If you are interested in volunteering with us for one of the below positions, you can learn more by tapping on a title below. If you feel like you’d be a good fit, please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact volunteer@seattleareafelinerescue.org.
Specialty Skills Needed
In addition to the below, we may also be able to use the services of vets and vet technicians, general contractors, IT professionals, fundraising and/or events specialists, grant writers, web/social media professionals, graphic designers, and more!
Volunteer Roles
Clean Team:
Purpose
Ensure that the rescue environment, including cat care areas and all associated supplies, remains clean, safe, and well-maintained. By performing essential cleaning and sanitation tasks, volunteers directly support the health and well-being of cats and kittens, promote a safe workplace for staff and volunteers, and help maintain a welcoming space for visitors and adopters.
Key Responsibilities
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Hand-wash dishes, litter boxes, and other cat care items, followed by proper sanitization
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Perform laundry to maintain clean bedding and towels
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Sweep and mop floors to maintain a sanitary environment
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Wipe down countertops, surfaces, and other high-touch areas
- Stock clean items in proper locations
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Empty trash receptacles and maintain proper waste disposal
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Clean and sanitize crates used for animal transport
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Complete other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned
Requirements
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Must be 16 years of age or older
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Ability to commit to a consistent weekly two-hour shift for a minimum of four consecutive months
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Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to two hours
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Comfortable handling dirty litter boxes and using cleaning agents such as bleach and accelerated hydrogen peroxide
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Willingness and ability to learn organizational cleaning and sanitation procedures
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent two-hour shift per week
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Minimum four-month commitment
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Shifts available seven days a week between 9:00 a.m. â 7:00 p.m.
Cat Care:
Cat care volunteers are required to complete 20 hours of Clean Team volunteering before they are eligible to move into the cat care volunteer role
Purpose
Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for the cats and kittens in our care. By ensuring enclosures are sanitary, food and water are provided, and cats receive attentive daily care, volunteers directly support the health, well-being, and overall quality of life of the animals.
Key Responsibilities
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Perform daily spot cleaning of cat enclosures to maintain hygiene and comfort
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Clean litter pans
- Feed cats and refresh water bowls
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Observe and document general cat behavior and note any changes in health or temperament
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Maintain cleanliness and organization of the supply prep room
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Sweep and mop floors
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Follow all sanitation and safety protocols when using cleaning agents such as accelerated hydrogen peroxide
Requirements
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Must be 16 years of age or older
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Completion of 20 hours on the Clean Team program
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Ability to commit to a consistent weekly two-hour shift for a minimum of four consecutive months
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Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to two hours while working directly with cats and kittens
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Comfortable handling cats and kittens, cleaning litter boxes, and using cleaning agents
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Willingness and ability to learn cat care procedures and organizational protocols
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent two-hour shift per week
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Minimum four-month commitment
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Shifts available daily from 9:00am â 11:00am and 5:00pm â 7:00pm
Adoption Center Front Desk:
Purpose
Serve as the first point of contact for visitors during adoption hours. This role ensures guests feel welcomed and informed.
Key Responsibilities
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Welcome visitors as they enter the Adoption Center and provide a positive first impression
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Manage the adopter waitlist, including signing in potential adopters and contacting individuals when it is their turn
- Process transactions for customers who are purchasing items from our retail area and who are purchasing cats or kittens
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Provide accurate information and resource materials to community members
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Answer and direct phone calls in a professional manner
Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Ability to commit to a consistent weekly two-hour shift for a minimum of four consecutive months
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Comfortable using a tablet and a POS system
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Professional communication and customer service skills
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Willingness and ability to learn front desk procedures and organizational protocols
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent two-hour shift per week
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Minimum four-month commitment
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Shifts available Thursday through Sunday from 12:00pm â 6:00pm
Administrative Support:
We are currently not onboarding new volunteers for this role at this time
Purpose
Assist with the organization and maintenance of essential paperwork and data systems. By ensuring accurate recordkeeping and timely processing of documents, this role supports daily operations and overall organizational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
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Scan and digitize paperwork in accordance with established procedures
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File and organize physical documents to maintain accurate and accessible records
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Perform data entry with accuracy and attention to detail
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Assist with preparation of cards, mailings, and related correspondence
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Support database maintenance and updates
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Complete special projects and additional administrative tasks as assigned
Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Ability to commit to a consistent weekly two-hour shift for a minimum of four consecutive months
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Basic computer proficiency, including familiarity with Windows systems, printing, scanning, and ability to learn a database program
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent two-hour shift per week
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Minimum four-month commitment
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Shifts are flexible, with primary availability MondayâWednesday between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Photography:
Purpose
Promote adoptable cats and kittens by capturing high-quality images that showcase their personalities and increase their chances of adoption. This position also supports the organizationâs broader marketing and communication efforts through general photography needs.
