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.

Board of Directors Member at Large

Member at Large

The Member at Large shall:

• Attend regularly scheduled Board meetings including the annual meeting

• Attend Board workshops, strategic planning sessions and other Board development activities

• Sit on a Board Committee as assigned 

• Perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors

Keet

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

Rupert

Rupert was adopted in 2011 from the Saskatoon SPCA. He was a black cat and as such 50% off the adoption price since the shelter was overcrowded. He was the most loving cat and was in our family for 8 years. He loved being outside in the back yard, face bumps, eating, and cuddling. We were so lucky to have him in our lives and he will be forever remembered and loved

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

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.

Yuki

Yuki was a handsome boy who’s best known for his time as the cat at the Brandt Centre in Regina where he greeted so many visitors. He passed away on Feb. 22, 2019 at the age of 18 years old. Read more about Yuki’s legacy here.

Thank you to everyone who donated to RCR in memory of Yuki.

Princess

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

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

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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.

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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

Pet health insurance Q&A

I adopted a cat a week ago. Can I get the free insurance?
Our insurance program begins on October 1, 2018, so, unfortunately, we are unable to provide insurance for previous adoptions.

Why do I need insurance? Aren’t your cats vet-checked and healthy?
Regina Cat Rescue cats are vet-checked; however, your cat could get into an accident or catch an illness after it leaves our care. Pet health insurance can help you pay for arising vet bills. 

Insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that coverage will be available when it’s needed. Setting money aside can take several years to save up for the cost of an unexpected illness or injury. For example, there may not be enough money saved up to cover the vet fees for an accident or illness four months into a “savings” plan.

What does the insurance cover?
Coverage for accidents and illnesses begins 48 hours after activation. If you need to make a claim, the insurance company will pay 80% of your vet fees (up to $500), less a $100 deductible per incident. The free trial voucher must be activated within 10 days of the adoption to qualify for coverage.

What happens if my cat gets sick before the insurance kicks in?
Please contact Regina Cat Rescue immediately if your cat becomes ill before your insurance kicks. We vet check all of our cats but can’t foresee every health issue that may arise. We work with vet clinics that provide us with discounts, and we may be able to help if your cat has a previously undetectable condition.

How much is the insurance if I want to continue it after the trial?
During the six-week trial, Petsecure will provide you with a personalized quote to continue coverage, along with the many benefits of pet health insurance.

What are the benefits of continuing the insurance after the trial? 
If you transfer to a policy before the end of the trial, you will have higher coverage amounts without any additional waiting periods for accidents and illness. As well, any conditions claimed for and covered under the trial will continue to be covered under your Petsecure policy. 

If I sign up for the trial, will I automatically get charged for the insurance if I don’t cancel?
No. The trial will automatically expire after six weeks, unless you continue with a Petsecure plan. You have no obligation to purchase the insurance after the trial. 

Does Regina Cat Rescue receive payment from the insurance company for promoting the insurance? 
Petsecure not only provides newly adopted pets with six weeks of free health coverage, but they also make donations to our organization based on our activity with the program. They provide this financial assistance, because they recognize it is costly to operate a rescue.

Meet our volunteers: Renae Bradley

When you think of rescuing cats, photography might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's an important part of helping our rescued kitties find a home. Since Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) is a foster-based group and doesn't operate a shelter, we showcase our adoptable cats on our website and social media - and to do that we need great photos that show each cat looking its best! That's why RCR has a team of dedicated volunteer photographers who visit foster homes and satellite adoption centres around the city with the goal of snapping our rescued cats' glamour shots. Renae Bradley is one of these volunteers.

Renae got her start with photography while working aboard a cruise ship and saw plenty of opportunities to take amazing photos. From architecture to animals, she loves all photography and can often be found exploring new places to find new photo subjects. Her other hobbies include gardening, home improvement projects and scrapbooking. And, of course, spending time at home with her husband and three kitties - Beanie, Togepi and Missy.

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Togepi

How did you get involved with Regina Cat Rescue?
I came across an RCR calendar at my vet office. Checked the website out and what the rescue does. I looked at the volunteer opportunities, saw a photographer posting and applied to help.

What’s your role with Regina Cat Rescue?
I am one of the photographers that is lucky to meet so many beautiful kitties and the great fosters. I go out to the foster homes and try to get the best photos possible of the cat or kitten.

