Foster Caregiver
By providing temporary, in-home care, you'll ensure these animals receive the love, attention, and medical care they need to thrive until they are ready for adoption or release. This flexible and rewarding role offers hands-on training, support, and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in animal care and community engagement. Join us and help give these animals a second chance at a happy, healthy life!
Purpose of the Position: The Foster Caregiver Volunteer supports Snip & Tip by providing temporary, in-home care for cats and kittens until they are ready for adoption or release. This role ensures that foster animals receive the love, attention, and medical care they need to thrive.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
Daily Care: Provide daily care for foster cats and kittens, including feeding, watering, cleaning litter boxes, and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
Health Monitoring: Monitor the health and well-being of foster animals, reporting any signs of illness or distress to the Foster Coordinator and ensuring timely veterinary care.
Socialization: Spend time socializing with foster animals to help them become more comfortable around people and improve their chances of adoption.
Medical Care: Administer any prescribed medications or treatments as directed by veterinary professionals.
Transport: Assist with transporting foster animals to and from veterinary appointments, adoption events, and other necessary locations using your personal vehicle.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of the foster animal’s health, behavior, and any medical treatments administered.
Communication: Provide regular updates to the Foster Coordinator about the foster animal’s progress, health, and behavior.
Adoption Preparation: Help prepare foster animals for adoption by working on basic training, socialization, and providing detailed information about their personality and needs to potential adopters.
Supplies Management: Ensure that foster animals have all necessary supplies, such as food, litter, toys, and bedding. Communicate with the Foster Coordinator to request additional supplies as needed.
Community Engagement: Engage with potential adopters, community members, and other volunteers to promote Snip & Tip’s foster program and encourage responsible pet ownership.
Level of Difficulty:
Physical (3/5): Involves lifting, bending, and handling cats and kittens of various sizes and conditions.
Mental (3/5): Requires attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
Emotional (4/5): Can be emotionally challenging due to the potential for attachment to foster animals and dealing with sick or injured animals.
Expected Environmental Conditions: Majority of the work occurs in the volunteer’s home. Volunteers should ensure their home environment is safe and suitable for fostering animals.
How Often Volunteers Work On-site: All volunteer work is off-site in the volunteer’s home, with occasional travel to veterinary clinics and adoption events.
Orientation/Training:
General orientation and training on Snip & Tip’s foster program, policies, and procedures.
Hands-on training specific to the role, including animal care, health monitoring, and record-keeping.
Introduction to key team members and veterinary partners.
Learning Opportunities:
Develop or strengthen skills in animal care and health monitoring.
Gain experience in fostering and preparing animals for adoption.
Enhance communication and community outreach skills.
Position Start Date: Ongoing.
Initial Minimum Commitment: Commitment varies based on the needs of the foster animals, with typical foster periods ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Scheduling Guidelines: Flexible, with daily care required. Foster caregivers should be available for scheduled veterinary appointments and adoption events.
Tools/Equipment Provided (including Personal Protective Equipment):
Training materials, resources, and support for fostering activities.
Supplies for foster animals, including food, litter, medical kits, and bedding.
Optional Tools/Equipment: Any specialty tools or personal equipment you prefer to work with.
Supervisor(s): Foster Coordinator, Snip & Tip.
Number of Concurrent Volunteer Openings: Varies based on the number of animals in need of fostering

Qualifications/Requirements for Volunteer Applicants:
Meet the requirements outlined in the Essential Capabilities document with or without reasonable accommodation.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and follow instructions.
Comfortable handling cats and kittens of various temperaments.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Experience in animal care or fostering is preferred but not required.
Access to a computer and internet for record-keeping and communication.