Drucie Ashley
Board Director
tomdru1422@yahoo.com
Mercedes Core-Munoz, DVM
Board Director
catvet07@yahoo.com
Cincy Gould
Board Director
cincygould@yahoo.com
Kelly Richardson, MEd
Board President & Rescue Operations
(480) 703-3818, mobile
desertpawskelly@gmail.com
Thank you so much for dedicating your time and love to our animals in need!
Desert Paws Rescue (“Desert Paws,” “DPR,” or “DP”) considers volunteers essential to the welfare and proper placement of our animals.
Volunteers provide:
A healthy and safe environment for adoptable cats and kittens.
Quality food and litter to ensure that the foster remains healthy.
Interactions that help develop social skills.
Lots of exercise and playtime to help them develop into great pets!
This Feline Volunteer Guide was designed to provide you with information regarding Desert Paws Rescue Volunteer Program operations and volunteer expectations. It is important that you read through each entry to ensure that you are aware of expectations regarding Desert Paws Rescue adoption services and events.
This document is by no means comprehensive, so we encourage you to reach out to a Desert Paws representative if you have questions regarding any aspect of the document.
As a recognized PetSmart Charity, we have been given the valuable opportunity to use our PetSmart’s Adoption Center to promote our adoptable cats. Our cats’ stay at the Adoption Center provides them with great exposure to the many pet-loving individuals who visit our PetSmart. Adoption Center volunteers ensure that their enclosures are kept clean, provide them with valuable social interaction, and ensure that they remain happy and healthy during their stay.
According to PetSmart Adoption Center policy, all cats or kittens who stay at the center must be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations (including Rabies), and appear healthy. While it is common for a cat who has never stayed at the adoption center before to take a day or two to settle into the environment, it is important that we monitor all residents eating and “potty” habits throughout their stay to ensure that their immunity is not compromised.
Many of the cats and kittens that come to Desert Paws come from shelters, pounds, or other ‘less than sterile’ environments. Kittens especially can be tiny and adorable little vehicles for viruses and bacteria. The majority of these health issues are easily managed and resolved through home remedies or medicines; however, all cats and kittens staying at the adoption center must appear healthy and all necessary steps should be taken to prevent any discreet illness from spreading to other residents.
If a volunteer suspects that an adoption center resident is showing signs of an infection or possible health issue, it is important that a Desert Paws Rescue Board Member is notified. The notified board member will be responsible for making a physical assessment of the cat’s symptoms and, if necessary, contact the foster to arrange the cat’s transport home from the center.
Visible symptoms of an infection or possible health issue can include:
yellow/green discharge from a cat’s nose or eyes
red/swollen/visible inner eyelid
a patch, or patches, of skin that appear red/flaky/hairless
the presence of ear mites, fleas, or ticks
watery diarrhea or diarrhea occurring outside of the litter box
bloody urine or urine occurring outside of the litter box
consistent vomiting of food or stomach bile
visible parasites in a cat’s feces or vomit
The transition from living in a foster home to staying at the adoption center can often be stressful. Stress is often linked to a lowered immunity, so while a cat/kitten may have been healthy when they began their stay, it is possible for them to develop illness during their stay.
Our volunteers are our number one source for health and wellness information about adoption center residents, so if you ever suspect that cat or kitten is experiencing some of the visible symptoms listed above, please feel free to reach out to a Desert Paws Rescue Board Member!
Often, a cat/kitten who has displayed fearfulness or a lack of social skills within their foster home will overcome these issues during their stay at our PetSmart Adoption Center. This is partly due to our terrific volunteers who ensure that these cats/kittens are provided with quality play and snuggle time.
The first few days at the adoption center for a kitty who has shown fearfulness or skittishness may be difficult. It is normal for a scared cat to spend a lot time sleeping, hiding, or appear lethargic. It may also be common that a new resident will hiss or growl at other residents.
Experience has shown us that these behaviors are often a result of fear and stress, and that after a few days at the adoption center these behaviors will subside.
If a volunteer observes that an adoption center resident is showing unceasing signs of fear or aggression toward volunteers, it is important that a Desert Paws Rescue Board Member is notified. The notified board member will be responsible for making a physical assessment of the cat’s symptoms and, if necessary, contact the foster to arrange the cat’s transport home from the center.
