About the Role
Toronto Cat Rescue saves over 2,500 cats each year from at-risk situations. Our work starts with a dedicated volunteer Intake Team. The Rescue Coordinator is a key member of this team, responsible for organizing the arrangements that help cats move safely into their approved foster homes. Once intake management has confirmed a foster match, this volunteer coordinates with the foster home, transport team and other teams to ensure pickup arrangements, supplies, medication and documentation are in place.
This behind-the-scenes role helps create a smooth transition from an approved placement to a cat arriving in their foster home. Rescue Coordinators manage placement logistics; final decisions about which cats are matched with which foster homes remain with the designated intake decision-makers.
Candidates will be expected to check emails and messages regularly during their assigned coverage periods and respond promptly. Although the workload will vary, placement arrangements are time-sensitive and involve several people. Clear communication, reliable follow-through and timely updates are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Connect with approved foster homes after a placement match has been confirmed by intake management.
- Confirm foster availability and coordinate pickup or delivery dates, times and locations.
- Work with Transport Coordinators to arrange transportation when needed.
- Ensure foster homes receive relevant medical, behavioural and care information before the cat arrives.
- Confirm that necessary food, supplies, prescribed medication and documentation are arranged with the appropriate team members.
- Provide clear transfer instructions to foster homes, drivers and pickup locations.
- Update placement tracking systems, including Smartsheet and shared spreadsheets, as required.
- Track outstanding arrangements and flag delays, missing information or concerns to the Intake Manager.
- Confirm the cat has arrived in the foster home and record completion of the transfer.
- Arrange a clear handover when backup coverage is needed.
- Participate in occasional virtual team meetings.
Qualifications & Expectations
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional, respectful and compassionate approach.
- Ability to coordinate several arrangements at once and remain calm when plans change.
- Reliable access to a computer and email; this role cannot be performed solely from a smartphone.
- Comfortable using Google Workspace and learning Smartsheet or similar tracking systems.
- Ability to follow established procedures, take direction and complete assigned tasks within agreed timelines.
- Comfortable working independently while communicating closely with a team.
- Ability to maintain discretion when handling foster contact information and other confidential details.
- Willingness to flag concerns and seek guidance when arrangements require a decision outside the role’s authority.
You’re a Good Fit If You
- Enjoy organizing details and helping plans come together.
- Communicate clearly and follow through until a task is complete.
- Are flexible, patient and calm when unexpected changes arise.
- Can check messages consistently during agreed coverage periods.
- Enjoy working with volunteers and foster families.
- Want to help cats leave shelters and settle safely into foster care.
Time Commitment & Location
Location: Primarily remote.
Schedule: Coverage needed during mornings and evenings, weekdays and weekends. Responsibilities are shared between 2–4 volunteers.
Time commitment: Coordinated based on volunteer availability and placement volume.
Help us turn an approved foster match into a safe arrival. Join our volunteer Rescue Coordinator team!
