Communications and Marketing Social Media Lead

Purpose: As a volunteer, the Communications and Marketing Social Media Lead plays an integral role in ensuring social media marketing aligns with Regina Cat Rescues initiatives and values. You will assist in the creation and execution of an annual marketing campaign strategy. You will supervise, lead, and delegate tasks to a team of social media content creator volunteers to manage ongoing social media needs. As a remote-based organization, you will be working from home mostly, aside from the occasional time when you meet individuals in person. 

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with volunteers within the Communications and Marketing team to create, plan, and execute a marketing campaign through RCR’s various social media platforms; and create and maintain calendar that reflects the annual marketing strategy 

  • Receive, review, and respond to relevant emails from other volunteers and the public

  • Manage various RCR social media platforms which include but is not limited to:

    • Manage and edit content for photos of adoptable RCR cats

    • Manage and coordinate content for regular weekly and monthly features:

    • Promote various fundraising initiatives

    • Review incoming messages and comments through social media platforms, responding/directing relevant messages accordingly 

    • Creating graphics and content with requests for donations/volunteers, donor recognition

    • In collaboration, create graphics and content for education posts to highlight the various programs RCR provides and/or initiatives 

  • Supervise and train a team of Social Media Content Creator volunteers, delegating tasks as deemed necessary

  • Assist with website and design and management in the event the Communications and Marketing Website and Design Lead is absent and/or vacant

  • Commit to monthly meetings with the Operations Manager and Communications and Marketing team members where an oral/written report will be provided

  • Other responsibilities as directed by Board of Directors

Time Commitment: 4 - 6 hours per week. 

Please note while we do our best to accurately reflect the time commitment required to ensure interested individuals are aware, it may fluctuate depending on the time of year and seasons

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Age requirement of 18+ is a must, a valid license and access to reliable transportation is required

  • Commitment to RCR’s mission and love of animals

  • Management of social media and content creation experience considered a strong asset

  • Access to phone/computer/internet/email is a requirement, as you will be provided an RCR email address and method of communication is primarily done through email 

  • Proficient with writing and editing with a high attention to detail

  • Experience with graphic design software and  Google software 

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work well independently or as a team player

Communications and Marketing Website and Design

Purpose: As a volunteer, the Communications and Marketing Website and Design Lead plays a vital role in ensuring Regina Cat Rescues efforts are showcased to the public. You will assist in the creation and execution of an annual marketing strategy plan that maximizes RCR’s efforts. You will supervise, lead, and delegate tasks within a team of other volunteers to manage ongoing communications and marketing needs. As a remote-based organization, you will be working from home mostly, aside from the occasional time when you meet individuals in person. 

Responsibilities:

  • In collaboration with other volunteers, you will develop, plan, and execute annual marketing campaign strategies; and create and maintain an annual calendar that reflects such plan 

  • Receive, review, and respond to incoming emails from other volunteers and the public

  • Supervise, train, and delegate workflow tasks to appropriate volunteers

  • Create design templates/assets for various needs: fundraising initiatives, Facebook event cover photos, posters, brochures, donation tin labels, calls for donations, request for volunteers, sponsorship/donor/grant recognition, educational posts, etc. 

  • Create digital design assets for website content and/or social media content

  • Assist with the review of material created by Community Education Facilitator to ensure it accurately aligns with RCR values, mission, and initiatives  

  • Ensure communication regarding any and all RCR initiatives is shared in an accurate manner through supervision of the Media Relations volunteer, ensuring RCR initiatives receive the appropriate media coverage

  • Work with consultant web specialists to update design/functionality of website design

  • Coordinate design of RCR merchandise, coordinate ordering and production of, while keeping the website up to date reflecting available merchandise

  • Commit to monthly meetings with Operations Manager and Communications and Marketing team where an oral/written report will be provided

  • Other responsibilities as directed by Board of Directors

Time Commitment: 4 hours per week. 

