The Volunteer Job Description:

CAT AND SMALL ANIMAL SOCIALIZER

If you are 16 years of age or older, and a cat lover, this is a wonderful opportunity, and it's extremely rewarding. Play therapy can also be done with the shelter bunnies and other small animals for those who are so inclined.

At the shelter, cats, kittens and bunnies are housed in cages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and most have been at the shelter for several months before reaching the point of going up for adoption. As a result, many cats become bored, lonely and depressed if they don't receive social interaction. This can have serious consequences, since depression can at times lead to illness or aggression. Socializing helps keep the cats from becoming bored, lonely and depressed by allowing them play time out of the cage. The goal is to keep every cat happy, healthy and friendly so that they have a greater chance of being adopted quickly into loving forever homes. Many of the cats and bunnies enjoy being brushed as well.

All volunteers interested in becoming a Small Animal Socializer will be given a training session before starting.

If you are considering this position, compassion and a sincere love of cats (or bunnies if you prefer)is necessary. Experience dealing with and handling cats is a definite asset, but not a requirement, since everybody accepted into the program will go through the training session regardless of experience or qualifications. As a Socializer, you must be willing and able to follow instructions and have a good understanding of animal behaviour and communication. Ideally, a weekly committment of one hour per week would be appreciated, but we love it when our Socializers come more often.

Volunteers work with the cats already up for adoption. These cats have been dewormed, defleaed and are up to date on their shots. These cats are kept in the Cat Adoption rooms.

If you love cats (or bunnies), this is a very rewarding volunteer position, not only for the volunteer, but for the kitties (and bunnies) as well. Shelter staff are so busy and don't have the time to give each animal individual attention. That's why Socializer volunteers are true gems!