Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region - Pueblo

Provide support of our Community Cat programs: Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR). Assist colony managers in trapping and releasing feral cats out in the field.

This is the position for you if YOU:

• Are at least 18 years of age.
• Have a current driver license and your own vehicle.
• Are able to lift 35 pounds.
• Are sufficiently comfortable working safely around feral/unsocial cats, and be comfortable communicating with others.
• Are patient and are able to sit quietly for extended periods of time, then respond quickly when a cat is trapped – much like fishing!
• Are able to communicate well with others and be comfortable asking questions and be able to work independently out in the field.

What can you expect from your role as a COMMUNITY CAT SUPPORT Volunteer?

Duties include:

• Assist in the support of the TNR/SNR programs. A community cat is a cat that lives outdoors and does not have a particular home or owner. They may be friendly or, in some cases, feral (not socialized with people). These cats typically depend on humans for their food, whether it is a neighborhood caretaker, dumpster, or other source. Cats will be sterilized, vaccinated and returned to the area they came from. The difference is the cats in the SNR program may not necessarily be feral but they are thriving in the environment that they have been living in and do not do well in a shelter/home environment. In general, SNR cats have been trapped by the public and brought in as strays. Volunteers will assist with trapping, transporting cats to and from the shelter and releasing them at designated sites. Contact the colony managers regularly by phone to check on the status of their colonies. Volunteers will also assist with data entry and phone calls.

Your benefits:

• Working in the outdoors with other like-minded people. Helping to assist others in need. Knowing that you are making a difference in the cat overpopulation problem and saving the lives of unborn kittens!

Your value to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region:

• Our community cats need a voice and you are that voice by being a part of this program! Public education is a key critical piece to getting the public onboard with positive, live outcomes for these cats.

Emotional Considerations: 

• The volunteer may be aware of euthanasia.  While the volunteer will not be asked to observe or participate in the euthanasia process, occasionally euthanasia may need to occur as a result of a medical concern, including a community cat in the TNR/SNR program that is positive for feline leukemia or FIV.

I’m in! What’s next?

Training:

• Attend a Community Cat Volunteer Orientation.
• On-the-job training. Volunteers will be instructed on how to conduct inspections and fill out all appropriate paperwork as well as being instructed on how to humanely and safely trap and transport feral cats by accompanying the TNR coordinator on several on-site visits.

Commitment: At least 8 hours per month.

Supervision: Direct supervision by the Community Cat Coordinator.

Available volunteer shifts include: Times vary, Monday - Sunday