Please note while we do our best to accurately reflect the time commitment required to ensure interested individuals are aware, it may fluctuate depending on the time of year and seasons.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Age requirement of 18+ is a must, valid license and reliable transportation an asset 

  • Commitment to RCR’s mission and love of animals

  • Website and design background is considered an asset

  • Access to phone/computer/internet/email is a requirement, as you will be provided an RCR email address and method of communication is primarily done through email 

  • High attention to detail

  • Proficient with writing and editing, and Google software 

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work well independently or as a team player

Adoption Lead

Purpose: As a volunteer Adoption Team Lead, you will play an integral role in the transition of rescued cats to their forever homes. You will work closely with the Adoption Coordinator and other members of Regina Cat Rescue to meet RCR’s goals to find every rescue cat the right home. You will assist with the assessment of adoption applications, and ensure adoption paperwork is accurate and kept up to date, and adoption fees are paid. You will work with other volunteers in order to ensure adoption data and assessments are entered accurately into RCR’s internal database  in a timely fashion.  As a remote-based organization, you will be working from home mostly, aside from the occasional time when you meet individuals in person. 

Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with Board of Directions and Operations Manager to set appropriate adoption criteria

  • Supervise, train, and coordinate with adoption team members, delegating tasks as necessary 

  • Collaborate with other RCR members to ensure adopted cats are updated on RCRs website

  • Receive, review, and respond to relevant emails from other RCR volunteers and public, primarily focusing on adoption applications and inquiries

  • Assist in reviewing and revision of adoption practices and adoption application, keeping all materials up to date 

  • Ensure adoption paperwork (adoption contract, sterilization and vaccine records, etc.) is completed and accurate, and adoption fee has been received, while ensuring foster homes have a copy provided prior to adoption meet and greet, and adoption follow up is completed

  • In the event of the Adoption Coordinator’s absence, requesting support from other RCR rescue members and/or completing an accurate and factual assessment based on the assessment criteria, along with following up with adopters regarding pet insurance and how the cat in their care is doing 

  • Commit to monthly meetings with Operations Manager and adoption team members, where you will provide an oral/written report 

  • Other responsibilities as directed by Board of Directors

Time Commitment: 4 - 6 hours per week. 

Please note while we do our best to accurately reflect time commitment required to ensure interested individuals are aware, it may fluctuate depending on the time of year and seasons 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Age requirement of 18+ is a must, with a valid license and reliable transportation

  • Commitment to RCR’s mission and love of animals

  • Organized and able to multitask, with attention to high level of detail

  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

  • Able to work well as a team player or alone

  • Proficient with Google apps, or willingness to learn/be trained

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Access to phone/computer/internet/email is a requirement, as you will be provided an RCR email address and method of communication is primarily done through email

Adoption Coordinator

Purpose: As a volunteer Adoption Coordinator, you will play an integral role in the transition of the cats in care of Regina Cat Rescue from their foster to their forever home. You will work closely with the Adoption Lead and other RCR volunteers to meet RCR’s goal of finding every rescue cat the right home. You will assist in assessing all potential adopters, providing a written assessment to the Adoption Lead, and promote RCR partners through explaining trial pet insurance, and following up with adopters to see if they are interested in signing up.  As a remote-based organization, you will be working from home mostly, aside from the occasional time when you meet individuals in person. 

Responsibilities:

  • Receive, review, and respond to incoming emails from the Adoption Team Lead with focus on assisting with transition of rescued cats from their foster home to forever home. 

    • Incoming emails and tasks could include: 

      • Reviewing adoption application, assess applicant meets criteria set by Adoption Lead, Board of Directions, and Operations Manager, complete reference calls and create a brief assessment sent to Adoption Lead to be entered into RCR’s database, BARRK

      • Potentially ask further follow up with potential adopter 

      • Contacting the foster to arrange a meet and greet between potential adopter and RCR cat of interest, and completing a follow up with the foster home volunteer to see how their initial meeting with potential adopter went 

      • Once adoption is completed, ensure all adoption paperwork is completed and submitted to Adoption Team Lead

      • Follow up with the adopter regarding trial pet insurance and encourage them to purchase the pet insurance once the trial ends, and follow up to see how their adopted cat is settling into their fur-ever home. 