What’s the best or most rewarding part of volunteering with RCR?
The happiness of seeing a cat I photographed go to his or her forever home.

What’s the most challenging part of volunteering with RCR?
Wishing I had more free time to give - and taking photos of shy kitties. They always make things interesting. I do what I have to in order to get at least one or two decent photos.

What motivates you to volunteer?
I love cats and want to help them find their forever homes. I have been doing photography for years and can use it to help.

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Missy

Do you have any memorable or special moments from your time as an RCR volunteer?
I will never forget my first cat, Simone. Her foster moms were great and she was such a sweet girl. They made it easy for me. A second one is a kitten my husband & I picked up for RCR. A lady had found him and contacted RCR for help. He was so small and we were surprised he didn't meow at all in the car. We kept him overnight and in less than 12 hours he was already a sassy kitten. So many cats stick out in my mind I have met, they are all special and unique.

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Beanie

How do you balance volunteering with your other commitments?
I remind myself that cats and kittens need me to help them by taking their photos hoping to capture their beauty, playful or cuddly personalities. Volunteering becomes part of your schedule and life. It isn't always easy with schedules and busy lives, but my cats at home remind me why I volunteer.

What would you tell someone thinking of volunteering with RCR?
To definitely sign up to volunteer, there are so many ways you can help. Volunteering with RCR has brought more to my life than I expected meeting cats and their fosters and rescuers.

Anything else you’d like to add about volunteering for RCR?
I have met some great people in over a year I have been volunteering with RCR. I am not from Regina originally and volunteering gets me out meeting new people.

If you're interested in joining our team of volunteer photographers, please check out the job description and email our communications team for more information!

Food supplies

Revised November 2018

Regina Cat Rescue provides food supplies to foster homes and community cat feeders. Regina Cat Rescue does not reimburse volunteers for pet food purchases without prior approval from the Board of Directors. If volunteers wish to provide food other than that supplied by RCR, RCR will issue “Gift in Kind” receipts that may be used for income tax deductions.

In some cases, cats may require a special diet. Volunteers will contact their Committee Chair who will then forward the request to the Board. Food prescriptions may be faxed or scanned and emailed directly to the treasurer to expedite approvals.

Special diets for any cats in our care must be prescribed by a veterinary partner and a copy of the prescription must be filed with the treasurer before reimbursements are issued.

Photos of Casey

Warning - Photos may be graphic to some readers.

Casey when he first arrived in Regina Cat Rescue's care in mid-August.

Casey in his foster home.

Casey waiting for this first appointment at the vet college in Saskatoon.

Casey waiting for this first appointment at the vet college in Saskatoon.

As you can imagine Casey has needed countless baths in foster care.

Casey's bum prior to treatment.

Casey's bum prior to treatment.

Photos of Casey's bum at the vet on Oct. 15.

Casey's bum after the first balloon dilation.

Casey looks forward to his final treatment so he can live in pain-free comfort.

Reflecting on 35 years: The evolution of Regina Cat Rescue

Nov. 18, 2017 marks the 35th anniversary of Regina Cat Rescue’s (RCR) incorporation date, and we wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the organization’s evolution since 1982 with a special edition of our Meet our Volunteers feature. To help take us back to the eighties, we caught up with one of RCR’s earliest volunteers - Pat Vogt.

Pat joined the organization in 1986 and retired from active volunteering a few years ago, but she continues to donate to RCR and practice trap, neuter, return (TNR) in her neighbourhood. Currently, Pat is a Programmer Analyst at a provincial crown corporation. She enjoys camping and gardening, and although Pat is no longer an active volunteer with RCR, animal welfare is a cause that remains close to her heart.

RCR – Our readers will be familiar with Regina Cat Rescue (RCR), and maybe even People for Animals, but what were the organization’s first name(s)?
PV – The organization started out as “The Association for the Protection of Fur-bearing Animals.” Later it was the “Friends of the Fur-Bearers” before eventually evolving into “People for Animals of Saskatchewan” – which remains Regina Cat Rescue’s legal name today.

