Join Our Cat-Saving Crew!

The Adoption Counselor(s) assist in introductions between shelter animals and potential adopters. The counselor will learn about adopters’ lifestyle, animal experience, and expectations of a new kitty to make an appropriate adoption match.

The Adoption Counselor will provide accurate details about animals’ health, behavior, and care needs. They help adopters understand adoption policies, complete necessary paperwork, make payments, and transfer microchip accounts.

Main Duties, General Responsibilities:

• Guide adoption applicants through the adoption process, including initial screenings, reference checks, and payments.

• Understand the general care and transition required to bring a new cat or kitten home, and use behavioral resources for introductions and special needs where applicable.

• Communicate with foster families to schedule meet & greet sessions with approved adopters and kitties.

• Complete digital payments (CC/Square, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo) and process checks and cash for adoption fees.

• Maintain accurate records and manage the adoption database, including creating Adopter profiles, recording payments, and moving cats to Adopted status.

• Register and transfer microchip information.

• Other administrative and management duties as assigned.

Qualifications:‍ ‍

• The desire and ability to work directly with the public.

• Experience working with people on diverse teams.

• Experience with a non-profit volunteer group/animal rescue preferred.

• Great verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent skills in organization and team coordination.

• Attention to detail is crucial, and one must be able to complete all paperwork accurately and promptly.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• ~10–15 hours per month (may vary based on adoption volume)

As the Secretary of the Board, you will play a crucial role in supporting the governance and administrative functions of our rescue.

This position requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and a passion for our mission of cat welfare and adoption.

Responsibilities

• Meeting Coordination: Schedule and organize board meetings, including sending out meeting notices, preparing agendas, and recording minutes.

• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of board proceedings, including meeting minutes, resolutions, and official correspondence.

• Board Communication: Serve as a point of contact for board members, facilitating communication and ensuring timely dissemination of information.

• Compliance and Governance: Assist in ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and bylaws, as well as supporting the implementation of governance policies and procedures.

• Board Support: Provide administrative support to the board as needed, including assisting with board member onboarding and orientation.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• 5–10 hours/month (includes monthly board meeting and additional responsibilities as needed)

The Boutique — or as we like to call it, the “Mewtique” — Manager position involves curating and managing items for us to sell both at the rescue location and at off-site events. This position can be shared between 2–3 people.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the boutique (open/close, cleanliness, inventory).

• Curate and display cat-themed merchandise that appeals to cat lovers and supports the rescue mission.

• Stay on trend with cute, unique, and Instagram-worthy items (toys, apparel, gifts, art).

• Partner with local makers or small businesses for exclusive or handmade cat-related products.

• Manage merchandise displays to promote sales and align with rescue branding.

• Track inventory, restock items, and coordinate with suppliers/vendors.

• Handle sales transactions, cash register, and point-of-sale system.

• Will work closely with our Fundraising Coordinator and our Finance Officer.

Qualifications:

• Experience in retail or small business management.

• Strong organizational and multitasking ability.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• Manager: 6–10 hours per month

• Team Members: 2–6 hours per month

• Note: Hours may increase during major events like OctoPURRfest or holiday markets.

Whether you knit, crochet, or hand/machine sew, we’ve got something for you! We have plenty of great projects for any skill level.

The items you’d help create are used for fundraising/selling to support the cats and kittens at our rescue.

Ideas/needs include:

• Cat toys

• Blankets/quilts

• Cat beds

Estimated Time Commitment:

• Volunteers usually contribute ~2–4 hours per month, crafting simple toys — like catnip kickers or wand toys — for the rescue.

• This is a flexible, at-your-own-pace role that can be done from home and is especially helpful ahead of adoption events or Boutique/Mewtique restocks.

Central to the success of Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE is its cleanliness and upkeep of the shelter. Volunteers will work with a team of others during the cleaning shift. You don’t need to worry about taking this on alone!

Responsibilities

• Thorough cleaning of all animal areas, including cat areas, floors, dishes, bedding, etc.

• Feeding the animals, including providing special diets as needed.

• Doing laundry, dishes, washing windows, cleaning, and mopping public areas as needed.

• Providing a healthy, safe, clean, and pleasant environment for the animals and the public.

Qualifications

• Reliable attendance and the ability to work independently.

