Volunteer Administrator

Finally Home Cat Rescue

Role Overview

Finally Home Cat Rescue is a volunteer-based rescue dedicated to giving homeless cats a second chance. We are looking for an enthusiastic, dependable, and compassionate Volunteer Administrator to oversee the daily operation of our adoption centre located inside PetSmart.

This volunteer leadership role oversees all volunteer programs, including the PetSmart Cat Room, foster care, fundraising, social media, and adopter follow-up volunteers. The Volunteer Administrator will learn all day-to-day PetSmart Cat Room Team Lead responsibilities while serving as the primary volunteer coordinator and ambassador for Finally Home Cat Rescue.

The adoption centre houses up to 8 adoptable cats in individual and communal enclosures and is supported by approximately 50 volunteers covering four daily shifts, seven days a week.

We can have up to 150 cats in the rescue’s care. Some are in foster homes, at the PetSmart care center and at a partnered Cat Café (Scarborough)

To Apply

Please send a short email to inquiries@finally-home.ca with “Volunteer Administrator” in the subject line.

Please include:

• Why you are passionate about animal rescue
• Any leadership or volunteer experience
• Experience working with cats (personal or professional)
• Experience with computers and programs
• Why you would be a great fit for this role

A resume is highly recommended but is not required.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 15–20 hours per week
• Flexible schedule with availability to respond to volunteer needs
• Occasional on-site coverage when volunteer shifts require support or for answering potential adopters’ questions at PetSmart.

This Role Entails

Volunteer Leadership

• Oversee daily PetSmart Cat Room operations
• Coordinate monthly volunteer shifts for the PetSmart Cat Room
• Fill volunteer shifts when coverage is unavailable

Provide ongoing guidance and support to existing volunteers

• Help resolve volunteer concerns in a professional and respectful manner
• Document volunteer absenteeism and non-adherence to all rescue policies and cat room procedures
• Report recurring attendance or performance concerns to the Board of Directors
• Communicate rescue updates, reminders, and procedural changes to volunteers
• Support all volunteer teams across the rescue
• Be a role model and ambassador for the rescue

Cat Care & Welfare

• Maintain all operational (cat health and welfare, cleanliness, inventory, communication, and reporting) duties
• Monitor the health and well-being of all adoptable cats
• Observe cats for illness, injury, or behavioural concerns and immediately report issues to the Adoption Team
• Ensure cats receive proper enrichment, socialization, and exercise
• Groom cats when required
• Help maintain a calm, clean, and low-stress environment

Cat Room Operations

• Document the cat room’s condition on a biweekly (2x per week) basis and ensure the following remains clean, organized, and fully stocked
• Take note of the inventory of food, litter, cleaning supplies, bedding, and other essentials
• Communicate to Directors when supplies are running low
• Ensure daily cleaning standards are maintained, including:
  • Litter boxes
  • Food and water dishes
  • Bedding and linens
  • Cat enclosures
  • General room cleanliness

Public & Adoption Support

• Welcome PetSmart shoppers visiting the adoption centre
• Answer questions about the rescue and available cats
• Speak with potential adopters and explain the adoption process
• Promote responsible pet ownership and positive customer experiences
• Direct adoption inquiries to the appropriate adoption team members

Model exceptional professionalism, etiquette, respect, and integrity in every interaction. Represent the rescue positively with volunteers, the public, PetSmart staff, adopters, and leadership.

PetSmart Volunteer Schedule

The Volunteer Administrator oversees volunteers working the following daily shifts (seven days per week):

• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

When PetSmart is closed for holidays, there are no volunteers scheduled.

Social Media, Fundraising, Foster Care, and Post-Adoption Volunteer Schedule

• These teams of volunteers are mostly virtual and do not have a set shift. Several leads oversee these areas.
• The Volunteer Administrator will be responsible for documenting procedures for the rescue. Maintaining consistency across all areas.

Skills Required

• Be proficient with Excel, Word, Outlook, texting, and digital communication tools
• Ability to speak confidently with customers about adoptable cats and the adoption process
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable working with volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Calm under pressure and able to solve problems independently
• Compassionate and patient with both people and animals
• Reliable and dependable
• Able to prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Comfortable speaking with members of the public

Qualifications

• Reside near the North Richmond Hill PetSmart location and maintain flexible availability
• Previous experience working with cats is strongly preferred
• Volunteer leadership or supervisory experience is an asset
• Basic computer and email skills
• Access to a car
• Ability to lift approximately 25 lbs and perform light cleaning duties
• Passion for animal rescue and cat welfare

We Value Most

• Reliability and accountability
• Compassion and empathy
• Positive leadership
• Professionalism
• Initiative
• Teamwork
• Commitment to providing exceptional care for every cat
• Build positive relationships and resolve conflict calmly, fairly, and professionally

What You Will Gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on homeless cats’ lives
• Leadership experience managing a large volunteer team
• Experience in animal welfare and rescue operations
• The satisfaction of helping cats find loving forever homes
• The chance to be part of an enthusiastic and supportive rescue community

This volunteer administrator role is essential to ensuring that our shelters and foster homes operate safely and efficiently, provide outstanding care for every cat, and create a positive experience for volunteers and potential adopters.