RCR – Can you tell us a bit about how PFA began?
PV – People for Animals of Saskatchewan (PFA) was founded by Joanne Craig, who became a good friend of mine. She had learned a lot about the fur industry and recognized there was a great need to educate the public about the industry’s cruelty. Joanne, along with the other founders, formed the group to gather like-minded people to organize and lobby against the fashion fur industry; by that, I mean to oppose the use of fur for uses other than survival or sustenance. Trapping and fur-farming are extremely inhumane – and trapping also kills millions of non-target animals every year in Canada, some of them endangered species. We believed that there was a great need to educate the public, and we hoped that the public would turn against the use of fur, and in many ways, that happened around the world.

Joanne Craig (left) founded what would become Regina Cat Rescue and Pat Vogt (right) was one of the organization's first and longest-serving volunteers.

But it’s been discouraging, as fur has crept back into the stores as trim on coats, on trinkets and even on toys people buy for their cats. A lot of people remain ignorant to the suffering that any fur products entail. Even organizations that focus on companion animals often view animal welfare activities as controversial and won’t get involved, and this is unfortunate and rather ironic because some fur trim is known to be dog and cat fur imported on goods from China, and words can’t adequately describe the horrors those poor animals endure.

RCR – How did you become involved with PFA?
PV - I joined the group in 1986 when a volunteer contacted me after reading a Letter to the Editor in the Regina Leader Post that I wrote about sport hunting. They took me to be an animal welfare activist and they were certainly right about that! So, I can’t take any credit for the formation of the group, but I was one of the people that got on board early – there were only about a half-dozen members at any given time in those days – a few stayed, others came and left after a short time. I was one of the few that remained active and stayed on for many years.  

RCR - Why did PFA start working with domestic animals?
PV - Because we were a group of people that cared deeply about animals, it became incidental that we would get involved with local cat rescue. There were abandoned, stray and feral cats and batches of kittens everywhere - it couldn’t be ignored. The Regina Humane Society was overwhelmed, had no sterilization clinic at that time and truly had no choice but to euthanize many cats. So, pet rescue got started simply because here were all these cats that needed to be looked after – the cat over-population crisis was staring us in the face.

So the organizational mandate further evolved to focus on cats, again because the need was great and because of course it’s a very acceptable way to help animals, without any of the stigma that wider animal welfare still faces even today. We did rescue a handful of dogs in the early days, but really weren’t equipped to deal with them very effectively. Other groups were better at dog rescue and PFA was better at the cat rescue. PFA recognized the need to focus on sterilization early on, so it was always the priority. Because many cats were feral, and because TNR has been proven as the most effective way to reduce feral populations, sterilizing and caring for cats in feral colonies became an important arm of the group. The TNR and the foster/adoption programs started out very small but of course have grown in scope.

RCR - In your opinion, what are the biggest achievements or milestones that PFA has achieved?
PV - PFA was on hand to see the last fur retailer close its doors in Regina, because fur coats lost their popularity. For me, that was a huge achievement, even though it certainly wasn’t the end of the fur industry in the long run.

In RCR’s current incarnation and focus, without a doubt, the development of the TNR program and the large number of sterilizations PFA/RCR has facilitated over the years is the most significant achievement. The TNR work filled a gap that the Regina Humane Society simply wasn’t able to focus on, and is vitally important as it attacks the root of the over-population crisis. Also, the placement of many previously unwanted and abandoned cats into loving homes is something very tangible and rewarding that all members can be proud of. Getting charitable status as an organization was also an important milestone - it gave PFA/RCR the ability to fundraise more effectively.

RCR - Over the years, PFA/RCR’s capacity to help cats in need has grown (last year, RCR was able to rescue 473 cats and find homes for 407 cats). What do you think has made this growth possible?
PV - If not for the dedicated volunteers in all aspects of the group, whether fundraising, fostering, caring for the colony cats or governance, those statistics wouldn't be possible. Secondly, as PFA/RCR became more widely known, it gained more support and fundraising was able to grow, along with the number of volunteers. Once the organization achieved charitable status, there were better outcomes when applying for grants like the PetSmart grant. Everything is a learning process and all the lessons learned in all program areas contributed to the growth of the organization.

One of PFA's earliest logos

RCR - Do you have any favourite memories of your time with PFA?
PV - Looking at the period after PFA became dedicated to cat rescue, I would say one of these was getting the news that Canada Revenue Agency had granted PFA charitable status. It had been a long road and a big learning curve to ensure our programs would meet the requirements, to build up the governance side of the organization and to prepare the application. At the time, we were lucky enough to have some guidance from several women who “knew the ropes” that worked with our inexperienced board members, and in fact helped us to put together an actual board of directors and stayed with us throughout the entire process. Receiving the news that we were successful in our application validated our efforts and gave us a lot of optimism about the future of PFA. We were elated!