Key Responsibilities
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Photograph adoptable cats and kittens at the rescue to support adoption profiles and promotional materials
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Capture additional images as needed for organizational marketing and outreach efforts
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Edit photographs using personal editing software to ensure high-quality, professional presentation
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Upload finalized images to each catâs adoption profile and to the organizationâs shared drive in accordance with established procedures
Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Access to a personal professional-grade camera and photo editing software
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Ability to commit to a consistent weekly two-hour shift for a minimum of four consecutive months
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Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to two hours while working directly with cats and kittens
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Comfortable handling cats and kittens
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Willingness and ability to learn photography standards and organizational procedures
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent two-hour shift per week
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Minimum four-month commitment
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Flexible scheduling depending on the day of the week
Pet Pantry Support Volunteer:
We are currently not onboarding new volunteers for this role at this time
Purpose
Pet Pantry Support Volunteers play an essential role in helping community members access pet food and supplies. By preparing orders and maintaining organized pantry spaces, you help ensure pets and their families receive the support they need.
Key Responsibilities
- Read and follow supply order sheets to gather requested items from storage
- Prepare supplies for Pet Pantry drop-by hours, including filling individual bags with pet food and restocking pantry shelves
- Help maintain a clean and welcoming Pet Pantry Lobby (e.g., sweeping, tidying shelves, and other light cleaning tasks as needed)
Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to two hours
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions
Time Commitment
- One consistent 2-hour shift per week
- Minimum 4-month commitment
- Volunteer opportunities are available SundayâThursday between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Remote Post-Adoption Support:
We are currently not onboarding new volunteers for this role at this time
Purpose
Adoption Follow-Up Support Volunteers help ensure successful long-term adoption outcomes by maintaining timely communication with adopters after placement. Through proactive outreach and responsive support, volunteers assist adopters during their catâs transition into a new home and help identify any concerns early.
Key Responsibilities
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Monitor the adoption email inbox and send follow-up emails to adopters at designated intervals (3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months post-adoption)
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Provide guidance and resources to support adopters during the adjustment period
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Distribute post-adoption survey emails to appropriate adopters
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Respond to basic adopter questions in a professional and timely manner
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Forward inquiries requiring additional support to the appropriate staff member
Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Ability to commit to a consistent weekly two-hour shift for a minimum of four consecutive months
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Access to a personal computer and proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, etc.)
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Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures
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Professional written communication skills
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Willingness and ability to learn post-adoption processes and protocols
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Completion of required training, including an Information Session and Hands-on Training
Time Commitment
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One consistent two-hour shift per week
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Minimum four-month commitment
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Remote shifts available seven days per week
Adoption Counselor:
We are currently not onboarding new volunteers for this role at this time
Purpose
Guide community members through the adoption process and ensure successful, lasting matches between adopters and cats or kittens. This position focuses on delivering exceptional customer service, educating potential adopters, and upholding organizational standards to promote positive adoption outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
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Welcome potential adopters, answer questions, and conduct thoughtful conversations to assess household dynamics, lifestyle, and compatibility
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Facilitate and supervise meet-and-greet interactions between adopters and cats, ensuring proper handling and adherence to sanitization protocols
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Develop thorough knowledge of individual cats to accurately communicate personality traits, medical history, and special considerations
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Socialize and groom adoption-ready cats; document behavioral observations and interactions with potential adopters
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Ensure cats have fresh water, clean bedding, and replenished food; maintain litter boxes and overall cleanliness of cat areas in accordance with sanitation standards
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Educate adopters about nutrition, retail products, and proper feeding protocols tailored to individual cats
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Complete adoption paperwork, review adoption agreements and medical records, and provide guidance on introductions, licensing, and vaccinations
Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Ability to commit to a consistent weekly three-hour shift for a minimum of six consecutive months
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Successful completion of Adoption Counselor training, including demonstrated mastery of adoption processes, protocols, and standards of care before independently facilitating adoptions
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Strong understanding of cat behavior and personality differences, and how they influence adoption outcomes
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Confidence and skill in handling cats safely and efficiently
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to represent the organization in a professional and positive manner
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Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn the shelter database system
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Strong attention to detail, active listening skills, and willingness to learn and apply feedback
Time Commitment
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One consistent three-hour shift per week
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Minimum six-month commitment
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Shifts available on Thursdays through Sundays from 12:00pm - 6:00pm
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Dependability and consistent attendance are essential
Transport:
Purpose
Safely transporting donated items or cats between designated locations and the rescue. This role ensures timely delivery of resources and safe, compassionate transport of animals in support of organizational operations.
