Foster Coordinator

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Goal
Support foster homes with the medical and behavioural needs of foster cats and help prepare them for adoption into a forever home.

Help Us Make a Difference
Toronto Cat Rescue has no main shelter; the majority of our cats are homed in over 500 foster homes.  Foster coordinators ensure that both cats and their caregivers receive the support they need throughout their length of stay in the foster program. 
This role is often time-consuming and sometimes stressful.  It will take up to a year to fully grasp the multi-faceted demands of this integral role. The effort is great, but the difference you will make in the lives of hundreds of cats is well worth it.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Act as the main TCR point of contact for foster parents, and ensure basic medical and caregiving training is provided to them

  • Ensure the Five Freedoms* are met at all times

  • Understand, support and regularly communicate the organization’s policies, procedures and rescue philosophy with foster homes to ensure consistency and efficiency 

  • Provide ongoing guidance/mentorship and support to foster homes, such as continuous training, arranging access to special foods and supplies, coaching around boundaries, and promoting self-care practises

  • Monitor and follow up on the health and behaviour progress of foster cats on a continual basis

  • Strive for the goal of timely adoption into forever homes—our motto is the sooner a cat finds a forever home, the less stress for the cat!

  • Guide and support foster homes through emergency situations with patience and a calm attitude

  • Work directly with staff, other foster coordinators, health care, and the vet team to solve medical and behavioural issues 

  • Evaluate the cat’s personality and provide counsel to the adoptions team in order to match the cat with the ideal permanent home  

  • Arrange store and adopt-a-thon placement for eligible cats as required

Qualifications & Expectations

  • Must be 18 years or older

  • Demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize  multiple competing tasks and demands

  • Have daily access to email, and familiarity with Google Drive (or willingness to learn) 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations 

  • Organized and detail oriented

  • Ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks and demands 

  • Experience with feline health and behavioural problems considered an asset (training will also be provided)

  • Ability to work courteously and cooperatively with staff, volunteers and sometimes members of the public

  • Maintain a consistent level of professionalism and excellent customer service

COVID update
TCR has strict protocols in place to ensure the safety of our volunteers, supporters, cats and staff. Additional training with be provided.

*The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare:

  • Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor

  • Freedom from Discomfort

  • Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease

  • Freedom to Express Normal Behavior

  • Freedom from Fear and Distress