Neonatal Foster
As a Neonatal Foster volunteer you will play an integral role in Regina Cat Rescues operations by housing rescued neonatal kittens temporarily.
You will care for them as if they are your own and prepare them for adoption to permanent homes. You will commit to providing regular updates to RCR volunteers, commit to following RCR policies and procedures, and assist with RCR’s goal to find every rescued cat a loving home. As a remote-based organization, RCR does not have an office space or facility and therefore our organization simply would not be able to help the cats that we do without volunteer Foster Homes.
Responsibilities
Daily care for rescued cats which includes but is not limited to feeding, providing fresh and accessible water, ensuring litter box(es) are well maintained and clean, and socializing your foster cat(s) through play and affection: Please note at times care for neonatal kittens may require extensive, long hours, with care being required every 2 - 3 hours. This ensures they are getting the appropriate nutrients, toileting (neonatal kittens require assistance with this), and gaining weight appropriately. RCR is grateful to have an informed and well-versed volunteer, who will assist with providing training prior to acceptance.
Transport cat(s) in your care to and from their veterinarian appointments or communicate in a timely fashion when you are unavailable to do so,
Ensure you have the appropriate supplies necessary to care for a cat, and if not, clearly communicate what supplies are needed to the Supply Coordinator
Liaise with RCR members to review adoption applications, scheduling a meet and greet with potential adoptive families, and assess appropriateness of the applicant.
Ensure the Foster Home Management Lead is provided regular updates regarding the health and well-being of the cat in your care, along with a write up and photos when the cat is adoptable
Other responsibilities as directed by Board of Directors
Time Commitments
Placement of rescued cats can range from a few weeks to upwards of six months, depending on the needs of the cats and adoption activity. As adoption activity is cyclical, and can decline and increase during different times of the year.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Commitment to RCR’s mission and a love of animals, willing to open your heart and home
High level of patience, as street cats may take longer to warm up to social interactions
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with a team player attitude
Effective at interpreting and applying RCR’s adoption criteria and any other policies relating to foster home
Awareness of basic cat care such as when and how much to feed cat(s), litter box maintenance, cat proofing a home, etc., willing to learn/know specific care neonatal kittens require
Access to reliable internet coverage and phone or computer with access to email, as this is the primary means of communication to schedule events
Knowledge of common cat illnesses and signs of illnesses (training and information will be provided)
RCR supplies all necessary food, litter, toys/beds, and veterinary care including spay/neuter. Our experienced team is highly responsive to support you with any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
Fosters are encouraged to request food and litter supplies with at least 72 hours’ notice. Consistency in food supplies is aimed for to avoid gastrointestinal issues for the cats.
Fosters may also choose to provide food, litter and supplies. The receipts for these purchases can be submitted to RCR at the end of the year for a gift-in-kind tax receipt.