  • Assist with ensuring records are kept up to date and accurate

  • Commit to a monthly meeting with Operations Manager and adoption team, where you will assist in providing an oral/written report 

  • Other responsibilities as directed by Board of Directors

Time Commitment: 2 - 4 hours per week. 

Please note while we do our best to accurately reflect time commitment required to ensure interested individuals are aware, it may fluctuate depending on the time of year and seasons 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Age requirement of 18+ is a must, with a valid license and transportation 

  • Commitment to RCR’s mission and love of animals 

  • Organization and time management skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills

  • Proficient with Google platform

  • Access to phone/computer/internet/email is a requirement, as you will be provided an RCR email address, which is a primary means of communication 

  • Ability to work well independently and as a team player

Administrative Support

Purpose: As a volunteer Administrative Support you will play a vital role in Regina Cat Rescue support. You will assist with onboarding and offboarding of volunteers, providing them with an email address and assisting with  troubleshooting any technical problems. As a remote-based organization, you will be working from home mostly, aside from the occasional time when you meet individuals in person. 

Responsibilities:

  • Receive and respond to relevant emails from volunteers of RCR

  • Ensure all incoming individuals with RCR are provided with an email address

  • Assist with any background I.T problems, troubleshooting problems and outsourcing support when necessary

  • Review email addresses on file and archive any when individuals offboard

  • Commit to a monthly meeting with Operations Manager and adoption team, where you will assist in providing an oral/written report 

  • Other responsibilities as directed by Board of Directors

Time Commitment: 1- 2 hours per week. 

Please note while we do our best to accurately reflect time commitment required to ensure interested individuals are aware, it may fluctuate depending on the time of year and seasons 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Age requirement of 18+ is a must

  • Commitment to RCR’s mission and love of animals 

  • Organization and time management skills

  • Administrative and I.T background experience is an asset 

  • Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills

  • Proficient with Google software

  • Access to phone/computer/internet/email is a requirement, as you will be provided an RCR email address, which is a primary means of communication 

  • Ability to work well independently and as a team player

Expenditure Policy

effective February 2022

Disclaimer: This policy is not applicable for veterinary authorizations. Refer to the “Veterinary Authorization Policy” for the relevant policy.

Background:

Board members, co-chairs and volunteers may encounter a need to authorize expenditures for the operations of the organization and a prescribed level of authorization for types and values of expenditures is required.

No expenditure can be undertaken until the guidelines of this policy have been met.

The organizational finances and mandate must also be respected when making any such decision, as is covered in this policy.

It is the responsibility of all board members, co-chairs and volunteers to mitigate costs where possible and look for cost saving options and efficiencies – including working collaboratively with other members of the organization.  

Authorization:

$0 - $250 – Co-Chair OR One Board Member (Voting)

$251 - $2,000* – One Board Member (Voting) AND Treasurer

$2,000+ – Full Board Discussion and Vote

* If the board member and Treasurer determine the expenditure is not in the normal course of operations of the organization – a full board discussion and vote can occur to assess if it is in the best interests of the organization to approve the expenditure.

Treasurer

If you have a passion for cats, are a whiz with numbers, and are excited about the opportunity to give back to a local not for profit, this might be the volunteer opportunity you’ve been searching for!

Role Summary
The Treasurer is a key role on the Regina Cat Rescue’s (RCR) Board of Directors. This volunteer Board role oversees RCR’s financial matters in line with best practice and in accordance with the governing documents and legal requirements. This Board role is responsible to regularly report to the rest of the Board regarding the financial health of the Rescue.

The Treasurer will ensure effective financial measures, controls and procedures are in place for RCR.

