Feline Friends
Knowledge/Skill Qualifications:
- Experience with cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets - as appropriate (have at least lived with one of these)
Primary Responsibilities:
- Undertake cleaning activities as directed by staff - clean cages, carry boxes, clean and refill litter trays, clean and refill water bowls, wash food bowls, assist with laundry tasks, sorting and washing dirty towels, linen and blankets, hanging washing out, folding and sorting towels, towels linen and bedding;
- Settling, handling and gentling of timid/frightened cats/kittens. Provide calm, non-threatening low-key interaction with timid/frightened cats to help them settle and relax. This may involve talking, stroking, cuddling, brushing and play activities;
- Environmental enrichment. Ensure every cat/kitten has a toy, inspect toys for wear and tear and advise RSPCA ACT staff of necessary toy replenishment.
- Provide calm, gentle handling of rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets if appropriate so that they become used to this type of attention before moving to a home environment; and
- Whilst you are performing these other acivities, if you should notice any injuries amongst the animals, it will be your responsibility to inform RSPCA ACT staff.
An initial training session of 2 hours is required before the commencement of any voluntary duties.
Dirtiness factor (on a scale of 1-10, 1 being a clean job and 10 being a dirty, horribly messy job);
- 7 - Role will require emptying of cat litter trays and other related cleaning. Please note that it is recommended that pregnant women have no contact with cat litter or faeces.
Working Environment
- Possible exposure to infectious organisms, animal waste, allergens, chemical materials requiring OH&S Material Safety Data Sheets and potential hostile persons and / or vicious animals;
- It is recommended that all volunteers are up to date with their tetanus vaccination status before commencing their voluntary positions.
Potential volunteers please note:
- The RSPCA is an animal welfare organisation and not an animal activist organisation;
- RSPCA ACT has comprehensive policies and procedures in place to govern how we make decisions regarding the euthanasia of animals which present at our shelter. A committee involving many of our senior staff review the specifics and determining factors on a case by case basis. We consider that euthanasia is a final resort and should only be performed when absolutely necessary.
- All applicants for employment, paid or unpaid, may be subject to a police check and medical examination. Due to the requirements of our insurance policy, volunteers at RSPCA ACT must be aged between 16 and 70 years of age. RSPCA ACT reserves the right to refuse paid or unpaid employment to those who do not meet our age, security, or Occupational Health & Safety requirements.