Key Responsibilities
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Pick up and deliver donated items between community locations and the rescue
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Safely transport cats and kittens to and from airports, partner organizations, veterinary clinics, or other designated locations
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Follow established handling and transport procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of animals
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Maintain clear communication with staff regarding transport schedules and any issues that arise
Requirements
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Must be 17 years of age or older
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Valid driverâs license and access to a reliable, insured personal vehicle
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Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to two hours while working directly with cats and kittens
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Comfortable handling cats and kittens
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Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions
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Willingness and ability to learn animal handling and transport procedures
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent shift per week, or on an as needed basis
- Flexible shift times, dependent on volunteer's availability
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Minimum four-month commitment
Donation Sorting:
We are currently not onboarding new volunteers for this role at this time
Purpose
Ensure donated items are properly sorted, documented, and stored to support organizational programs. By maintaining accurate inventory records and organized storage areas, volunteers help ensure supplies are accessible, safe, and efficiently distributed.
Key Responsibilities
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Sort donated items according to established written procedures and allocate them to the appropriate program
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Review âbest byâ dates and ensure items are properly distributed or removed in accordance with organizational guidelines
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Organize and store donated supplies in designated storage areas
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Accurately add and remove items using inventory management software or inventory movement forms
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Complete required documentation for specific donated items
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Conduct routine reviews of storage areas to ensure items are properly labeled, organized, and within acceptable date ranges
Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to two hours
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Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions
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Willingness and ability to learn inventory procedures and documentation processes
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent two-hour shift per week
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Minimum four-month commitment
Community Clinic Front Desk:
We are currently not onboarding new volunteers for this role at this time
Purpose
Ensure a smooth, welcoming, and efficient experience for clients and their felines. This position supports clinic operations by assisting clients throughout their appointments, providing information about additional services and resources, coordinating follow-up care, and processing payments.
Key Responsibilities
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Greet Community Wellness Clinic clients in a professional and welcoming manner
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Confirm client information and document the cats present during the clinic check-in process
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Discuss requested services with clients, provide clear and accurate information regarding recommended services and clinic pricing, and communicate details to the veterinary team
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Print and distribute medical records as needed
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Provide clients with appropriate resources, including pet food, supplies, and educational materials
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Support the veterinary team with administrative tasks during clinic operations
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Accurately process payments and complete check-out procedures
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Assist with clinic set-up and breakdown, including preparation and cleaning of materials and workspaces
Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to three hours while working directly with members of the public
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Comfortable using a tablet or computer
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Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions
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Willingness and ability to learn clinic procedures and administrative tasks
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Completion of required training
Time Commitment
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One consistent three-hour shift per month
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Minimum four-month commitment
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Shifts are available on Wednesdays when Community Wellness Clinics are hosted
Community Support Administrative Volunteer:
We are currently not onboarding new volunteers for this role at this time
Purpose
To help ensure accurate data tracking by scanning documents and entering information into our digital systems. Your support strengthens our departmentâs ability to efficiently serve our community.
Key Responsibilities
- Enter data from supply order sheets into databases and spreadsheets
- Scan physical documents and upload them to designated digital locations
- Assist with general administrative tasks as needed
Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- Comfortable working with computers, scanners, and basic office technology
- Proficient in using spreadsheets and databases
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Reliable, organized, and able to work independently
Time Commitment
- One consistent 2-hour shift per week
- Minimum 4-month commitment
