Volunteer Role
Animal Care & Cleaning:
- Feeding cats, refreshing water bowls.
- Cleaning litter trays, bowls, bedding, and shelter areas (at least 2 hours per day may involve cleaning).
- Playing with, stimulating, and providing care for cats to improve their welfare and adoption chances.
Community & Fundraising Activities:
- Taking photos and videos of cats for social media.
- Assisting with social media posts and updates.
- Helping with fundraising events (e.g., table sales), research, and community outreach.
Medical Assistance (under supervision):
- Assisting with simple medical tasks as instructed by the shelter team.
Communication:
- Staying in regular contact via WhatsApp for updates, instructions, and feedback.
- Reporting any concerns about cats’ health or behaviour to managers immediately.
- Tasks may vary depending on shelter needs. Volunteers must follow instructions from managers for the safety and wellbeing of cats and people.
Hours & Attendance
- The volunteer agrees to work 25 hours per week, generally 5 hours per day, 5 days per week.
- Shifts will operate on a rota system: morning, afternoon, or evening.
- The Volunteer may be required to split hours between morning and evening.
- Any change in schedule, lateness, or absence must be communicated to the manager as soon as possible.
Reviews & Termination
- A review will take place after 2 weeks and again at 1 month to ensure the arrangement is suitable for both parties.
- Either party may terminate this agreement with 1 week’s notice.
- Dahab Cats reserves the right to terminate the agreement immediately for:
- Breach of rules or code of conduct.
- Neglect or mistreatment of animals.
- Theft, violence, illegal activity, or behaviour that brings Dahab Cats into disrepute.
Code of Conduct
The volunteer agrees to:
1. Treat cats, other volunteers, and staff with respect and kindness.
2. Follow all health and safety protocols, including hygiene measures after handling cats.
3. Not share confidential information, internal disputes, or sensitive details outside the organization.
Use social media responsibly:
1. Only post approved content.
2. No negative or damaging posts about Dahab Cats.
No unauthorised visitors to the shelter or volunteer accommodation.
Respect community and cultural norms, including reducing noise during prayer times.
Shelter Rules
- No smoking in the house or near any cats. If smoking becomes an issue, it will be banned completely.
- No drugs of any kind on the premises.
- No drunken or disorderly behaviour.
- No loud music; during Friday prayers, music must be minimal.
- Clean up after cooking and eating.
- Do not take other people’s food.
- Keep personal areas and shared spaces clean.
- Be respectful and mindful of other volunteers.
- Cats are your first priority.
- Speak to managers about any issues.
- Do not do anything that could bring Dahab Cats into disrepute.
Accommodation
In exchange for volunteering, Dahab Cats provides:
- Shared accommodation in a mixed-gender volunteer house.
- Wifi and water.
- Basic staple foods (not full meals).
The volunteer agrees to:
- Maintain cleanliness and respect shared living spaces.
- Follow quiet hours [insert time range].
- Be responsible for any damage caused by negligence.
Expenses
This is an unpaid voluntary position.
Dahab Cats does not cover personal expenses, meals, travel costs, or medical expenses.
Health & Safety
Volunteering with animals involves inherent risks (e.g., scratches, bites, illness).
- The Volunteer agrees to follow all safety instructions given by managers.
- Recommended vaccinations: tetanus (and rabies where possible).
- In case of emergency, the volunteer authorises Dahab Cats to contact their emergency contact.
Liability Waiver
The Volunteer acknowledges and agrees that:
- Dahab Cats is not responsible for any accident, injury, illness, or loss of property incurred during the volunteering period.
- The Volunteer participates at their own risk.