Reviews
Would you recommend MEOW Cat Rescue?
I've been a kennel attendant on Saturday afternoons for the last 2 years and a MEOW buddy before that. In both positions, I had a ton of fun while learning about proper sanitation methods, cat food, cat behavior, and yes, even a bit about human behavior. Although the nice thing about being a kennel attendant is that I'm not really expected to interact with the public much, so if someone comes up to me, I'm allowed to just say, "Hold on, I'll find you an adoption counselor." So I'd say this is a good position for socially anxious/awkward people who still want to help cats.
I also love the crew I work with; if it's a hectic day, everyone's helping each other as much as possible, and if it's a slow day, we all have time to chat and play with cats while taking care of our usual duties. It's a win-win for the people and cats!
TL;DR: I LOVE MEOW!
As a no-kill shelter and a small organization, MEOW is truly incredible for both the care cats (and other animals) in its system receive and the attention volunteers get. Treats (sweet and salty), kind words, and help were always part of the environment while I was there, and I can't wait to go back! I felt valuable and useful to the organization, and, more importantly, to the animals, and MEOW made sure I had the training to interact with them positively and help them get adopted. I've been back to visit and staff remember me by name, even though it's been years since I could volunteer regularly. Truly an incredible nonprofit.
I started volunteering with MEOW over 10 years ago. I was an adopter first and then came back to volunteer. It is a wonderful organization that cares very much - not only about the cats in their care, but also about the people who work and volunteer there. I have broadened my own skillset while volunteering, being given opportunities to learn new things. It is one of the premier cat shelters in the region and a wonderful place to spend time. The shelter is bright and clean and pleasant. Cats are kept in clean enclosures and get lots of human interaction and attention.
The staff is very smart and kind and caring. I am impressed with how much time they take with the cats - ensuring that they are healthy or getting the proper treatment to get healthy. The staff and volunteers know each cat individually and truly care about them. Placing cats in the best possible homes is the primary focus.
I can't imagine my life without MEOW. It is one of the most important things in my life.
Volunteered here for eight years. They really care about the kitties in their care here. The problem is that they seriously lack professionalism, especially in working with volunteers. I was treated poorly a number of times by staff members while volunteering here, and a person I'm now friends with left partly because she couldn't deal with the unnecessary b!tchiness the "senior" volunteers were dishing out. Unspoken expectations (that I would be able to do anything medical) were placed on me when I became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in spite of the fact that I had zero experience in the field at the time, and I was treated with condescension when those expectations were not met. This was the final straw for me. I now volunteer at an animal organization that always treats their volunteers with respect and appreciation, and I encourage anyone reading this review to do the same. Do not volunteer here unless you like being subjected to others' bad moods and unfair treatment.
This is a clean, well-run shelter with the motto, "All nine lives are precious." It is strictly no-kill, and animals are always given any medical help they need. Volunteers are trained and valued, and opportunities can be made flexible to fit your schedule. The people are great, but of course the cats are even better!