Welcome to our Volunteer Opportunities page!
Here you'll find information about our current volunteering opportunities available to support the important work of the Madison Cat Project. Take a look around and if you see a position that interests you, please fill out the General Interest Volunteer Application to the right. If you have any questions about any of the positions, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@madisoncatproject.org.
Volunteer Expectations
All of our volunteer positions require volunteers to be at least 18 years of age.
Due to the extensive training needed for most of our volunteer positions, we expect at least a 6-month time commitment to volunteer. If there are any exceptions to this, they will be noted in the specific position description(s).
Volunteers are expected to have an email account. Our volunteer scheduling and volunteer communication all takes place electronically.
Volunteers must have reliable transportation to and from the shelter.
Most volunteer roles require volunteers to stand and/or walk for the duration of their shift; lift and carry items or cats of varying weights; reach, bend and lift; possess vision abilities which include close vision, distance vision and depth perception; and speak to staff and other volunteers.
Volunteers must agree to the volunteer code of conduct and follow all protocols for the safety of our cats.
Volunteers must understand and fulfill all responsibilities of their role independently.
Madison Cat Project
Volunteer Position Description
Job Title: Carestaff Volunteer
Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator
Summary: Carestaff Volunteers provide the cats in our shelter with basic care and a clean, sanitary environment. Our goal is to provide a high quality of life and a short shelter stay while keeping the cats happy, healthy and well cared for. The best way to achieve this is with the help of our Carestaff Volunteers.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide basic care for all cats in the shelter (offer fresh food & water, scoop litter boxes, spot clean, change soiled bedding, and other care tasks as needed)
Maintain daily records of each cat’s appetite and other overall health markers
Clean vacant cages, do laundry and dishes, sweep floors, clean carriers, take out trash and restock items
Ensure a high level of biosecurity by following shelter protocols regarding cross contamination and sanitation standards
Maintain a professional relationship with all volunteers and staff associated with MCP
Qualifications and Requirements:
Minimum of 18 years of age
6-month minimum time commitment
Must have access to internet and an email account
Have the ability to understand, remember, and follow instructions and procedures, and the ability to ask questions when necessary
Basic understanding of cat behavior and comfort working around cats with a variety of temperaments including friendly, fearful, overstimulated, or feral
Reliable weekly attendance and ability to work independently
Ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for up to two hours
Training, Schedule, and Commitment:
Training is provided in the virtual orientation followed by at least one shadow shift before working independently
Commitment of one weekly shift for at least 6 months
Able to dedicate at least 2 hours hour per shift
Shifts available from 6:00AM-10:00AM or 5:00PM-9:00PM, 7 days a week
There are procedures in place if you need time off
Madison Cat Project
Volunteer Position Description
Job Title: Foster Volunteer
Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator
Summary: Foster volunteers provide a safe environment and quality care to the cats that come into our program. Many of the cats need socialization or are too ill or young to be adopted or just need a place to live because the shelter space is full or too stressful.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide a safe environment and quality care to your cats/kittens
Supply your cats/kittens with food, litter, and daily socialization
Communicate to the staff at MCP if you have any questions or concerns regarding your foster cats/kittens
Remain aware of your cats/kitten’s health status and recognize issues that might arise
Transport your cats/kittens to the shelter for their medical appointments scheduled with our veterinarian
Maintain a professional relationship with all other volunteers and staff
Qualifications and Requirements:
Minimum of 18 years of age
Must have reliable transportation
Must have access to internet and an email account
Live within 30 minutes of the shelter in case of emergencies
Have a space dedicated to acclimating new fosters that is separate from personal pets
Training, Schedule, and Commitment:
Training involves an online orientation that is completed on your own schedule
6-month minimum time commitment overall
Cats may need a foster home anywhere from a couple days to a couple months. You will be asked your time limitations once accepted
At least an hour of dedicated time to interact/socialize with your fostered cats daily
Madison Cat Project
Volunteer Position Description
Job Title: Cat Transport Volunteer
Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator, Intake Coordinator, & Adoptions Coordinator
Summary: Cat Transport Volunteers can help bring adopted barn cats to their new barn homes if the adopter is unable to pick them up from the shelter. They can also help transfer cats to the main shelter from the Madison airport, Milwaukee, or other area shelters that don't have the means to transport the cats themselves.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Finalize the adoption of barn cats by reviewing the cat's medical records and explaining the adoption contract to the adopter
Communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator, Adoptions Coordinator, and/or Intake Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns regarding a pick-up
Maintain a professional relationship with all volunteers, staff, and adopters
Qualifications and Requirements:
Minimum of 18 years of age
Must have reliable transportation able to safely carry multiple crates of barn cats
Must have access to internet and an email account
Training, Schedule, and Commitment:
Training involves an online orientation that is completed on your own schedule
6-month minimum time commitment overall (not consecutive)
The Spay/Neuter Veterinarian volunteer position performs spays and neuters on cats, performs physical exams on cats of all temperaments, as well we develops recommendations for cats with medical concerns to be relayed to owners. Must be 21 years or older and currently licensed in the state of Wisconsin.
Madison Cat Project
Volunteer Position Description
Job Title: Adoption Fair Volunteer
Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator & Adoptions Coordinator
Summary: Adoption Fair Volunteers help to find forever homes for our shelter cats at our weekly adoption fairs that take place each Saturday at our main shelter.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Greet adopters and explain the adoption process to them
Communicate with potential adopters in a non-judgmental and courteous manner
Provide adopters guidance on animals that may be a good fit for their household, including sharing relevant information on animal health and behavioral issues
Facilitate introductions and monitor the interaction between cats and potential adopters to ensure a positive experience; intervene as needed
Discuss common cat health and behavioral issues with adopters including topics such as: litter boxes, scratch posts, declawing, annual vet visits, feline body language, etc.
Maintain a professional relationship with all other volunteers and staff
Spot clean as needed
Qualifications and Requirements:
Minimum of 18 years of age
Must have reliable transportation to the shelter
Must have access to internet and an email account
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
The ability to work well with both people and animals
Training, Schedule, and Commitment:
Madison Cat Project
Volunteer Position Description
Job Title: Housekeeping & Socialization Volunteer
Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator
Summary: Housekeeping & Socialization Volunteers come to MCP between 12-4 each day to help with light cleaning/chores around the shelter, and socializing our friendlier shelter cats. Volunteers also have the opportunity for additional training to learn how to safely interact and help behavior cats living in the shelter.
Duties & Responsibilities
Qualifications & Requirements
Training, Schedule, & Commitment
Training is provided in a virtual orientation followed by an in-person tour/orientation before working independently
Commitment to volunteering for at least 6 months
Saving cats’ lives through community solutions.
