Volunteer Application

Thank you for applying to volunteer at Fur All Kittys (FAK) Cat Rescue.

Please carefully review and complete each section of this application in its entirety. Failure to complete sections could result in you not getting a response from our team.

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!!  Due to the amount of time we spend training, we do not accept temporary volunteers. This includes: community service participants, school hours or projects, etc. However if you need hours for something and plan to stay on to volunteer on a regular basis, we will gladly fill out any paperwork that is necessary for you. 

We have high expectations of our volunteers. We are all responsible for the health and welfare of a very fragile population. Please read the main duties expected. In addition to the physical duties, there are a lot of emotions that will show up. We see very sick kitties on a regular basis. Some kitties do not make it, and while that is mostly experienced in the foster environment, shelter volunteers wil sometimes be exposed to this. It is not easy work, and if you feel like you cannot fulfill these, the shelter environment may not be a good fit. 

The main duties assigned to shelter volunteers are: scooping and cleaning out litter boxes, filling food and water bowls, washing: dishes, cages, carriers, walls, shelving and cat trees (and similar items); sweeping, mopping, vacuuming; laundry: wash, dry, fold, put away. (This list may not include everything and additional duties may be asked of you in the course of your time with us. You may resign at any time by letting us know if you cannot fulfill your duties.)

• TRAINING: An initial training (lasting about 1 hour) is required. This training will involve touring the rescue and getting a basic overview of where everything needed is located. You will be shown "the basics" of the cat care and daily routines. It will be very overwhelming, but you will be given a cheat sheet with an outline of all of the information presented. 

• MINIMUM TIME REQUIREMENT: Volunteers MUST work at least one shift every two weeks to stay current. If this is an issue, please reach out so we can work with you.

• APPS USED: Volunteers MUST join our "Important Updates" WhatsApp group and use SignUp Genius to schedule shifts (both apps required).

Minors of any age are allowed to volunteer as long as they understand how to follow basic rules. Please read the following and you be will asked to confirm your understanding. 

• A parent/guardian must fill out the application and list the minor where indicated on the application.

• ALLcontact will go through the adult.

• A responsible adult (18+) must remain with the minor during all shifts. Any adults that will be supervising the minor must attend the initial training.

• Other shelter volunteers are not responsible for supervising minors.

Please fill out each section with the information requested. REMINDER: All minors will need accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of their time volunteering. Waivers will be signed and kept on file for all volunteers.

We like to get to know our volunteers, as we find ourselves spending a good bit of time together. We also try to plan a few of site events throughout the year so everyone can hang out and relax away from the shelter. This section has some required questions and some optional. 

This person will have scheduled volunteer hours at the shelter (Fur All Kittys 1824 Homeville Road West Mifflin PA 15122). Policies and procedures will be reviewed on what precautions need taken while working with the cats and kittens. This is necessary for THEIR safety and yours. If you choose not to follow these for any reason, you will not be permitted to work with the animals in this capacity again.

Duties (including but not limited to the following):

• Litter Boxes: scooping, wiping down, scrubbing, refilling, putting away on shelves
• Food and Water bowls: washing, sanitizing, refilling, putting away
• Floors: wiping up messes, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming
• Walls and Surfaces: wiping, scrubbing, sanitizing
• Laundry: washing and drying in machines, folding, putting away
• Cat Trees: removing fur, wiping down
• Cages and Carriers: breaking down, scrubbing and sanitizing

Additional Volunteer Roles: Extra Jobs are always available for volunteers. If you are interested in anhy of the following, please let your volunteer coordinator know!

1. Laundry Legends: Swing by 1-2 times a week to wash, dry, fold, and redistribute clean linens like a domestic wizard. (and yes, we have a washer and dryer on site)

2. Bathroom Boss: Brave, bold, and armed with disinfectant, you'll tackle the two human bathrooms that have seen things. Come once a week and be the hero we didn't know we needed - but desperately do. 

3. Inventory Specialist (aka Box Whisperer): Unpack donations, sort supplies, and make order out of chaos in our storage and utility rooms. Basically, you're the Marie Kondo of shelter logistics. 

4. Frontline Organizer: Help tame the front area! Vacuum, sort donations, and make the place look less like a furry garage sale. You have an eye for tidiness and a heart for kitties - perfection. 

5. The Scrub Club: Join forces with a few others once a week to deep-clean litter boxes, scoopers, and crates. It's like a spa day... for plastic containers covered in cat stuff. Bring gloves, bring humor, and maybe bring music. 

6. Other Opportunities: Off-site or non-shelter tasks, with or without direct cat contact. Choose based on your skills and availability.  

As you become familiar with the rescue, other jobs become available. Some of these include: helping with trapping, transporting cats to and from appointments, assisting with fundraising, clerical duties, medical administration, grant writing, outside event assistance.The other opportunities should be in addition to your shifts at the rescue and not in lieu of. 

By checking here, you agree that you have read and understand each section as it presented. You understand that this a process and changes will occur, sometimes without much warning. You agree that you will communicate with all necessary parties relaying any and ALL important information regarding the animals, your schedule, and your ability to continue to fulfill a task. The cats are priority, but you MUST take care of yourself!! Please note that we will NOT share any of your information with anyone (DOB, license info, insurance info). This information is just kept on file to protect the rescue and the cats that we serve.  

Please read all of the following carefully. Your signature indicates that you understand all of the following.

Adults completing the form are doing so and signing on behalf of the minor(s) listed on this form.

As a volunteer with Fur All Kittys (hereafter referred to FAK), I understand that I will be exposed to the following, that include but are not limited to: cleaning agents, bodily fluids (cats and humans), cats with unpredictable temperaments, heavy lifting, frequent bending, climbing and outdoor elements.

I assume the risk of injury, harm, or damage in all tasks associated with FAK, both on and off the physical premises. I do hereby release, hold harmless, indemnify and forever discharge FAK and its agents from the following:

_ any claims that may arise following any injury or incident
_ any damage to my personal property

FAK does not provide medical care or cover expenses associated with any medical care received as a result of any incident that should occur during my tenure as a volunteer. Should I seek medical attention following any incident that occurs, I am aware that any and all expenses associated with such care are at my own expense.

Any damage incurred to my physical property is my own responsibility and FAK is not liable to cover the cost or reimburse me.