volunteering

Volunteers are essential to our work caring for cats, whether by contributing to our fundraising efforts; providing temporary foster care to our cats and kittens; helping in our cattery; or providing pro bono professional services. Our success depends on the combined efforts of our paid staff, volunteers and supporters.

All volunteers can expect:

Training, information and supervision to assist in their role
A safe and healthy workplace
The satisfaction of knowing their efforts make a real difference to feline welfare.

The scope of work depends on the volunteer role chosen. Foster carers, for example, interact with Cat Protection staff but are providing care for cats or kittens in their own homes (with food and equipment provided by Cat Protection).

Feline Services volunteers work in a strict infection-control environment, assisting with cleaning (litter trays, laundry, food bowls, toys etc), grooming and socialising cats and kittens on-site at Cat Protection.

We are fortunate to have so many wonderful people offering to help all the cats and kittens in our care and are currently processing several applications for Feline Services volunteers. Due to overwhelming support we have closed volunteering applications and will make an announcement via our social media platforms when we reopen our waiting listing.

We do ask that for these roles, given the training involved, volunteers make a commitment of at least one shift per fortnight for a minimum period of six months. Please note that in keeping with our COVID-Safe policies and procedures we have reduced the number of people on-site at one time and can only offer Feline Services volunteers a total of six hours per month.

As a matter of policy, volunteers must be aged at least 16 years, except for foster carers, who must be at least 21 years. We have been approved by Centrelink as a not-for-profit community organisation providing voluntary work opportunities.

Where we can, we try to accommodate relevant tertiary student placements but we do not have the resources to accept high school work experience placements or Duke of Edinburgh Award participants.

There is a higher demand for foster carers from Spring to Autumn but feline services volunteers are needed year-round (morning or afternoon shifts).

Please note that we may not have a vacancy for the volunteer role/shift you are looking for. From time to time we have waiting lists; there are space limitations to how many people can be rostered on at any given time.

Each volunteer application kit includes information relevant to volunteering in that role.

A commitment to the vision, mission and values of Cat Protection and compliance with applicable policies and procedures are essential.

Pro bono service providers assist with specific tasks relevant to their qualification (eg a lawyer may be asked to review a contract). Professionals wishing to offer pro bono services are invited to contact the CEO.

All volunteers are required to abide by the Volunteer Code of Conduct.

For any further information regarding volunteering with Cat Protection please contact our Welfare office on 02 9519 7201.