Volunteer to work with unowned cats

At Forgotten Felines, volunteers are an integral part of our organization. In fact, without them, we could not provide the cats and the community with the level of service and care that people have come to expect from us. There are many ways to participate in our organization and we’re sure that we can find one to fit your purr-sonality and schedule.

Volunteer positions in our trapping and colony maintenance programs are described here.

Our Trapping Program operates as both a service and as a resource for information/referrals. This program is the front line in our effort to curb wild cat breeding and involves intense, direct contact with cats and kittens. Program participants work directly with the public, with our colony caretakers and FFSC staff. The Trapping Program Coordinator is supported by the following positions.

Trapper

Trap homeless cats and kittens for spay/neuter surgeries, transport trapped cats to clinics, and return/release* to colony.

Job Qualifications

Volunteers must be reliable, patient, and able to interact positively with a variety of people. Prior experience with cats, especially wild cats a plus. Volunteers must also be able to:

* Follow directions and work within the guidelines of the Trapping Program.
* Work under the direction of the Trapping Coordinator.
* Trap in the evenings.
* Safely house trapped cat overnight.
* Transport cat to and from clinic.
* Keep trapping records.
* Work co-operatively with the public.
* Operate traps and squeeze cages.
* Lift and carry up to 25 pounds easily.
* Work independently
* Drive and have reliable transportation.
* Have an incredible amount of patience.

We ask that all volunteers consider no less than a six-month commitment to Forgotten Felines. Hours vary and depend upon your availability.

One-on-one training is provided for this position.

FFSC will provide all trapping equipment

Trapper Support Volunteer

Support trapping program by providing overnight housing; transportation to/from veterinary offices or clinics; and/or releasing cats to their colonies.

Job Qualifications

Volunteers must be reliable, patient and interact positively with a variety of people. Prior experience with cats, especially wild cats, is a plus.

* Follow directions and work within the guidelines of the Trapping Program.
* Work under the direction of the Spay/Neuter Clinic Coordinator.
* Work independently.
* Interact professionally with Program Veterinarians and their Staff.
* Work co-operatively with Colony Caretakers.
* Lift and carry between 10 and 15 pounds easily.
* Drive and have reliable transportation.

We ask that all volunteers consider no less than a six-month commitment to the Forgotten Felines. Hours will vary and depend upon your availability, your geographic location (at home and at work), and the need for trapping support.

One-on-one training is provided for this position.

FFSC will provide the equipment and supplies necessary to perform this assignment.

Colony Caretaking Program

Forgotten Felines is responsible for the care and maintenance of a number of cat colonies throughout Sonoma County. That responsibility involves the daily feeding and oversight of each one of these colonies. This program is directed by our Colony Caretaker Coordinator and is supported by the following volunteer position.

Colony Caretaker

Provide food and water and monitor the health and stability of colony cats. Volunteers must be reliable, observant, and conscientious. Volunteers must also be able to:

1. Follow directions and work within the guidelines of the Caretaking Program.
2. Work under the direction of the Caretaking Coordinator.
3. Consistently keep their commitment on the days assigned.
4. Recognize and report any signs of illness or injury in colony cats.
5. Recognize and report any disturbances at the colony site.
6. Report the appearance of new cats at the colony to the Caretaking Coordinator.
7. Interact cooperatively with trappers and other Caretakers assigned to the Colony.
8. Work independently.
9. Drive and have reliable transportation.

We ask that all volunteers consider no less than a six-month commitment to Forgotten Felines. Colony Caretakers can be scheduled as regular feeders, occasional feeders, or as relief feeders. Your feeding schedule will depend upon your availability and proximity to existing colonies.

One-on-one training is provided for this position.
Cat food and any other needed supplies will be provided.

Relocation Scout and Set-Up Volunteers

We are always seeking relocation sites for cats that are in danger in their current colonies. We’re looking for volunteers to help with site set-ups (delivering cage and supplies) and eventually delivering the cats. This volunteer would then stay in touch with the relocation client to ensure all is going well during the transition, coach them through the release and pick up equipment and supplies once relocation is completed. Additional information about these positions will be provided during volunteer orientation

For additional information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator by phone 707-576-7999 or by email.