Hourly Pay Rate: $15.00 – $25.00

Supervisor: Feline and Small Animal Program Manager

Work hours: Full-time – May include weekends and some holidays depending on shelter needs; Approximately 40 hours per week.

Position Summary 

The Feline & Small Animal Foster Coordinator is responsible for managing and supporting the shelter’s foster program for cats and small animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small companion animals. This role works closely with foster caregivers to ensure animals placed in foster homes receive appropriate care, medical follow-up, and support until they are ready for adoption.

This position also oversees the shelter’s Barn Cat Program, coordinating placements for working cats into appropriate barn, farm, or warehouse homes. The ideal candidate is organized, compassionate, and comfortable communicating with volunteers, fosters, and the public while advocating for the needs of animals in care. 

Key Responsibilities 

Foster Program Coordination

• Recruit, screen, and onboard foster caregivers for cats and small animals. 
• Match animals with appropriate foster homes based on their medical, behavioral, or developmental needs. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for foster caregivers, providing guidance, support, and resources. 
• Coordinate foster supplies, food, and equipment for animals in foster care. 
• Monitor foster animal progress and maintain regular communication with caregivers. 
• Ensure timely scheduling of veterinary appointments, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgeries for foster animals. 

Animal Placement & Coordination

• Identify animals that would benefit from foster placement, including kittens, nursing mothers, animals recovering from illness or surgery, and animals needing socialization. 
• Maintain accurate records of foster placements and updates within the shelter database. 
• Assist with transitioning animals from foster homes back to the shelter for adoption or placement. 

Barn Cat Program Coordination

• Manage all aspects of the shelter’s Barn Cat Program. 
• Communicate with community members seeking barn or working cats for rodent control. 
• Match appropriate cats to barn homes and provide education on proper acclimation and care. 
• Maintain records of barn cat placements and program outcomes. 

Foster Support & Engagement

• Maintain positive relationships with foster volunteers through regular communication and support. 
• Provide foster training materials and guidance on animal care, behavior, and medical monitoring. 
• Assist with foster recruitment initiatives and program growth. 
• Work with shelter staff to promote animals currently in foster care. 

Shelter Collaboration

• Work closely with medical staff, adoption counselors, and animal care staff to coordinate foster placements and returns. 
• Assist with intake evaluations and identifying animals appropriate for foster care. 
• Maintain foster program supplies and organization. 

Qualifications 

• Experience working with cats and/or small animals in a shelter, veterinary, rescue, or foster-based environment preferred. 
• Experience coordinating volunteers or foster programs is a plus. 
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain accurate records. 
• Compassion for animals and commitment to the shelter’s mission. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds. 
• Ability to bend, stand, and perform cleaning or animal handling tasks as needed. 
• Comfortable handling cats and small animals of varying temperaments.
•  Work is performed in an animal shelter. There is a potential for exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, hazardous chemicals or chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets, anesthetics, sharp objects, and potential hostile persons and/or dangerous and fractious animals.