Supporting cat owners volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

This role concentrates on building relationships with members of the public, encouraging them to consider alternatives to placing their cats up for adoption. You will focus on providing information and support to existing owners who may be experiencing issues with their cat. You’ll also help potential new cat owners who are seeking advice before getting a cat.

You’ll build relationships within the community to engage with cat owners and potential cat owners, for example with vets, other charities, Citizen’s Advice, local authorities etc.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

Join us as a Supporting Cat Ownership Volunteer for Cats Protection!

We have an exciting opportunity to join Cats Protection Preston & East Lancashire Branch, working together with our experienced Preston & East Lancashire Branch Team Leader.  

The initial focus of your volunteering role will be to build relationships with members of the public, encouraging them to consider alternatives to placing their cats up for adoption.  You will focus on supporting and advising existing owners who may be experiencing issues with their cat. You’ll also help potential new cat owners who are seeking advice before getting a cat. 

You’ll build relationships within the community to engage with cat owners and potential cat owners, for example with vets, other charities, Citizen’s Advice, local authorities etc.   This role can involve transporting some resources (food and cat litter), telephone and email communication and documenting supporting provided on Cats Protection systems.

If this sounds like the role for you full training will be provided to help you build up your skills and understanding of supporting cat owners and working in the community to fully support you within your role.

We look forward to hearing from you and Good Luck with your application!

What we need from you

• Providing information and support to cat owners who may be considering rehoming their cat due to a change in circumstances or cat behaviour issue
• Offer a signposting service, using a comprehensive resource library, information, guidance and support
• Communicating with members of the public to offer support regarding cat ownership by using a variety of mediums eg email, video calls, social media
• Effectively use in-house systems to record outcomes and provide feedback
• Linking with community groups, partners and charities to share key messages about cat ownership
• Linking with other Cats Protection volunteers and employees to share key messages and experiences
• Attending community events (in-person and virtual) to promote key messages

Time expectation

Our supporting cat owners volunteers usually spend four to 10 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.