Process to Foster

Fosters are a very large part of our rescue and we couldn't save as many cats/kittens without our fosters. If you are interested in being a foster then please fill out the foster application. If you are approved to foster, our foster coordinator will be in contact with you regarding orientation.  

Process to Volunteer

As a cat rescue volunteer, your role would include core animal care, cleaning, socialization, adoption support, transport and administrative duties.  Other volunteer roles could vary depending on interest, e.g. social media, photography or fundraising. 

New volunteers will typically begin with the completion of a volunteer application, followed by a conversation with our volunteer coordinator and attendance in an orientation.

Before you Start (considerations):

• Volunteer needs are generally during the day.  Volunteers can volunteer at designated times in one-to-two-hour intervals.  These intervals generally begin at 10:00 and end at 3:00. 
• Consider potential allergies (our kitty rescue involves constant exposure to animals and allergens).
• Consider kitties are in various states of socialization; some are friendly and some need patience to respond.  All kitties have the likelihood to scratch (they are kitties after all).
• Volunteers below age 18 will need a parent or guardian to attend orientation and be present during the volunteer shift.   

General Volunteer Role Activity:

Animal care:

• Feeding and watering:  Ensure all kitties have fresh water (we have auto water fountains as well as traditional water bowls).  Ensure food bowls are clean and filled.  Provide wet food according to dietary needs e.g. kitten vs adult cat.  
• Health monitoring: Observe cats for any signs of illness, e.g. runny eyes and report your observations to the staff. 
• Maintain separation (different rooms) between kitties and adult cats.

Cleaning and sanitation:

Manage litter boxes:

• Scoop and clean litter boxes.  Fully change a litter box if dirty.  Observe for any signs of diarrhea and report observations to the staff.

Dishes:

• Wash food bowls and water bowls.

General cleaning:

• Sweep common areas and kitty rooms to maintain a clean environment.
• Take out trash when they are full.
• Make sure you don’t put litter box waste in the garbage cans. ALWAYS take those to the large dumpsters outside.  
• Use Clorox or Lysol wipes to clean the inside of the cabinets when needed.

Socialization and enrichment:

Play and cuddle:

• Spend time interacting with cats to help them feel comfortable and loved.  This is especially important for kittens and shy or stressed cats. 

Provide enrichment:

• Supply and rotate toys and scratchers to keep cats mentally stimulated.  Talk to them / interact with other volunteers, so they become comfortable around people.

Additional Volunteer Role Activity:

Kitty Transport:

• For those volunteers interested in helping us transport kitties to and from EveryPet (formerly First Coast no more Homeless Pets), we can discuss 1:1.

Administrative and adoption tasks:

• For those skilled in creative writing (kitty bios); photography and social media, let’s talk.  These activities help improve the kitty's chances of getting noticed online.
• Event assistance.  Help set up and attend off- site adoption events. 

PetSmart:

• Kitty Chicks has a relationship with PetSmart on San Jose Blvd.  Volunteer assistance at the store would mirror the General Volunteer role activities.  In addition, you may find an opportunity to assist potential adopters and help introduce kitties to their forever home.