Welcome!

Duties

The role of the Cattery Enrichment Volunteer is to assist Animal Care staff in evaluating and improving the behavioral health of shelter cats via socialization sessions. Cattery Enrichment volunteers will observe and document trends in shelter cats’ behaviors and communicate findings with Animal Care staff.  

General Responsibilities 

• Recognize and evaluate signs of fear, aggression and stress in shelter cats 
• Socialize shy or fearful shelter cats while following all safety precautions as directed by Animal Care staff 
• Initiate play sessions and enrichment activities to reduce stress and under-stimulation in shelter cats 
• Communicate behavioral patterns and trends seen in shelter cats to Animal Care staff 
• Promote community engagement with and adoption of available shelter cats by gathering personality information, photographs or videos for Animal Care and Outreach staff 

Shift Times 
11am-4pm 7 days a week 

Qualifications

Greenhill Humane Society has the following requirements for participation in this position. 

Hourly Commitment 

• Volunteer for at least 16 hours over the span of two consecutive months within non-Enrichment positions in the Cattery, preferably at least two hours per week, while maintaining reliable shift attendance 
• Commit to maintaining reliable shift attendance and at least 8 hours volunteer time per month within the Cattery in non-Enrichment positions 

Physical Capabilities 

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally with cattery staff and other volunteers. 
• Ability to meet, greet and handle cats in a safe and respectful manner. 
• Quick reflexes and ability to prevent “door dashers” from escaping when entering the cattery, as well as side rooms. 
• Ability to hear if cat is giving verbal warnings, such as hissing or growling. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat and maneuver through tight spaces on the Cattery Adoption Floor and in Care Rooms while interacting with shelter cats. 

Cognitive Capabilities 

• Ability to assess basic cat behavior and cues. 
• Ability to focus on cats and recognize changes in behavior and when to leave a cat alone (example: cat hisses, growls, or runs away). 
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision while knowing when to ask for help if needed. 
• Ability to read and understand instructions, notes about specific cats, and cattery procedures. 
• Ability to document notes on shelter cat behaviors clearly and concisely using computer programs such as Microsoft Excel 
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor at all times in the cattery. 

It is our hope that the information provided serves as a thorough and useful tool for volunteers when deciding whether the Cattery Enrichment position at Greenhill Humane Society is the right fit for them. If you have any questions about these essential capabilities, or would like more information, please email the Volunteer Department at volunteer@green-hill.org, or call (541) 735-9339.