Cat Fosterer Volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

  • Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
  • Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
  • Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
  • Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
  • Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

Volunteer fosterers provide space in their own homes to look after cats whilst they are waiting for a new home. You would provide all of the cat's daily care.

  • A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
  • Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
  • A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
  • Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for! 

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Skills

  • Sympathetic to cats (experience beneficial, but not necessary)
  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as almost all cats need to go to the vet at some point
  • Physically able to carry out day-to-day cat care tasks including cleaning the cat's environment to a high standard, and basic cat handling
  • Attentive and able to provide regular updates on the cat's progress
  • Able to work as part of a small remote team and provide regular updates 
  • Willing and able to work to policies and protocols set either by the branch or wider charity
  • Confident using own initiative where appropriate
  • Some customer service skills beneficial but not essential to aid in showing your foster cat to prospective, pre-screened adopters by appointment only

Details

  • Accessibility
    We will gladly discuss any accessibility needs and consider requests for adjustments as appropriate. Must be able to carry out basic cat husbandry
  • Age restrictions
    The lead applicant must be the age of 18+ however the whole family can be involved
  • DBS check required
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
    We currently don't have a policy but this is under development, with a significant focus on EDI since 2022 and extensive work done to review every area of the charity in terms of inclusion and accessibility. We have affinity groups for neurodiversity, Pride and chronic illness. The recruiting manager has been trained on managing mental health in the workplace, is neurodivergent, and has extensive experience with mental health and chronic physical health conditions.
  • Expenses reimbursed
    All expenses reinbursed in full (receipts/VAT invoices required). Where possible we provide supplies directly
  • Health and Safety Policy
    We have a whole Health and Safety team, several training modules, and an entire manual for our branches. For this role specifically we have training and risk assessments for cat husbandry-related hazards
  • Ongoing support
    Fosterers typically report to the Cat Welfare Team Leader, however have access to peer support from other volunteers and will have contact with the Area Branch Development Manager and Regional Cat Welfare Advisor. Extensive cat care guidance available online to all volunteers
  • Training provided
    Core on-demand modules to be completed before starting the role, and we have an extensive and ever-growing range of additional learning available. Cat handling and husbandry training can be arranged if required
  • Volunteer induction
    A full induction package is delivered through a range of media
  • Volunteer Policy
    We have a 3-page policy and a selection of other documents. Our volunteering values statement is "We recognise and appreciate the distinct contribution volunteers make to Cats Protection. Through our volunteers, we are able to reach out across the UK to rehome and neuter cats and to educate people on responsible cat ownership. We value their passion for cats, the different perspectives and breadth of experience they bring to the organisation and the distinctive and complementary role they play alongside paid staff. Cats Protection benefits from the skills, experience and enthusiasm of volunteers and we believe that volunteers should be able to gain personal benefits from the experience too. We are committed to managing volunteers in a way that ensures the needs of both the volunteer and the organisation are met. Cats Protection strives to create a diverse and inclusive organisation; we are committed to ensuring equality of access to high-quality volunteer opportunities and equality of treatment of volunteers in all our policies and procedures"
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
    All volunteers covered by our Public and Employer's liability insurance. All charity vehicles are covered by our insurance, however if you drive your own vehicle the insurance is your responsibility
  • Written role description
    Role description available on request but most relevant information provided in advert already

When can I volunteer?

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Evening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Location

This opportunity can be carried out whilst working from home.


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