Volunteer Role Description
Cattery Assistant
Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position
Aim of volunteering role:
To work with the Animal Care Assistants (ACA) providing additional help to the staff, cleaning the cat accommodation, preparing food, grooming, providing environment enrichment and socializing/handling the cats and kittens.
Tasks:
· To sign in and out at reception each time you volunteer.
· To check the volunteer notice board each time you come into volunteer, as there may be an important notice for Volunteers.
· To assist the ACA in the general cleaning of the cattery, cattery equipment and cattery areas (walkways, kitchen, sluice areas) as per full instruction given.
· To help with general cleaning and laundry duties in the support building and other areas.
· To empty, clean and re-fill cat litter trays and water bowls as per full instruction given.
· To assist the ACA in feeding the cats how and when instructed.
· To groom cats as and when instructed.
· To socialise cats and kittens as and when instructed.
· To provide environment enrichment for the cats.
· To refer any customer questions and queries to members of staff.
· To follow all instruction given on health & safety, including PPE and manual handling.
Time commitment:
You can volunteer anytime between 8.30am – 4.00pm.
Due to the high demand to volunteer at Gables Farm, we can only take on individuals who can volunteer regularly. This will be reviewed on a three monthly basis. Any individual that is unable to volunteer on a regular basis will be asked to relinquish their position for another person who wishes to become a regular volunteer.
Place of work:
Gables Farm Dogs' & Cats' Home
Transport needed:
Due to the location of the Home, volunteers require their own transport. There are no public transport links to the Home.
Skills/qualifications/experience required:
· Good communication skills.
· Interest in and commitment to the work of the Home.
· Genuine interest in cats and their welfare.
· A calm friendly personality, flexibility and the ability to follow instruction.
Training and support:
· Volunteers will receive a name badge, which must be worn at all times.
· Volunteers will work with the Animal Care Assistants who will provide guidance and support. You will also be supported by the Animal Care Supervisors.
· Volunteers will also attend an Induction, task specific training at the start, occasional training, Health and Safety training.
Benefits offered:
· You will receive a loyalty card that gives you 10% off all shop items and boarding.
· Reference available after 3 months volunteering.
· Your time will help Gables Farm ensure our animals have healthy, happy lives and unwanted or abandoned dogs and cats find new homes.
· Develop your knowledge and skills, and contribute to local animal welfare.
· Additional flexibility and support will be built in wherever possible.
References:
Two personal references required.
Please Note: Candidates will be selected for a trial day if their application is shortlisted. This gives you the opportunity to see how we work, what the position involves and establish that you would like to volunteer at Gables Farm. It also enables us to assess your suitability for the position further.
* There are limited placements available so we do prioritise people who can come on a regular basis.
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