Key Responsibilities

●      Overall responsibility for the funds of RCR; ensures a full and accurate account of all assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements for RCR are kept in the Corporation’s books

●      Guides the financial related activities of staff and contractors including the Operations Manager and Bookkeeper

●      Submits financial statements for review and discussion at Board Meetings; makes recommendations to guide the financial health of the Rescue

●      Submits an annual report at the Annual General Meeting that includes revenue and expenditure statements and a balance sheet

●      Oversees matters to retain charitable status with the Canadian Review Agency; includes filing the corporate tax return and corporate information return

●      Ensures tax receipts are written for eligible donations

●      Prepares and oversees the budget

●      Chairs the Finance and Revenue Development Committee

●      Performs other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors

Ideal Candidate

●      A CPA or CPA Candidate with 3+ years’ experience in accounting or finance.

●      Previous experience serving on a not-for-profit board is an asset.

●      High level of integrity and ethics.

●      Extremely organized.

●      Keen eye for detail.

●      Passionate about the welfare and well-being of cats.

The Treasurer must provide a Criminal Record Check to hold this volunteer role. They must also purchase and maintain an annual RCR membership during their term on the Board.

If you’re interested in this volunteer board position, please submit your resume to secretary@reginacatrescue.com.

Keet

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Keet (Aug. 9, 2003 - Nov. 17, 2020)

Beloved “Old Man” Keet died peacefully surrounded by love. He was a loving, sweet companion. He had a knack for offering head bunts when he sensed someone had a bad day. He preferred time with humans to time with my Regina Cat Rescue foster kittens, but he was a gentle teacher and helped them understand how to socialize with other cats and about boundaries. When adopters came over for a meet and greet with one of my foster kittens, Keet would be sure to welcome them at the door where he’d flop over at their feet and require pets before they could proceed. Most of all Keet loved spending time on the balcony in the summer or snuggling up on a lap — or chest, or back or really anywhere he could!

Keet - which is Ukrainian for cat - came to me in 2013 shortly after I had started volunteering with Regina Cat Rescue. It was not a typical situation for RCR. His guardian was going to Saskatoon for cancer treatment and needed someone to look after Keet for the next 3-6 months. I offered to care for him. Four months later I got the call that she had sadly died in treatment and would I keep Keet? So I did and I never regretted it. He brought much love to my life.

Keet is missed every day.

-Rachel

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Credit Card Policy

Revised January 29, 2024

  • Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) will hold credit cards (“corporate credit cards”) under the legal name, People for Animals of Saskatchewan (PFA). The number of cards, cardholders and the card limits will be authorized by the Board of Directors.

  • The corporate credit cards must have minimal fees, dependant on bank offerings. 

  • The approval process and dollar threshold outlined in RCR’s Personal Purchasing and Reimbursement Policy also applies to corporate credit card purchases.

  • The Personal Purchasing and Reimbursement Policy outlines purchases that must be paid for, or are eligible to be paid for, with the corporate credit cards.

  • In the event that a vendor does not accept credit cards, the cardholders may pay for purchases personally and be reimbursed in accordance with the Personal Purchasing and Reimbursement Policy.

  • No personal purchases are permitted to be made on the corporate credit cards.

  • Corporate credit cards cannot be passed off to non-cardholders.

  • The corporate credit cardholders must provide an itemized invoice/receipt for each corporate credit card purchase to the Treasurer within one week of the purchase.

  • Credit card statements will be received directly by the Treasurer and must be paid in full before the due date to avoid interest charges.

Personal Purchasing and Reimbursement Policy

Created July 2020

  • Any approved Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) expenses paid personally by co-chairs and board members (the individual) are eligible for reimbursement.

  • Expense reimbursements will not be issued unless an itemized invoice/receipt with proof of payment (e.g., email confirmation of payment, debit/credit approval slips, till receipts, etc.) is provided.

  • Any expenses that individuals are requesting reimbursement for must be provided, either electronically or through hard copies, to the Treasurer by no later than one month after the purchase is made or one month after the event that the purchase is related to is held. Any invoices received after the one-month period will not be eligible for reimbursement, but the individual can request a gift in kind (GIK) tax receipt. GIK receipts can only be issued for expenses from the past 3 years.

  • Exceptions to the one-month period may be made in extenuating circumstances (ie - death in the family, illness, etc) and will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will require Board approval.

