. This job is “on call”; typically several requests will be sent out per week. For the vet, typically the cat is dropped off in the am and picked up in the afternoon (volunteer can do both drop off and pick up or just one), but foster pick-up/deliveries could be at various times. The location will generally be in Waltham or surrounding towns, although it could be further out. The volunteer will be asked a few days to a week in advance if they are available. Transporting cats is a very important step in the process of finding them homes, so you will be helping us out immensely!
Cat Transport Coordinator (local)
This person would be responsible for overseeing and coordinating our cat transport volunteers. Duties include:
- Facilitating rides for any cat needing transport, including:
- Cats going to or from the shelter
- Cats needing to be dropped off /picked up from the vet
- Cats going to foster homes
- Cats transferring in from or out to other shelters/rescues
- Providing backup cat transport if necessary
Colony Feeder (local)
Colony feeders feed at one of our feral TRNM colonies once a week in the morning or evening, depending on the location. It takes approximately fifteen minutes each time. You bring all the supplies with you, including water, cat food, and trash bags (we will provide supplies if needed). Each colony is a little different, but generally you throw out any old food that is left, clean the dishes with water and paper towels or a sponge, then put out fresh wet and dry food and water. In the winter, shoveling may be needed (after bad storms, we get a team to help). Each colony has a Colony Supervisor who makes sure there is always a feeder for each day and to whom feeders report any sick or hurt cats or other issues. Feeders need their own transportation to the colony sites. Current colony sites are in Waltham.
Colony Backup Feeder (local)
If you are not prepared to commit to feeding one day a week at a feral colony, you could be a backup feeder who would feed on days when the regularly scheduled feeder is not available due to illness or travel. Sometimes feeders from other days can fill in when necessary, but a backup feeder can help fill in any gaps. This job is on an “as needed” basis. Backup feeders typically fill in for 1-7 days at a time and need their own transportation.
Colony Supervisor (local)
A Colony Supervisor is someone in charge of a specific feral cat colony. That person ensures that there is someone to feed every day, that substitutes are obtained if someone is going to miss a day, and is the central coordinator for any vet care the cats may need, or new cats who appear at the colony. The Colony Supervisor also works to keep good relationships with the local residents where the colony is located. This is a more advanced position that can be open to volunteers who have served as colony feeders.
Colony Co-Coordinator (local)
The Colony Co-Coordinator is responsible for oversight of all cat colonies and making sure that all cats are fed everyday and are in good health. They also watch over the warm houses and feeding stations. They are responsible for updating all colony documents in google doc, and group texts for each colony.
Foster Coordinator (ideally local but could be virtual)
We have several foster coordinators. This position would entail:
- Receiving and screening foster volunteers.
- Coordinating virtual visit & interview with new fosters
- Maintaining list of potential foster homes
- Assuring that all foster volunteers and assistants receive the necessary training and support to perform their foster care responsibilities.
- Serving as main contact for caseload of foster homes. Managing placement and care of all foster animals.
- Overseeing movement of TCC cats into foster homes.
- Ensuring a plan of action is in place for each cat towards adoption
- Working with TCC behaviorist to implement behavior plans for foster cats.
- Recording all pertinent foster info on spreadsheet
Foster Assistant (ideally local but could be virtual)
This position entails working with TCC intake/foster/adoption team to perform some or all of these duties:
- Receiving and screen foster applications
- Getting in touch with potential fosters
- Coordinating zoom interview
- Maintaining list of potential foster homes
- Helping to ensure that all fosters receive the necessary training, support and supplies to perform their foster care responsibilities
- Assisting with placement and care of all foster animals
- Assisting with movement of TCC cats into foster homes
- Helping to ensure that a plan of action is in place for each cat towards adoption
- Recording all pertinent info into Google spreadsheet
Adoption Coordinator (local)
Entails screening potential adopters and assessing their ability to care for a rescue cat, which would include reviewing potential adopters’ applications and setting up meetings for them with available cats.
Experience with pet adoption and matching up potential adopters with available cats would be a plus, but not at all necessary. We would provide training including all information about the cats we have for adoption, and our adoption criteria, as well as provide support throughout the adoption process. Good communication skills needed, as well as the ability to work as part of a team and also independently. Help us find loving homes for our kitties!
