Trap Neuter/Spay and Release (TNR) team
As a volunteer Trap Neuter/Spay and Release (TNR) Team Member, you will play an instrumental role in Regina Cat Rescue’s rescue efforts. You will work closely with other TNR Team Members to humanely trap stray and/or feral cats into carriers, or pick up friendly cats to place them in a carrier.
You will assess the cat’s state and whether they require immediate medical attention or are safe to go to a temporary boarding place/foster home. As a remote-based organization, please note RCR does not have an office space/facility.
Responsibilities:
Respond in a timely manner to RCR’svolunteers when they reach out with rescue requests
After receiving details of the situation (last known/current location, cat’s descriptions/photos, etc.) you will go to the location and work to secure the cat in a humane way through trapping/coaxing/handling. When trapping, you will monitor the trap (further instruction will be provided through appropriate training and education).
Whether successful or not in securing the cat, you will be expected to notify the designated RCR Lead. If successful, you will complete a visual assessment of the cat – check for signs of distress, identifying marks (tattoo/collar/etc.), and any medical concerns (matted fur, injuries, bleeding, ear mites, etc.) and notify the appropriate RCR Lead if immediate veterinarian attention is required.
Ensure the rescued cat is dropped off to the foster home location as directed by the rescue team member, unless immediate veterinarian attention is required.
Keep detailed records of your efforts, which will be submitted to community cat team leads and/or other rescue team members as directed
Other responsibilities may be discussed as directed by Board of Directors
Time Commitment:
Varies – humane trapping can take an hour or several hours over several days, depending on the cat(s) and situation
Please note while we do our best to accurately reflect time commitment required to ensure interested individuals are aware, it may fluctuate depending on the time of year and seasons
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Age requirement of 18+ is a must
High level of patience
Ability to work well independently and as a team player
Commitment to RCR’s mission and a love of animals
Knowledge and past experience of humane trapping considered a strong asset
Access to reliable internet coverage and phone or computer with access to email, as this is the primary means of communication to schedule events
Flexible schedule (perfect for university student with set schedule, someone working part time, or someone retired)
Willingness to work in all areas of Regina
Knowledge of common cat illnesses and injuries, what to look for, and how to distinguish what potential ailment requires immediate medical attention is an asset
Feral cats, also called community cats, are the offspring of unsterilized lost or abandoned stray/feral cats, who are unsocialized and fearful of humans. They find it difficult to adapt to living as pets, due to their preference of living independently and self-defence behaviors. While they may change said behaviors (typically hissing and growling) as they learn to trust humans that regularly feed them, and provide them with water and care, they often retain their feral habits which make it difficult to place them in homes.
Stray cats are abandoned or lost cats, who once socialized with humans and retained their tame nature but live on the streets. While tame, they could regress to feral state after living without human contact for long periods of time.