  • The one-month period does not apply to Pet Rescue petty cash reimbursements. However, receipts are still required for petty cash disbursements and reconciliation. Pet Rescue must have all receipts incurred during the fiscal year to the Treasurer by no later than January 31 of the following year.

  • Purchases over $500 require Board approval prior to making the purchase. This threshold applies to any individual purchase.  It also applies to the total cost of an event even if individual components are under the threshold. Purchases over the $500 threshold made without prior board approval may not be eligible for reimbursement and will be decided on a case-by-case basis. To request approval, the individual will send an email to the Treasurer detailing the expense, or, in the case of an event, a budget outlining the expected expenses. The Treasurer will liaise with the Board and provide a response within 48 hours.

  • For circumstances where expenses are regular and recurring throughout the year (e.g., bingo canteen costs) and the individual would like to submit once annually, the individual may submit a request to the Treasurer to do so. If approved, any annual reimbursements must be submitted by no later than January 31 of the following year. If they are received later than January 31, they are no longer eligible for reimbursement but are eligible for a GIK receipt. This will only be allowed for small and steady/predictable expenses that are regularly recurring all year. It does not apply to costs associated with events or large invoices. Annual submissions must be requested and approved by the Treasurer in advance.

  • Reimbursement will be provided via cheque after the Treasurer receives in the receipt(s)/invoice(s) in the subsequent monthly cheque run.

  • Purchases must be paid with the corporate credit card, rather than a reimbursable personal purchase, and in accordance with the Regina Cat Rescue credit card policy, in the following situations:

    • Individuals holding a People for Animals of Saskatchewan credit card must put all their RCR purchases on the credit card regardless of the cost of the purchase;

    • Purchases over $500 made by individuals other than the cardholders must be paid for via a People for Animals of Saskatchewan credit card. The individual must contact the President to make the purchase on the President’s card.

    • Purchases under $500 can still be made on the corporate credit card at the discretion of the card holder.

  • The only individuals eligible to make reimbursable purchases on behalf of RCR are co-chairs and board members. Any other volunteers making purchases on behalf of RCR may only be reimbursed if they have received approval from the Board in advance of the purchase. Volunteers are eligible for GIK receipts for non-reimbursed purchases provided appropriate receipts are provided to the Treasurer. Foster families and community cat feeders will not be reimbursed for food and other cat care costs. They are expected to use the food and supplies provided by RCR. If they purchase food and supplies personally, they are eligible for a GIK receipt rather than reimbursement. 

Conflict of Interest Policy

The purpose of this policy is to help board members of Regina Cat Rescue to effectively identify, disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in order to protect the integrity of Regina Cat Rescue and manage risk.

Definition of conflict of interest: A situation that has the potential to undermine the impartiality of a person because of the possibility of a clash between the person’s self-interest and professional interest or public interest or a situation in which a party’s responsibility to a second-party limits its ability to discharge its responsibility to a third-party.

The Regina Cat Rescue board members and committee chairs are obligated to disclose any conflicts of interest that they may have, and to comply with this policy to ensure they effectively manage those conflicts of interest as representatives of Regina Cat Rescue.

This policy has been developed because conflicts of interest commonly arise, and do not need to present a problem to Regina Cat Rescue if they are openly and effectively managed. It is the policy of Regina Cat Rescue, as well as a responsibility of the board, that ethical, legal, financial or other conflicts of interest be avoided and that any such conflicts (where they do arise) do not conflict with the obligations to Regina Cat Rescue.

Regina Cat Rescue will manage conflicts of interest by requiring board members and committee chairs to:

  • Avoid conflicts of interest where possible

  • Identify and disclose any conflicts of interest

  • Carefully manage any conflicts of interest

  • Follow this policy and respond to any breaches

The board is responsible for establishing a system for identifying, disclosing and managing conflicts of interest across Regina Cat Rescue and monitoring compliance with this policy to ensure that the policy is operating effectively.

