About Volunteering

We’d Love to Have You on our Team!

Welcome and thank you for your interest in volunteering at Caring for Cats, Inc.! 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 can 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, Inc. volunteer, you also represent the shelter to the general public and to potential adopters who wish to provide a forever home. We are looking for long-term volunteers who can make a commitment of AT LEAST 12 MONTHS. Please note that you must be at least 18 years old to volunteer with Caring for Cats.

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.