Volunteer Activities
Our high volume spay/neuter clinics are held on every third Sunday of the month (check current schedule for dates). Two shifts of volunteers are scheduled for each clinic. The first shift is from 7:30 AM until 12:00 and the second shift is from 11:30 AM until 4:00 PM (or until all the cats have returned home). Beverages and pizza are provided for all volunteers. Admissions Station (AM only) - Five volunteers are needed at this station. This is where the cats are admitted to the clinic, essential paperwork is prepared, donations are accepted and receipts given, cats in traps are weighed, transported to the holding area and monitored before surgery. Prep Station - A veterinary Technician and two volunteers are needed here. This is where cats are initially sedated, vaccines and antibiotics are given, and the cats are prepped for surgery. Light paperwork is involved. Testing Station - A veterinary Technician and one volunteer is needed here. This is where the cats are tested for feline leukemia by drawing blood and performing an ELISA Snap Test. Testing optional; an average of 25% - 33% of cats are tested at each clinic. Trap Cleaning Station - One volunteer is needed at this station. While the cat is in surgery, the trap is cleaned and an absorbent pad is placed in the trap fro the cat's comfort. Surgery Station - Surgeries are performed by licensed veterinarians with assistance from veterinary technicians, assistants, and trained lay volunteers. Instrument Cleaning/Sterilization Station (Filled) - One volunteer is needed here to clean and sterilize the surgical instruments, assemble spay packs, and operate the autoclave. Post Op Station - One veterinary Technician and two to four volunteers are needed here. This is where the cats are inspected and treated, if necessary, for fleas, ear mites, and other parasites, and excessive matting. Ears are cleaned, hydration is checked, and fluids are administered as necessary. This is where the cats are reunited with their cages. Recovery Station - Up to fifteen volunteers are needed at this station. Here the cats are continuously monitored until they wake up from anesthesia. Clinic statistics are recorded, rabies certificates are issued, and caretakers are notified to pick up their cats when the cats are fully awake. Transporters - Volunteers are needed to carry the cats (under sedation) from the Prep Station to Surgery and from there to Post Op. Traps are then transported from Post Op to the Recovery Station. The cats are always under sedation when being transported. Set-up and Clean-up - Volunteers are needed before the clinic to setup tables and assemble the necessary paperwork for the clinic. Volunteers are also needed after the clinic to pack up supplies, stack tables, and return everything to the storage area. Fund-raising Table - One or Two volunteers are needed to set up the fund raising table and sell logo merchandise, raffle tickets, catnip toys, etc. We welcome any & all fund raising ideas! Laundry - Volunteer are needed to take sheets and towels home and wash and dry them and return them to the next clinic. It is essential to have clean sheets and towels to cover the traps to keep the the cats calm. Non-Clinic Volunteer Opportunities HCMT offers a variety of volunteer opportunities in addition to those available at the Sunday clinic. There are outreach positions where volunteers explain our spay/neuter program at local pet supply stores, neighborhood fairs, and other gatherings. Our 'Mailing Parties' involve collating and labeling our newsletter and appeal mailings, while enjoying yummy treats and lively conversations on, what else, CATS! We have opportunities, for those with telephone skills, related to initial client screening, media contacts, and public relations. Please contact us if you are interested in any of these positions, or if you have any questions.
