Hotline Help - Help Cats in Need by Responding to Email Inquiries!

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Stray Cat Alliance educates and empowers communities to advocate for every cat’s right to be safe, healthy and valued. Our hotline is a key component of our outreach to and support of the community. This public service provides resources for all aspects of cat care, including: trap/neuter/return (TNR), spay/neuter, medical care, adoptions and rehoming cats, orphaned kittens, cats in danger (poisoned, threatened, etc), pregnant community cats, feral or stray cats on their property, and landlord complaints.

Our primary purpose is to provide information, resources, guidance, encouragement and support so that the community member can provide what is needed to help the cat(s)/kitten(s). We are not always able to take in cats/kittens or make promises to provide care. However in some cases, with supervisor approval, we can directly help.

We provide templates with resources and other information to assist in answering emails. Frequently, inquiries require multiple responses and information tailored to the unique circumstances of the people’s and cats’ situations. With training and staff support, volunteers are able to virtually walk community members through their options, explain how to rescue and care for a cat or kitten, and empower them to do the work if we tell them how to do it.

Animal rescue, and this front line volunteer position, is emotionally charged. We do our best to respond to all inquiries, triaging the most urgent. Please note that this volunteer opportunity can involve challenging or traumatic situations.

REQUIREMENTS
Hotline volunteers will be trained and supported to respond to email inquiries received via our website, and respond to voicemails received on our hotline number.

1. Ability to professionally advocate Stray Cat Alliances' position on issues.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
3. Excellent people skills. You must be friendly, confident in your knowledge, and able to convey your message clearly.
4. Through the hotline, you will hear about difficult situations and will be expected to maintain a positive attitude and provide good customer service.
5. Understanding of the medical needs of cats and kittens.
6. Experience with kittens and stray and feral cat issues.
7. Experience with TNR (trap/neuter/return) or willing to learn.
8. Access to a computer.
9. Proficiency with Google Suite, including Gmail and Google docs.

TIME COMMITMENT

1. Must be able to commit to volunteering a minimum of twice a week for 2 or more hours per day, for at least two months.
2. Must be available to attend monthly Hotline team meetings via Zoom. These meetings are currently held on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 pm, but we may adjust based on volunteer availability.
3. All volunteer work is done from the comfort of your home.