RCR - What were the most rewarding parts of volunteering with PFA?
PV - The most rewarding part of volunteering for me came from the animals themselves, not surprisingly. Aside from all the stories of satisfactory outcomes for individual cats that came to my attention, there were personal rewards for me with my own little fostering “operation” in my home. When a timid cat or kitten I was fostering “turned the corner,” getting past the shyness and fear and becoming a “teddy bear,” it was like a switch was flipped.

RCR - What were the most challenging aspects of volunteering with animals and PFA?
PV - The most challenging part of volunteering for me was in the area of governance. Organizing always comes with growing pains, and as PFA grew, it was increasingly imperative that the governance grow to meet the challenges. Policies were needed to ensure that the organizational mandate was being met, that the cats that came under PFA’s umbrella were best served, that funds were utilized to get the most “bang for the buck” and so on. Everybody who worked on the board had their own beliefs, values, personalities and ideas. Most weren't experienced in serving on a board. Agreement did not always come easily and emotions could run hot. Every policy that was hammered out was done so with a great deal of work, many revisions and in many cases not everybody was satisfied with the results, but I personally believe that they have served their purpose very well, and some of the heart-wrenching disagreements that were formally the norm, were able to be resolved on the basis of policy. Without the very comprehensive policies that were written and no doubt continue to be revised to meet the needs of the organization, RCR would not have been able to have met the many challenges it has faced.

RCR - Do you have any words you want to share with past and current volunteers?
PV - Volunteers are the heart of any organization that does the kind of work RCR does, and RCR’s volunteers are faced with a never-ending queue of needy animals and a huge job that will never be “done.” I think it’s important to recognize one’s limitations and step back and take a break if need be, or move into another area that doesn’t feel so overwhelming, even if temporarily. “Burn out” is real, and it can mean the loss of volunteers that are always in short supply. Along these lines, I think it’s important to check in with fellow volunteers to see how they’re coping, and “have each other’s back” when things go wrong. I also believe it's always very “illuminating” when volunteers from one area “buddy” with those from another to “walk in their shoes” so to speak. These are educational experiences that can help foster a better understanding of the overall reach of the organization from the grass roots level, as well as a better appreciation of every area’s contributions.   

RCR - Are there are any other reflections you’d like to share?
PV - I remember when we were once faced with a difficult decision, brought to the board by one of the colony volunteers: whether to further authorize very expensive veterinary care for a very ill cat. Essentially it meant saving her life, and by then a significant amount had already been spent, so we went ahead, even though we all had reservations. It was very costly to PFA, and sadly, this cat didn't survive. Every life is precious, and it’s in our nature to try to save every cat, but it’s also important to spend the funds wisely, and the members/donors at large had an expectation that the board would ensure that this was so. Many cats could have been sterilized with those funds. But we learned as we went along, and as I recall, this was the point at which PFA implemented a policy that whenever possible, special funds would be set up for cats requiring expensive veterinary care, so that it was clear to the donors how the funds collected would be spent. I think this illustrates some of the difficult challenges associated with pet rescue, and also demonstrates that PFA was maturing as an organization, evolving to meet its challenges while honouring its organizational mandate.

Kitt Katt shortly before she passed away.

RCR – And last, but not least, can you tell us a bit about your own cat family?
PV - I have seven cats – not that I wanted that many, much as I love them! This is my second family of cats – all of them over the years have been rescues. I have a secure cat run that they can access any time, and I have it screened so birds can’t get in. The first cat companion I ever acquired was a tiny, black, injured kitten of 6 weeks old that we found in the middle of the dotted line on a highway late one night back in the 1980’s. We called her “Kitt Katt.” We suspect she may have been hit by a car and she had to get a large wound stitched up, and she was only about the size of a pound of butter. She lived to be 29 years old and just passed away in 2014. I often think of how she certainly would have perished if not for that stroke of luck of seeing her eyes reflected the car lights!

Thanks to Pat Vogt for taking the time to share her experience as a former PFA/RCR volunteer. If you'd like to volunteer with RCR, check out our volunteer job descriptions and apply to get involved!

-Interview by Rachel Molnar