Documentation of a cat or kitten’s daily health and wellness provides our volunteer and foster teams with important details about a cat/kitten’s stay at the adoption center. DPR encourages communication of all volunteer observations related to a resident’s health and wellness; however, the PetSmart Resident Wellness Chart provides documentation that can be saved as a reference within a DPR cat/kitten’s file.
The additional step of making notations on a cat/kitten’s PetSmart Resident Wellness Chart may take some getting used to; however, this new medium of communication has the potential to show patterns of that may indicate underlying health/behavioral issues associated with staying at the adoption center.
In preparation for leaving a cat/kitten at the PetSmart Adoption Center, the foster parent should fill in the Name, Foster Parent & Phone, Age, Food Plan, and Additional Notes fields on the Resident Wellness Chart for each cat/kitten staying.
Each volunteer shift will be responsible for filling in the date of their visit and clearly initialing within the appropriate field.
Within the Food and Water fields, each shift’s volunteer should indicate whether a cat/kitten’s food and water dish was:
found empty then filled
found full
disposed of, cleaned & refilled
Within the Urine and Fecal fields, each shift’s volunteer should place a checkmark if urine or feces was removed from the litter box.
Within the Notes field, each shift’s volunteer should notate any summarized observations about the resident’s health or behavior.
The use of the PetSmart Charities Adoption Center is a valuable benefit for our rescue and our adoptable cats and kittens. The center provides Desert Paws Rescue with the opportunity to promote our mission and animals to PetSmart shoppers. Giving a good first impression is critical, so the adoption center must be kept neat and clean.
“Just because a cage is clean doesn’t necessarily mean its appearance is appealing. Consistency in bedding, bowls, cage cards, and even the written pet descriptions make up the ‘total picture.’ Within the parameters of approved supplies and materials, all of the components are available to create and maintain a happy, healthy selection of enthusiastic and friendly pets” (PCI Adoption Partner Manual, p.21).
“Clutter can create the wrong impression, even when the cages are immaculately clean. Cluttered environments can lead to stress in pets and create negative public perception for your organization. No matter the configuration, whether a cage, kennel, or playpen, keep the space clutter free! Limit bedding, toys, and bowls to what is necessary so that pets can maximize their temporary space. When planning a pet’s space, aim for “neat and tidy” (PCI Adoption Partner Manual, p.21).
Daily tasks should include:
Keeping the floor free of debris or spills by sweeping and spot-cleaning.
Keeping cat trees or other large cat-enrichment objects free of debris or spills by spot-cleaning.
Reducing odor by ensuring that litter boxes are scooped, disposing of the trash when it contains litter waste, and wiping down seating and other surfaces in the center with antibacterial wipes.
Ensuring that windows are free of handprints or other messes by spot-cleaning.
Keeping the inside and outside of our resident’s enclosures is beneficial to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for them. Maintaining a neat and clean enclosure will reduce stress for the cats/kittens staying at the center and presents an environment where the health of our animals is a high priority.
Since cats have a very acute sense of smell, we want to avoid using cleaners or chemicals that have a strong odor. When spot-cleaning enclosures, please only use a dry or wet paper towel. If a dry or wet paper towel will not effectively clean a mess, ensure that the cat/kitten is removed from the enclosure before using additional cleaners (ex. antibacterial wipes or sprays, window cleaners, etc.). Before placing the cat/kitten back into their enclosure, ensure that any odors resulting from cleaners have had time to air out and dissipate.
Clean blankets, beds, and toys are kept inside the adoption center’s cabinets. If a blanket, bed, or toy is soiled beyond resolution through spot-cleaning, please place the soiled bedding/toys inside of the provided laundry bag and replace with clean ones.
Items like disposable gloves, paper towels, cleaning supplies, trash can liners, and maintenance supplies are provided by PetSmart. If you find that the adoption center has run out of these items, please ask a PetSmart Store Associate or Manager for assistance.
When your shift at the adoption center has concluded and you are ready to leave please ensure that:
The trash has been taken to the very back of the store for nightly disposal by the PetSmart team, and a new liner has been placed in the center’s bin.
Toys and enrichment items are removed from the floor and put back in their appropriate storage areas.