Identification and disclosure:
Board members and committee chairs are obligated to disclose any conflicts of interest they may have, in writing by letter or email, to the board. Any individual who is concerned about a conflict of interest of a board member or committee chair may also provide, in writing, to the board, their concerns about a conflict of interest. If a person suspects that a board member has failed to disclose a conflict of interest, they must notify the board.

Once an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest is identified, it must be entered into Regina Cat Rescue’s register of interests. This register must be maintained by the board Secretary and record information related to a conflict of interest (including the nature and extent of the conflict of interest and any steps taken to address it).

Confidentiality of Disclosure:
Only board members will have access to the information disclosed.

Management:
Once the conflict of interest has been appropriately disclosed, the board (excluding the board member disclosing and any other conflicted board member) must decide whether or not those conflicted board members should:

  • Vote on the matter

  • Participate in any debate

  • Be present in the room during the debate and the voting

In deciding what approach to take, the board will consider the following:

  • Whether the conflict needs to be avoided or simply documented

  • Whether the conflict will realistically impair the disclosing person’s capacity to impartially participate in decision-making

  • Alternative options to avoid the conflict

  • The possibility of creating an appearance of improper conduct that might impair confidence in, or the reputation of, Regina Cat Rescue

  • Whether it is appropriate for the person conflicted to resign from the board, such as where a conflict is very significant or likely to prevent a board member from regularly participating in discussions.

The approval of any action requires the agreement of at least a majority of the board (excluding any conflicted board member/s) who are present and voting at the meeting. The action and result of the voting will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

If the board has a reason to believe that a person subject to the policy has failed to comply with it, it will investigate the circumstances. If it is found that this person has failed to disclose a conflict of interest, the board may take action against them. This may include seeking to terminate their relationship with Regina Cat Rescue.

Florence

Florence (on right) snuggling with her foster sibling Kiro

Florence (on right) snuggling with her foster sibling Kiro

Oct. 11, 2019 - Feb. 18, 2020

Florence was my foster kitten. I watched her come into this world. Her mom was a stray cat about to burst with kittens and so she did in the warmth and safety of my bathroom. Florence was the perfect kitten. She loved to snuggle above all else. She would even ask for hugs by standing at my feet and or just leaping into my arms. She loved other cats and people. She was adopted on Feb. 14, 2020. Sadly, I received word she died in her forever home just 4 days later due to tragic accident with the family dog.

There are no words to describe how devastated her loss has been. It’s especially hard to think of her in pain and suffering. So please snuggle all your cats in memory of Florence tonight.

-Rachel

Returned cats

Returned cats policy

If an owner is no longer able to care for a cat adopted from Regina Cat Rescue, RCR will assist in rehoming the cat or will accept the cat back into foster care. If a cat is being returned, owners are asked to provide Regina Cat Rescue as much notice as possible, so we are able to plan for a foster placement for the cat.

Owners surrendering cats previously adopted from RCR will be charged a surrender fee of $50 per cat. This fee helps to cover costs incurred in taking the cat back into foster care, such as temporary boarding, vaccinations and food. If the cat is surrendered within 30 days of adoption, the surrender fee will be waived.

Princess

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Princess has been in my life almost as long as I can remember - almost 17 years. She was the most loving, cuddly cat, who was fiercely loyal to her cat companion, Chester, as well as to me and my family. She was so easy going, and truly just wanted to be with her people. She loved the sun spots through the windows of the house as well as on the covered deck, being held by anyone, and she was a purring machine. Princess was my constant companion on my journey to adulthood and I am so sorry that she had to go. Forever wouldn't have been long enough with this girl. 

- Amy Horton

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Euthanasia Policy

RCR will endeavour to preserve the life of each animal that comes under our care, to the best ability of those members involved in the rescue and care of the animal. RCR will endeavour to ensure all animals that come under our care are free from an unreasonable degree of pain or suffering, even when this must result in euthanasia.

RCR supports the use of humane euthanasia when no other viable options exist. Decisions to euthanize cats will be made on a case-by-case basis, upon consultation with one or more veterinarians, and will consider the diagnosis, short- and long-term prognosis for survival, estimated cost of treatment, and future quality of life for the cat. Decisions to euthanize may be made by the Pet Rescue Co-Chairs, Community Cat Team Co-Chairs or in consultation with the Board of Directors.

