Beginning with 17 rescued cats in 2006, The Fort Collins Cat Rescue and Spay/Neuter Clinichas grown to be an integral part of the Front Range community.
Since 2007, the nonprofit has provided low cost spaying and neutering to over 39,000 dogs and cats, in an effort to reduce pet overpopulation and disease in the Fort Collins area. The shelter facilitates adoptions of cats of all ages, and provides foster care to cats that are waiting for a "forever-home."
"Volunteers can help in all kinds of different ways," says Hillary Allen, Volunteer Manager at the Cat Rescue and Spay/Neuter Clinic.
In the shelter, they can help with taking care of all of the basic needs of the shelter cat. This includes socialization, petting and playtime, along with behavioral enrichment. A volunteer in the shelter is trusted with making sure that the cats are comfortable and well cared for while they are in residence.
"We adopt out about 2,000 cats a year, and our clinic to date has spayed and neutered over 39,000 dogs and cats," says Ashley Boothe, Marketing Manager.
Volunteer medical technicians are critical to the clinic. They help with administering vaccines, surgical recovery for the dogs and cats, and assorted other clinical duties. The Medical Technician volunteer position is a great fit for a person that wants clinic experience for school or a career.
For Kelsey Richards, a medical technician volunteer, the training she received from staff prior to starting at the clinic was very thorough.
"They're very hands on and they want you to understand what you're doing," she said.
On the day KUNC visited, Kelsey was "micro-chipping" kittens. The microchip is inserted subcutaneously and contains information that will help locate the owner if they get lost.
To volunteer at the Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic, click here.
