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Cat Care Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Simos

Cat Care Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.06 - $18/hr

In this position, you work closely with volunteers, medical and adoptions staff to ensure every cat thrives. In addition to specific cat care responsibilities, the role helps maintain the cleanliness ...

Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$25/hr

This is a flexible, part-time independent contractor position where all jobs are voluntary and you ... Experienced with dog or cat care, especially in a pet sitting capacity * Confidently handle dogs ...

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How much do cat care volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat care volunteer in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cat care volunteer?

Cat Care Volunteers are individuals who dedicate their time to helping care for cats in animal shelters, rescue organizations, or foster homes. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, cleaning, socializing, and monitoring the health of cats to ensure their well-being. Volunteers play a crucial role in making cats feel comfortable, safe, and more adoptable by providing attention, affection, and basic care. This role is ideal for people who love animals and want to make a positive impact on their lives. Training is usually provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cat care volunteer?

To thrive as a Cat Care Volunteer, you need basic animal care knowledge, comfort handling cats, and a willingness to follow shelter protocols. Familiarity with shelter management software, cleaning equipment, and, in some cases, pet first aid certification is helpful. Patience, compassion, and strong communication skills help volunteers build trust with cats and effectively coordinate with staff and other volunteers. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and socialization of cats while supporting the smooth operation of the shelter.

What challenges do cat care volunteers face and how can they be managed?

Cat Care Volunteers often encounter challenges such as managing shy or anxious cats, maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces, and balancing multiple cats' needs during their shifts. It's important to approach cats patiently, using gentle handling techniques and allowing them to acclimate at their own pace. Staying organized, following shelter protocols, and communicating regularly with staff and fellow volunteers can help ensure a safe and positive environment for both cats and humans.

What is the difference between Cat Care Volunteer vs Animal Shelter Assistant?

AspectCat Care VolunteerAnimal Shelter Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required; basic animal handling knowledge helpfulMay require training or certifications in animal handling or first aid
Work EnvironmentPrimarily caring for cats in shelter or foster settingsAssisting with various animals, including cats, in shelter operations
Employer & Industry UsageVolunteer roles in shelters, rescue groups, or foster programsPaid or volunteer roles in animal shelters or rescue organizations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople interested in volunteering specifically for catsIndividuals exploring broader shelter work involving multiple animals

In summary, a Cat Care Volunteer focuses specifically on caring for cats, often in a volunteer capacity, while an Animal Shelter Assistant may work with various animals and can be paid or volunteer. Both roles are essential in animal welfare, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

Can you volunteer at a cat care volunteer shelter?

Yes, as a cat care volunteer, you can typically volunteer at shelters that focus on caring for cats. These roles often involve feeding, cleaning, socializing, and providing enrichment for the cats, and may require training or orientation sessions. Availability and specific duties vary by shelter, so it is best to contact the organization directly for their volunteer requirements and schedule.

What cities are hiring for Cat Care Volunteer jobs?

Cities with the most Cat Care Volunteer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cat Care jobs?

The most popular types of Cat Care jobs are:

What states have the most Cat Care Volunteer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cat Care Volunteer jobs include:

Cat Care Volunteer jobs near you

Cat Care Coordinator

Animal Friends Humane Society

Fairfield, OH • On-site

$37K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Animal Friends Humane Society
Position Title: Cat Care Coordinator
Reports To: Executive Director / Operations Manager
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Cat Care Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the daily management and progression of all cats and kittens within Animal Friends Humane Society's care. This position plays a critical role in ensuring every cat receives exceptional medical care, behavioral support, enrichment, foster placement, rescue opportunities, and adoption services while maintaining efficient movement through the shelter system.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Foster Program Management
  • Serve as the primary coordinator for all cat and kitten foster placements.
  • Recruit, support, educate, and maintain positive relationships with foster families.
  • Monitor foster animals throughout their stay coordinating medical follow-ups and behavioral updates.
  • Ensure foster homes receive supplies, medications, and educational resources.
  • Grow and strengthen the shelter's foster program through outreach, training events, and relationship building.

Animal Flow & Population Management
  • Monitor the movement of cats and kittens throughout the shelter system.
  • Ensure timely progression through intake, medical treatment, foster care, behavior assessment, adoption, rescue, and transfer.
  • Identify and resolve bottlenecks that delay outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in PetPoint.

Medical Coordination
  • Perform general health assessments, administer vaccines, dewormers, microchips, sub-Q fluids, and medications as trained and directed.
  • Schedule veterinary appointments and spay/neuter surgeries and coordinate drop-offs and pick-ups.
  • Monitor and communicate treatment plans to appropriate staff, volunteers, and foster families.

