Cat Behaviour Consultant

Who We Are:

For over 20 years, Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) has been living our mission to end cat overpopulation and homelessness, and you can be part of that! At VOKRA, we rescue, heal, then place cats - first in our network of foster homes, then in carefully matched, loving, forever homes. We are a passionate, volunteer-driven charity with extensive cat care experience. We believe that no kill is the only responsible approach to rescue, that Trap-Neuter-Return works, and that cats are AWESOME! Each year we rescue over 1,400 kittens and cats in the Lower Mainland. To learn more about VOKRA and the impact we make, we encourage you to visit www.vokra.ca.

Who You Are:

A dedicated and organized Volunteer Cat Behavior consultant who will play a key role in helping successfully move cats through our foster system, with a particular focus on advising fosters on behavioral challenges encountered by cats in foster. This role will also involve close collaboration with the Team Lead for Behavior and Socialization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assessment and Planning: Identify behavioral challenges and possible contributing factors and create a behavior plan for the foster to implement.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with fosters, foster co-ordinators and health support staff to ensure that behavior plans in place have been created with all relevant information.
• Ongoing follow up: Follow up and assess efficacy of behavior plans and adjust as necessary.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain records of communications and ensure that all relevant information is documented and available for review.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Significant experience working with semi-feral, scared, shy and under socialized adult cats other than your own (e.g. previous volunteer work within cat rescue is ideal)
• Excellent understanding of behavioral issues in cats and evidenced based techniques to correct behaviours.
• Formal training relating to cat care is an asset (e.g. Veterinary Technician) but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work within Gmail, google docs and navigate basic databases.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to approach cases with compassion and empathy.

Able to commit 3-6 hours per week with a 6-month commitment.