Soiled laundry and toys are placed inside the center’s designated ‘dirty laundry’ area or bag.
Containers for food and litter are covered or closed.
Enclosures are closed and locked, and the key is placed back in the appropriate place.
Each shift of volunteers should ensure that cat/kittens staying at the adoption center are always provided with food, water, and litter. Dry adult cat and kitten food is located in the plastic bins on the floor. Wet adult cat and kitten food is located inside of the bottom cabinets. Fresh litter is located in the rolling plastic bin on the floor. Food and litter are provided by PetSmart. If you find that the adoption center has run out of these items, please ask a PetSmart Store Associate or Manager for assistance.
Time for play and snuggles at the adoption center is a benefit for our rescue and our adoptable cats and kittens. Maintaining a friendly and social environment reduces stress for the cats/kittens staying at the center and provides a positive impression for the PetSmart shoppers who may stop to watch our cats and kittens play and socialize.
An adoption center resident may prefer not to spend time around the other residents, so it is important that you read the cat/kitten’s description card and any Additional Notes on the cat/kitten’s PetSmart Resident Wellness Chart before allowing them to interact with other cat/kittens staying at the center. If you do allow multiple residents to interact outside of their enclosure, please provide supervision to avoid any conflicts or negative interactions.
Toys and enrichment items are available in the lower cabinets and wands and chase toys are in a container on the wall of the center. We encourage you to spend as much time as you are comfortable with socializing with the center’s residents.
Treats like Temptations© may be available within the center, but we ask that you use these sparingly to avoid giving cats/kittens an upset stomach. Some cats/kittens may not be used to certain treats or ingredients within their foster homes, or may already have an upset tummy from the stress of new surroundings. Treats can be used to lure a cat/kitten back into their kennel or out of the visitor area, but please keep in mind that an excess of treats may cause some cats/kittens to experience vomiting or diarrhea.
When your shift at the adoption center has concluded and you are ready to leave please ensure that:
Each cat/kitten’s litter has been scooped and, if necessary, the sides of the litter pan are wiped clean.
Each cat/kitten has an appropriate amount of dry food to sustain them until the next volunteer shift.
Each cat/kitten has an appropriate amount of water to sustain them until the next volunteer shift.
The bedding and toys inside of each enclosure appear neat and clean.
You have made the necessary notes on the cat’s/kitten’s PetSmart Resident Wellness Chart.
Occasionally, a PetSmart shopper will ask if they can spend time interacting with a cat/kitten who is staying at the adoption center. While we always encourage the opportunity for our adoptable cats and kittens to meet potential adopters, we also value the time that you invest in your responsibilities as a volunteer. If you are uncomfortable with allowing a person who is not affiliated with PetSmart or Desert Paws Rescue into the adoption center during your shift, please politely inform the individual that you have limited time to volunteer and would prefer that they come back another time. Adoptable cats and kittens are always available for “Meet ’n Greets” during our Saturday PetSmart Adoption Events.
If you do permit an individual to interact with adoption center cats/kittens, please ensure that the door to the center remained closed to avoid the possible escape of the cats/kittens. Should an escape occur, follow the necessary steps to resolve the issue. If the escaped pet is still inside the store, alert store leadership immediately so associates can be posted at doors and automatic doors can be turned off until the pet is recovered. An announcement over the PA system or the use of a two-way radio, if available, may be required to get all doors covered immediately. If the pet has left the store, make immediate contact with a Desert Paws Rescue Board Member to determine an appropriate course of action.
If a visitor has questions about adoption, please direct them to the Desert Paws Rescue website where they can read more about our Adoption Policies and complete our online Consultation Form (adoption application).
Always thank visitors for spending time with our cats and kittens. Regardless of whether a visit results in an adoption, thank every customer for stopping by. Remember, they are members of our community and could possibly be future volunteers, donors, or advocates for Desert Paws Rescue.
“Occasionally, a pet may get excited and scratch or bite a potential adopter or visitor. Regardless of the severity of the injury, any such incident requires immediate attention from a Desert Paws Rescue Board Member. Knowing what to do in advance may prevent escalation and ensure that the injured party receives appropriate attention. For serious wounds and bites to fragile areas of the body, such as the face, call 911 immediately and alert the Store Manager.
