I need some advice

luvs2be

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Ok, as i was browsing through the forums here i came across one talking about volunteering, i followed one of the links given and i found something...
Shelter caretaker [ Back ]
Details Organization: Ce-Ce & Friends Humane Society [ Details ]
Date: --
Estimated Time: 3 hours per Week
Location: Call for directions
South Weymouth, MA 02190

Great For: Seniors, Groups
Interest Area: Animals








Description
Responsible, dedicated animal lovers needed to assist in cleaning and maintaining shelter, scooping litterboxes, feeding, grooming and socializing resident cats. Weekday and weekend, morning and evening shifts available, though we especially need morning volunteers at this time.

Skills
Must be 18 years or older, responsible, and love animals! *Though interacting with the cats is a big part, please recognize that the less "fun" things like mopping floors, doing laundry, etc. are also a big part of the job that you need to be willing to commit to.*

I understand that this is not just sitting and playing with kitty cats all day, but anyone that has volunteered with something similar, what do they ask of you, i see laundry and mopping, which is cool, i know that is helping the cats. Really i was kind of hoping fo an overview of somekind. I have never volunteered like this before and i can't have another cat with the one i have right now, but i find myself drawn to cats in general. They say they are looking for morning people and that kind of works for me as i work at 4:30 in the afternoon.
I know it is late, at least here in Mass it is.....Thank you for any feedback.
 

hissy

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It really depends on you and your level of expertise. But basic duties are cleaning cages, feeding and watering, scooping litter pans, taking dogs for walks, hosing down kennels, carrying dog food, cat food, newspaper and bedding wherever they are needed. Doing laundry...that sort of thing. You can help to socialize the animals which is generally you and the animal shut into a room where you interact with the animal under the watchful eye of someone more experienced until they are sure you know what you are doing.
 

jen

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It can also be a ton of fun! I always loved working in shelters and doing this type of thing.
It is also a great feeling when you can help an injured or abused or unwanted animal and help them find a forever home.
 

beckiboo

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I never did it myself, but know several people who have, including my daughter. It depends a lot on the shelter-but mostly it is an enjoyable job for someone who isn't afraid of a some work mixed in with the animal care!

Thanks for wanting to help...that is a great idea!
 

leesali

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It is basically what Hissy described.

I volunteer at my local Humane Society who besides doing a lot of TNR also handles adoptions.

When I volunteer, it is cleaning cages, laundry, fresh food & water, if capable--giving meds., clipping nails, socializing at the adoption center, answering phones, etc. Outside of the center, it could be taking a cat/kitten to the vet., fostering newborns or little-ones at home, picking-up a foster to bring in for adoption, setting traps for TNR, assessing strays/ferals for adoption, etc.

It really depends on which aspect you want to get involved in. We have some volunteers that strictly foster and then some volunteers that strictly handle TNR.

Good example...this morning I volunteered for a few hours and thought I would simply be cleaning-up, feeding, etc. Well...I left the adoption center with a small carrier, bottles & KMR. Apparently a couple spotted very young kittens near their home that belong to a very large colony. Basically, I've been sent on a mission to capture the kittens and bring them in to be cleaned-up, fed, meds. etc.

So...anything is a go when you are dealing with a shelter enviornment.
 
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luvs2be

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Thank you guys!....I ended up sending them an email telling them i am interested...I would mostly just want to work inside the shelter, cleaning, caring and feeding....I have no real experience in trapping and medicating cats, so doing the grunt work is fine with me.
This place is strictly a cat shelter, i am comfortable with cats so all cool there!
I hope they contact me back i am excited about helping out.
 

leesali

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Originally Posted by Luvs2Be

Thank you guys!....I ended up sending them an email telling them i am interested...I would mostly just want to work inside the shelter, cleaning, caring and feeding....I have no real experience in trapping and medicating cats, so doing the grunt work is fine with me.
This place is strictly a cat shelter, i am comfortable with cats so all cool there!
I hope they contact me back i am excited about helping out.
GOOD FOR YOU!! It is very rewarding...even if it is cleaning cages and feeding. To know that you helped one of these fuzzy little guys is a great thing!!
 
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