Volunteer

Volunteers less than 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 years old must have a parental consent form filled for each event and must be kept on file with SOS. Selection and acceptance of volunteers will be made by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Individuals wishing to volunteer are asked to complete a Volunteer Application that is submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator. The application contains questions designed to help understand why individuals want to volunteer and what they hope to accomplish. Since most volunteers interact with the public, it is important that their relations with others and with the animals are humane, respectful and kind.

-Individuals accepted to volunteer are oriented to SOS operations and procedures.

-Volunteers are required to fill out and sign required forms.

-Volunteers are expected to follow SOS policies and procedures at all times. Volunteers will not interfere with advised medical treatment or procedures, including euthanasia.

-Volunteers are expected to act in conformity with the stated mission and practices of SOS.

Not all potential volunteers are accepted to work with SOS. Some possible reasons are that the service offered is not needed, they may have an incompatible schedule, they may not be bendable, or they may have a poor or abusive history with others or with animals.

-Socialization: Socialization of cats including grooming, bonding, companionship and reducing stress. Volunteers only work with those animals designated by SOS.

-Fostering: Foster volunteers will be in charge of caring for the animals in their foster home. This includes, but is not limited to, feeding, watering, grooming, sending photos and updates to the foster coordinator, cleaning litter.

-Events: Help with Events Team by helping with set-up and take-down at various events, selling items and interacting with the public at the events.

-Field Work: Help the Field Team with monitoring cat colonies, delivering food and shelter items, trapping, working with property owners and the public to bring awareness and obtain support.

-Adoption Ads: Help the Adoption Team by uploading pictures and bios of cats that are available for adoption on both Kijiji and PetFinder.

-Social Media: Help the Social Media Team with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

-Fundraising: Help the Fundraising Team with organizing fundraising opportunities such as steak nights, bbqs, etc. Help with set-up, take-down, handing out brochures, selling tickets for raffles, etc.

-Website Maintenance: Help the Website Team with updating and maintaining the SOS website.

-Transportation: Transport cats to vet appointments, transport new intakes to open foster homes. Arranging pick-up and delivery of donated cat food and items.

Like employees and staff, volunteers can be terminated for a variety of reasons. Poor performance, disruptive behavior, habitual tardiness or absenteeism will result in termination. The decision to terminate a volunteer will be made through input of the volunteer coordinator and the Board. Formal, written notice will be given to the volunteer informing them of the Boards decision.