The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth

Volunteers will provide bottle baby kitten(s) care within their own home.

Assignment Responsibilities:

• Providing daily care to an assigned bottle baby kitten(s) in one’s private home.
• Providing each kitten 10-12 feedings in a 24-hour period.
• With proper training, be comfortable with tube feeding kittens, if necessary.
• Tracking each kitten(s) food intake, elimination, bodyweight and temperature, as directed by Foster Coordinator or medical team.
• Stimulate kittens less than 4 weeks of age, to urinate and defecate.
• Provide litter box training to kittens from 3 weeks of age.
• Weaning from a liquid to solid diet.
• Administer medication.
• Transporting kittens to the centre for medical appointments.
• Picking up supplies or medications from the centre, and transporting to private home.
• Ongoing communication through email and telephone, with the Foster Coordinator or medical team to provide updates or photos.

Other Requirements & Assignment Boundaries:

• Must be age 18 years of age or older.
• Must reside in the Kitchener-Waterloo or Stratford Perth area.
• Must have a flexible lifestyle, to be with kittens at all times.
• Existing animals in their home are spayed/ neutered, up to date on vaccines, and have current license tag(s) for applicable animals.
• Volunteers, if renting, must show landlord consent for animals in the home.
• Volunteers must have a separate area for fosters.
• Volunteers must have access to transportation for vet appointments/ medical emergencies, supply or medication pick-ups.
• Must have access to a computer, email and telephone to communicate with our team.
• Must adhere to the policies outlined in the Foster Waiver form.
• Follow all Policies & Procedures as outlined by the Volunteer Manager or Foster Coordinator.
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times and sign the confidentiality agreement.
• Must follow all HSKWSP policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Must have experience with kittens or cats.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and walk independently.
• Must be able to clean littler boxes.
• Ability to lift items up to 15 lbs.
• Ability to cope with potential emotionally stressful situations; neonatal mortality can/ does happen despite best efforts.
• Patient, calm demeanor and an interest in working with fragile kittens.

Training & Supervision:

• Volunteers will complete an online bottle baby training certificate course and organization specific training at home.
• Volunteers must attend one in-person 2-hour training session, held at the centre.
  • Kitchener Centre Training: March 23rd or March 27th, 6-8pm
  • Stratford Centre Training: March 30th or April 2, 6-8pm
• Volunteer will complete hands on training in centre, when picking up bottle babies for the first time.
• Ongoing training as needed. 

Time Commitment: 6 months.  Volunteer will not have kittens in their home for the entire 6 months, we are seeking volunteers who are able to commit to their role for 6 months. Must be available to start immediately after completing in-person training.