Feline Socializer

Purpose: Our Feline Socializers are critical to the health and well being of our shelter cats. They are the primary providers of the attention, socialization and exercise our cats thrive on. Cats often have a difficult time adjusting to shelter life, and it is crucial to help them keep and strengthen their bond with people while waiting for their forever home.

Shifts: Shifts are available 7 days a week

Duties Include:

·         Cleaning cat cages or habitats

·         Feeding

·         Spot cleaning, scooping litter boxes, disinfecting toys, sweeping and mopping floors as needed

·         Noting any behavioral or medical issues and reporting them to staff

·         Socializing cats, ensuring all cats and kittens get equal time.

·         Grooming cats as needed

·         Kitten care during kitten season: bathing, feeding, prepping cages, intake of underage kittens awaiting foster (*Requires separate on the job training)

·         Record Keeping: indicating which cats have been socialized during your shift

·         Assisting with intake: prepping cages, bathing, and prepping vaccinations (*Requires separate on the job training).

·         Showing felines to interested adopters and directing them to staff when clients are ready to adopt.

Age Requirements

·         Feline Socializers must be 18 and over

·         Children 16 – 18 must be pre-approved to volunteer on their own after completing all training with their parent or guardian.

·         Children 10 – 15 may volunteer as Feline Socializers, but must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian, and may not carry cats or kittens.

Skills and Qualities Needed

·         Ability to take direction

·         Attention to detail: cleanliness

·         People oriented

·         Positive and solution oriented

·         Ability to read cat body language.

·         Flexibility and willingness to do a variety of tasks

·         Help facilitate a “Culture of Development” within the organization: treating each person with respect, courtesy, and ensuring that they leave the East Bay SPCA having had the best experience possible, with the hope that they may become financial supporters of the organization.

Training Required

·         Volunteer Orientation

·         Feline Training Class (1.5 hours)

·         Shadow shift with an experienced volunteer

Tools Required

·         Lint Roller

·         EBSPCA Apron ($10)

·         Badge (provided)