Cat Care Medical Volunteer

Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) is a volunteer-run cat/kitten rescue organization serving Vancouver and surrounding municipalities in the Lower Mainland since 2000. Our Vancouver headquarters and transition center is where rescued cats are nursed to health before being placed in one of our 550 volunteer foster homes. Each year, we find forever- homes for 1200+ cats and kittens. We welcome cat lovers, pet owners and animal loving hearts to help support our mission!

VOKRA’s Mission

To end cat overpopulation and cat homelessness. We rescue, heal, then home 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, that TNR works, and that cats are awesome!

Position Summary

We are currently seeking a Medical Team Volunteer to join our dedicated group of individuals to assist with managing the health of our kitties. Experience in quantitative fields such as biology, chemistry, healthcare or other science based roles is preferred. Additionally, experience as a vet tech, vet assistant, or other animal-care based experience is an asset. This role is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of the cats under our care, making a direct and meaningful impact on their lives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

● Perform medical rounds at the beginning of every shift; monitoring for abnormalities in eating/drinking/eliminating/energy and fear, anxiety, stress
● Administer medications as prescribed by DVM
● Work collaboratively with other med team and cat care volunteers to ensure all duties are completed
● Follow PPE protocols and ensure disease control measures are being upheld
● Ability and willingness to adapt to changing protocols and ensure best practice

Qualifications

● A qualified candidate will have experience caring for cats, either in a medical setting or for personal pets.
● Candidates may have a science or healthcare related background. Vet tech or vet assistant experience is not strictly required, but is an asset.
● Fear Free certification (or willingness to obtain it – training can be provided)
● Experience with data entry
● Proficiency with Shelterluv and Better Impact softwares (or willingness to learn, training will be provided), or experience with similar systems
● Strong, clear communication skills both oral and written
● Strong analytical and mathematical skills to calculate, prepare and administer medication dosages precisely
● Comfortable handling feral cats with the assistance of site staff (or willingness to learn)
● Not squeamish around urine/feces, blood, injuries and needles
● Able to commit to a fixed shift for a minimum of 6 months

Bonus Qualifications:

● Ability to administer sub-q fluids, take temperatures, and cut nails
● Experience administering vaccines

Schedule

● Time Commitment: Monday (10-12pm), Tuesday (10-12pm), Wednesday (4-6pm) and Friday (10-2pm, 4-6pm) with a minimum 1 fixed shift/week.
● Work Environment: Onsite at Rescue Centre in Vancouver

We ask that only those who can make a serious commitment to volunteering with VOKRA apply for this role.