Regina Cat Rescue does not euthanize cats for space or time. This means that adoptable cats stay with us until we find them a home, and community cats are managed in colonies for the duration of their natural lives.

Please see our policy on Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus Testing for specific scenarios related to these diseases.

Meet our volunteers: Judy Howe

Judy’s been a dedicated volunteer with Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) for nearly 20 years. She first learned about RCR (then called People for Animals) through a friend, whose relative was a volunteer. Judy was drawn to RCR due to her love of animals and says she likes being a part of the organization because it’s “all from the heart” with all of the work being done by volunteers who share a deep love of cats and animals. Judy is retired now and likes to be able to relieve some of the work for the many volunteers who also work full-time. Judy believes volunteering is a great way to contribute for someone who doesn’t have a lot of money. She likes to help out where she can, which as you will read, has been in a lot of ways!

Judy began volunteering with RCR by working bingo shifts and continues to work bingos today. She also minded a feral feeding route for about 1.5 years where she enjoyed seeing the cats on the route waiting for her — sometimes even becoming brave enough to come out and eat while she was still present. Judy felt extremely rewarded knowing she was helping contribute to these cats being cared for and having a good life on the streets.

Judy found many other ways to contribute following her time on the feeding route. Over the years, she fostered 19 cats and socialized many feral adult cats in foster care. Currently, she fosters three very shy cats who aren’t ready for adoption and two cats who she hopes will find their forever homes soon. She also has helped the community cat team at their annual winter shelter making bee.

One of the highlights of Judy’s volunteering experience has been her participation in trapping four kittens who went to a foster home and were later adopted. According to Judy one of the most rewarding aspects of her work with RCR is watching her foster cats grow from being scared, shy cats to becoming complete “love bugs” who snuggle, purr and follow her everywhere.

This fall, we advertised a new volunteer opportunity and Judy was one of the first to sign up! She’ s now a regular volunteer at Excalipurr Cat Café, having taken on the job of cleaning the cat room weekly, in addition to being one of the regular volunteers who mind the cat room, clean litters and assist with adoptions at the café.

Every summer through fall, Judy can be found working in the Western Pizza Booth at Roughrider home games and other Mosaic Stadium events, serving food and drink in support of RCR. Judy has volunteered at weddings, marathons, the annual RCR garage sale and attended many RCR sales and information booths. She’ s often the person called when a volunteer is needed at the last minute to fill a vacancy as well. Other ways that Judy assists with the organization is by transporting cats to vet appointments, foster homes, and once to a farm home outside Regina. Judy is also well known throughout RCR for her awesome work selling RCR’s winter and spring raffle tickets!

Judy may do a lot for RCR, but we can always use more help! If you’re interested in volunteering to help Regina’s abandoned cats and kittens, check out our volunteer job descriptions, join our volunteer group on Facebook or submit a volunteer application today!

Cat Room Monitor - Excalipurr Cat Cafe

Purpose

As a member of the Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) Pet Rescue team, you will play an instrumental role in helping our rescued cats find homes by helping to maintain a welcoming environment for potential adopters at Excalipurr Cat Café. Taking direction from staff at Excalipurr, you will also help to ensure the cats are safe and comfortable while supervising visitors to the cat room.   

Benefits to Volunteering

  • Make a significant difference in the lives in the animals under RCR care

  • Help to ensure cats are comfortable while waiting to be adopted

  • Increase your knowledge and experience in animal care

  • The satisfaction of helping rescued cats during their transition to their forever homes

Responsibilities

  • Keeping the cat room tidy

  • Keeping litter boxes clean

  • Playing with cats

  • Interacting with potential adopters and visitors

Time Commitment

  • Shifts are two hours in length each. Excalipurr will assign shifts based on volunteer availability.

Age Requirement

  • Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Commitment to RCR’s mission

  • Basic cat care - when and how much to feed, litter box maintenance, cat socialization

  • Respect for animals