About our Foster Coordinators
Our Foster Coordinators act as the main TCR point of contact for foster homes and ensure a smooth journey for both the foster cat and foster home through the program.
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 requires daily monitoring of your email. It 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
- Ensure the organization’s policies and the Five Freedoms* are met at all times (learn more below)
- 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 practices.
- Monitor and follow up on the health and behaviour progress of foster cats
- 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
- Arrange store and adopt-a-thon placement for eligible cats as required
- Attend mandatory training
Qualifications & Expectations
- Must be 18 years or older
- Daily access to email (familiarity with Google Suite preferred)
- Experience with feline health and behavioural problems (training will also be provided)
- Prior fostering experience strongly recommended
- 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
- Ability to work courteously and cooperatively with staff, volunteers and sometimes members of the public
- One year minimum commitment
*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
Foster Coordinators are an essential part of our volunteer team. If you are interested in helping our rescue cats in finding their safe place in foster homes, fill our Foster Coordinator Application form below.
