Cattery Volunteers Needed!

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Thank you for your interest in the Houston SPCA Volunteer Program. The Houston SPCA has hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time to make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals and our community. Without these caring individuals, we could not continue our mission to promote the commitment to and respect for all animals and free them from suffering, abuse, and exploitation.

Responsibilities:

• Socialize Cats: Spend time playing with and petting the cats to help reduce their stress and improve their adoptability.
• Monitor Health: Observe and report any health or behavioral concerns to staff.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure the cats' living areas are clean and comfortable.
• Provide Enrichment: Engage the cats with toys and activities to keep them stimulated.
• Follow Safety Protocols: Handle cats safely and follow all guidelines to ensure the well-being of both the cats and volunteers.

Requirements:

• Comfortable with Cats: Ability to handle cats of various temperaments.
• Observant: Able to monitor and recognize signs of stress or health issues in cats.
• Physical Ability: Able to perform tasks such as cleaning and playing with cats.
• Adherence to Guidelines: Follow all campus protocols to ensure the safety of the animals, staff, and volunteers.

Training:

• Initial Training: New volunteers will receive training on cat handling, enrichment techniques, assisting potential adopters, and safety protocols.
• Shadowing: Volunteers will initially shadow experienced cat caretakers to learn best practices.

Benefits:

• Positive Impact: Make a difference in the lives of our cats.
• Experience: Gain experience working with cats of different breeds and behaviors.
• Mission Contribution: Help further the mission of the Houston SPCA.
• Personal Rewards: Enjoy the emotional benefits of spending time with animals and contributing to their well-being

If you are passionate about dogs and want to make a difference, please consider becoming a dog-walking volunteer at the Houston SPCA. Visit our website to register at https://houstonspca.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

Further details outlining these opportunities will be provided at the training session. Is it possible to volunteer for only a couple of months/just during the summer? Yes

Requirements to become a volunteer:

• All potential volunteers must be at least 16 years old at the time of application
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 for adults or $25 for youth (16-17 years old)
• All applicants 18 and up must complete a background screening
• Must have consistent access to the internet and email
• Must have the willingness to complete all necessary tasks within a specified volunteer area
• Must be able to work well with others, as all volunteer positions work directly with staff, volunteers, and the public. Dog walking volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and happiness of the dogs at our campus. By providing regular exercise, socialization, and bathroom breaks, volunteers help keep our dogs healthy and ready for adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer court-appointed community service opportunities? At this time, the Houston SPCA does not fulfill court-appointed community service hours.

If my child is under 16, can they volunteer at the Houston SPCA if I accompany him/her? Because of the type of work our volunteers do for us, we do require each volunteer to be at least 16 years of age at the time of application. We do however offer a spring, winter and summer camp for young people ages 8-14 years old, and a Critter Camp Crew counselor program for kids age 15 and older. We also have service projects available for individuals or scout groups.

Can I be a volunteer if I have a criminal record? Everyone is encouraged to apply. Your candidacy may be declined depending on the offense. These will be discussed on a case-by-case basis once the results of your application and background screening have been received.

I prefer to fill out a paper application. Can I come to the shelter to do so? No, we do not offer paper applications. All of our applications must be completed online.

If I do not currently have a credit/debit card, can I pay the application fee in person with another payment method? All application fees must be completed online using a credit/debit card.

How to get started volunteering at the Houston SPCA

1. Submit Payment: $40 for ages 18 and up; $25 for ages 16-17
2. Complete Application: Once you’ve paid, you’ll receive an automated email containing a link where you can complete the application. Be sure to check your junk/spam folder!
3. Complete the Background Screening (18+ only): Once your application is received, you’ll receive instructions to initiate a background screening. Please follow all prompts to complete and submit this screening.
4. Attend Orientation: After your application and background screening (if applicable) have been reviewed, you’ll be contacted via email to register for our new volunteer orientation. You’ll learn about the shelter and what you can expect as a volunteer.
5. Attend Training: Once you’ve completed orientation, you’ll be given instructions on how to register for training in one of the animal areas in which you want to volunteer.
6. Start Volunteering: After training in your area of choice, you can begin to schedule volunteer shifts using our online portal.