Even if the bite does not appear serious, insist the individual receive medical attention, as some bites can become badly infected. If it is unclear whether the skin was broken by claws or by teeth, treat the situation as a bite. Once the injured party is being cared for medically, immediately isolate the involved pet while it awaits retrieval by its foster parent (PCI Adoption Partner Manual, p.32).
“[PetSmart] asks that you refrain from disparaging PetSmart, PetSmart Charities, or any PetSmart products, services, or associates: Banfield, The Pet Hospital or its associates; or the activities or reputations of any other organization participating in local pet adoption programs (PCI Adoption Partner Manual, p.13).”
Desert Paws Rescue asks that you avoid bringing friends or family members to your volunteer shift who have not completed a Volunteer Release of Liability & Waiver form. We also ask that, for the safety of everyone, you avoid bringing your personal pets to your volunteer shift.
In-store PetSmart Charity adoption events are most commonly held on weekends; however, a PetSmart Charity can hold an in-store adoption event any day of the week. Quarterly National Adoption Weekend events are advertised for Fridays through Sundays and are a great opportunity for exposure and adoptions.
The Desert Paws cat group currently holds adoption events every Saturday from 11am to 4pm at the Gilbert Gateway PetSmart, located on Power and Ray (4920 S Power Rd, Mesa/85212). When Desert Paws Rescue is on-site at our preferred PetSmart location, we are expected to offer exemplary customer service in order to support an optimal adoption environment. “All adoption program personnel must provide courteous customer services to all [adopters], PetSmart associates, affiliates of PetSmart, and other Adoption Partners” (PCI Adoption Partner Manual, p.5).
At the beginning of any adoption event it is important that cats are transitioned from their carrying crate to a stationary crate as smoothly as possible. The space around an event is generally limited, “and cluttered spaces can lead to accidents and keep customers from engaging with pets” (PCI Adoption Partner Manual, p.22).
Each stationary crate should include bedding or blanket, a protective “puppy pad,” and a litter box. If you observe a foster-parent moving their cat into a crate that does not have these items, offer to provide assistance so that they can focus on moving in their animal. Some cats may like to have a water dish or toys, but it is always best to ask the foster parent, a staff member, or another volunteer before providing these items. Certain cats/kittens may be prone to spilling their water or not be interested in toys, so it always best practice to ask first!
“Your demeanor and attitude with pets and people can make or break the inviting and comfortable atmosphere that fosters a positive adoption experience. [Our cats] are relying on you to find them great homes, so make every interaction personal and friendly” (PCI Adoption Partner Manual, p.22).
When individuals approach a cat, let them know that you are available if they have any questions. If someone has questions that you’re not sure of the answer to, reach out to the cat’s foster parent or another volunteer. As you spend more time around specific cats, you will learn more about their personalities and what kind of family they are looking for, but if you are ever unsure about something don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Our mission is to find a forever family for all of our adoptable animals, not a “for-the-time-being family,” or an “until-the-newness-wears-off family.” We are assisted in achieving this by requiring all potential adopters to complete a Consultation Form, otherwise known as an adoption application.
We provide antibacterial hand sanitizer and encourage you to use it as you move from petting or playing with one cat/kitten to another. Additionally, if you see that a PetSmart shopper is enjoying interacting with several cats/kittens, please let them know that hand sanitizer is available and recommend that they use it to decrease the spread of illness among our adoptable cats/kittens.
It is equally important to smoothly transition cats back to their carrying crate at the end of each adoption event. A cat/kitten who has spent a few hours in a crate at an adoption event is most likely stressed out from the new sounds, sights, and smells and is ready to go home.
Once a foster or Desert Paws staff member has moved a cat out of its stationary crate we can dispose of the protective “puppy pad,” remaining water, or any used litter. Toys can be placed back in the toy bin, unless the toy is visibly soiled. Any soiled bedding or toys should be placed in a bag and given to a Desert Paws Rescue staff member for laundering.
PetSmart provides us with cleaning supplies like paper towels, antibacterial spray, trash can liners, and brooms with dustpans. Since there is no janitorial staff at PetSmart it is our responsibility to ensure that the space in which we hold our event is left neat and clean. We also value our event equipment since much of it was donated by our community of supporters, so it is important that we keep tables, chairs, and other equipment clean and in good repair.