Behavioral Management
  • Perform temperament and behavior evaluations.
  • Develop and implement individualized behavior modification plans for cats experiencing stress or behavioral challenges.
  • Document behavioral observations thoroughly and accurately.
  • Work collaboratively with staff and foster families to improve the wellbeing of the cat population in the building, and out.

Rescue Coordination / Off-Site Adoption Programs
  • Maintain and build relationships with rescue organizations and Satellite Adoption locations.
  • Oversee volunteers who provide daily care at Satellite Adoption locations
  • Coordinate transfers to both by identifying cats appropriate for rescue/off-site placement and ensuring all medical records, behavioral notes, and transfer paperwork are complete and accurate.

Barn Cat / TNR Programs
  • Evaluate and identify cats suitable for working cat or barn placement.
  • Match cats with suitable homes and educate adopters on acclimation and long-term care.
  • Complete all required documentation.
  • Support TNR efforts including advertising TNR events, intaking cats into PetPoint, obtaining signed waivers, and outcoming cats once returned and released.

Shelter Intake Coordination
  • Manage the cat intake request email and evaluate intake requests based on shelter capacity and organizational priorities.
  • Schedule incoming animals appropriately and communicate professionally with owners, finders, and community members.

Enrichment & Welfare
  • Develop and oversee daily enrichment programs for all shelter cats and kittens.
  • Ensure enrichment plans are individualized when appropriate.
  • Train staff and volunteers on enrichment techniques.
  • Monitor animal welfare and quality of life.

Program Materials & Communication
  • Create and maintain foster applications, foster manuals, care guides, flyers, and other program materials.
  • Assist in keeping website pages current and relevant.
  • Maintain clear and professional communication with foster families, rescue partners, adopters, volunteers, and staff.

Inventory Management
  • Maintain adequate inventory of all foster, enrichment, and medical supplies and submit requests for replenishment when items are low.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Participate in euthanasia decisions; perform humane euthanasia once certified.
  • Train and support staff and volunteers working with cat care and foster programs.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
  • Follow all Animal Friends Humane Society policies, safety procedures, and animal welfare standards.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School diploma or equivalent required.
  • Valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
  • Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Comfortable working around cats of varying temperaments and medical conditions.
  • Ability to safely handle fractious or fearful cats using Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques.
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as shelter operations require.

Preferred
  • Experience working in an animal shelter, rescue organization, or veterinary clinic.
  • Experience handling neonatal kittens.
  • Knowledge of feline behavior and behavior modification techniques.
  • Experience administering vaccines and basic veterinary treatments.

The ideal candidate is
  • Friendly, personable, outgoing and compassionate, professional, and dependable
  • Highly organized with excellent attention to detail
  • A quick thinker who remains calm under pressure
  • Able to think creatively and outside the box when solving medical or behavioral challenges
  • Self-motivated and able to prioritize multiple responsibilities
  • Comfortable making independent decisions while collaborating with leadership
  • An excellent communicator with staff, volunteers, foster families, adopters, and rescue partners
  • Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced shelter environment

Physical Requirements
  • Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and lift.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
  • Work in environments with cleaning chemicals, animal dander, noise, and odors.
  • Safely restrain and handle cats of varying sizes and temperaments.
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Performance Expectations
Success in this position includes:
  • Efficient movement of cats through the shelter system.
  • Well-maintained and growing foster program.
  • Accurate and timely medical and behavioral documentation.
  • Strong relationships with foster families and rescue partners.
  • High-quality enrichment and welfare for all cats.
  • Positive adopter experiences.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication.
  • Consistent organization and reliability.
  • Creative problem solving to improve live outcomes for cats and kittens.

Benefits
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee pet veterinary care and food discounts
  • Dental, STD, and Death benefits
  • SIMPLE IRA retirement savings plan
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of animals and families in our community

Schedule
Full-time, 40 hours per week.
Standard schedule is Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but position requires flexibility based on program needs.
Participation in the foster support on-call rotation is expected.
Please note: All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Disclaimer:
This application is not a contract of employment with Animal Friends Humane Society. If you were to achieve employment with us, you are free to discontinue your employment at any given time and Animal Friends also reserves the right to terminate your employment without notice. Please ensure that all the above information is deemed accurate. Signing this application below states that you have completed everything to the best of your knowledge and truthfully. Thanks for your interest in Animal Friends Humane Society

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