This position can be done mostly virtually, however we do like to have a TCC representative present for the finalization of the adoption. We will handle this as safely as possible, with social distancing and masks. It will take about 2-5 hours a week.
Intake Coordinator (could be virtual)
This position entails processing the admission and supervising the flow of cats that are going to become part of TCC. This role is responsible for partnering with the main sources of intake to place animals for our adoption program: owner surrenders, trapping, and transfers from other shelters/rescues. We’d like 2 of this position who would alternate intakes.
Some responsibilities include:
- Field all inquiries regarding the surrender of cats, and counsel surrendering owners on the intake process and offer alternatives to relinquishment when appropriate.
- Supervise the flow of cats into the shelter and foster program, evaluating the cats to determine their eligibility to enter TCC’s adoption program,
- Maintain knowledge of TCC’s current shelter population and adoption trends.
- Help determine placement pathways by documenting key information about the cat’s history, known behavior, and habits.
- Work with TCC’s Trapping Coordinator, Shelter Director, and Foster Coordinators regarding intake and placement of cats.
- Help facilitate the transport of any cats by working with the Cat Transport Coordinator.
Data Specialist (Data Entry Coordinator) (virtual)
We need someone to enter data into our shelter software database. Information will be sent to the data coordinator from various places. Volunteers in this position will be trained on our data system (Petstablished) and will be responsible for keeping it up to date. Attention to detail is very important for this position.
Steps to becoming a TCC Volunteer
- Fill out an application for the volunteer position you desire. A description of each position is listed under “Volunteer Position Descriptions”. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply and have a minimum of 3 months of volunteer service to give.
- See if you’re a match. If your volunteer application is matched to a position, you will be contacted by a TCC volunteer intake coordinator. All other applications will be kept on file for one year. *Please note: TCC’s volunteer program is highly competitive and the submission of an application does not guarantee placement.
- Get on-boarded. Once you’ve been matched to a position and confirmed by a TCC volunteer intake coordinator, you will be notified about volunteer orientations and training that you will be required to attend.
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PLEASE READ - Requirements to Volunteer with TCC (click to open)
Volunteering with The Cat Connection is a rewarding experience but is also a physically and emotionally demanding role and should be taken seriously. To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and animals, volunteers must meet the qualifications listed below.
Volunteer requirements:
- Required to be 18 years old or older
- Required to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per month
- Must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants
- Must complete the Volunteer Application and sign all release forms
- Must attend the relevant orientation prior to any volunteering
- Shelter volunteers must work with an experienced volunteer for 2 shifts, before volunteering on their own. We do have limited spots available for new volunteers so that they can be properly trained.
Essential Physical Capabilities: (pertains to shelter positions only)
- Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously (example: open cage door while handling cats).
- Ability to walk up and down stairs (we have 2 floors).
- Ability to stand for significant periods of time while cleaning cages/pods.
- Average vision to move safely around the building, to be able to observe feline body language without difficulty, and to be able to read notes.
- Average sense of smell and touch in order to assess the condition of animals, and to note signs of illness or injury.
- Ability to hear if a cat is growling or making sounds indicating fear or pain.
- Ability to speak and effectively communicate verbally.
- Ability to maneuver well in tight spaces and react and move quickly to prevent cats from escaping.
- Ability to handle and restrain cats with extreme caution and care.
- Ability to deal with strong and unpleasant odors, fleas, feces, and possible wounds or injuries to cats in our care.
- Ability to cope with a loud environment due to cat noises, music, and busy restaurant next door.
- Average strength to assist with lifting cats or supplies, heavy bags of food or litter, cat furniture, etc…
Essential Mental Capabilities:
- Ability to understand, retain, and follow instructions and procedures.
- The ability to judge a cat’s reaction and to change tone of voice accordingly.
- Must be aware of surroundings when working with the cats. Can remain calm with cats who are upset; behave sensitively and confidently; show good judgment and act appropriately in these situations.
- Once trained, must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, recognize limitations in knowledge and abilities, and ask for help when needed.
- Must have the ability to work as a team member with other volunteers and take direction from TCC Shift Supervisors, Management, and Staff.
Become a Cat Connection Volunteer
Please complete our volunteer application to start the process of becoming a volunteer. We want to know a little about you and your interests. Don’t worry if you’ve never done any of the activities, we will teach you everything you need to know!
We are looking forward to having you on our team.
Also, please click below to review additional documents for volunteers.