• Ability to communicate directly and cordially with other volunteers.

• Attention to detail and the ability to absorb and recall large amounts of information.

• Be able to stand/walk/bend/squat for several hours.

• General knowledge about animal care is helpful, but not necessary and will be taught as needed.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• 6 hours per month

Event Planning team members will assist with planning and executing various events in the community. You would work in partnership with other committee members as well the Committee Chair.

Responsibilities:

• Attend special events and help with things like: set up/tear down tables/merchandise, answer questions about the rescue, and promote the rescue.

• Interact with the public and promote Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE as well as inform the public of different support opportunities within our organization.

Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Friendly and positive attitude; ability to converse and engage with all types of people.

• Reliable attendance and ability to work independently required.

• Have the ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures, and the ability to ask questions when appropriate.

• Ability to stand, walk and work for long periods of time.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• 5-10 hours per month

• Note: Time commitment may be dependent on the month. For example, summer is usually busier than winter.

As our Fundraising Coordinator, you'll lead creative fundraising efforts that allow supporters to donate just by eating, shopping, or attending local events — no direct selling required.

You'll build and promote partnerships with businesses, restaurants, and ethical "purchase-with-purpose" platforms, where a portion of proceeds goes directly to support our rescue work.

Restaurant Fundraisers

• Identify local restaurants (e.g., Chipotle, MOD Pizza, Panda Express) that offer give-back nights.

• Schedule and coordinate fundraising dates.

• Create promotional materials (flyers, social posts, email blurbs).

• Ensure our rescue receives its percentage after the event concludes.

Online Passive Programs

• Maintain our presence on AmazonSmile alternatives (e.g., iGive, RoundUp, Goodshop, Giving Assistant).

• Promote workplace giving, employer matching, and credit card round-up programs.

Shop-to-Support Partnerships

• Set up affiliate or charitable programs with pet supply stores, ethical brands, and online platforms.

  • Examples: Chewy affiliate links, Etsy sellers, or handmade cat-themed products

• Explore platforms like (including but not limited to) Bonfire, Ink to the People, or One Hope Wine that give a cut to nonprofits.

• Coordinate logistics and ensure our rescue receives funds as agreed.

Qualifications

• Passion for animal welfare and community engagement.

• Self-motivated, organized, and dependable.

• Friendly and professional when communicating with local businesses.

• Basic digital skills (email, spreadsheets, Canva or similar for creating flyers).

• Creativity and resourcefulness in identifying new fundraising ideas.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• Fundraising Coordinator: 3–6 hours per month

• Fundraising Team Members: 1–3 hours per month (task dependent)

Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE is in need of assistance in the grant writing process to help fund our many programs. We’re also in need of volunteer(s) for on-going grant availability research.

Responsibilities:

• Have an understanding of the history, structure, objectives, programs, and financial needs of Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE.

• Ability to draft various grant proposals as well as supporting documents based on the funding requirements for Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE.

• Respond to both internal and external queries on drafted and already-submitted proposals.

• Maintain and form positive relationships with fund providers and other stakeholders that support Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE.

Qualifications:

• Driven and proactive in seeking out new funding sources.

• Comfortable proposing ideas, making suggestions, and looking into any/all ways to obtaining funds for Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE.

• Natural storytelling abilities.

• Ability to supplement creativity with data-driven research.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• 5–10 hours per month

• Note: Hours may increase during active grant periods. Work can be done remotely and on a flexible schedule.

An Open House volunteer is the first person a guest will encounter when entering the rescue during our Open House hours. This volunteer will be able to answer basic questions and inquiries, direct visitors to the proper department, and help manage a busy lobby.

Open House volunteers will work with a team of others during a shift. There is a minimum of two volunteers per Open House shift.

Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Friendly and positive attitude; ability to converse with and engage all types of people.

• Reliable attendance and the ability to work independently.

• Ability to understand, remember, and follow instructions and procedures, and the ability to ask questions when appropriate.

• Ability to stand, walk, and work for long periods of time.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• 6 hours per month

A Socialization Sponsor is a support system for unsocialized, shy, fearful, or anxious cats. This volunteer role takes patience, knowledge, and understanding.

When working with unsocialized, shy, fearful, stressed, or anxious cats, it’s important to recognize that each case is unique. Every cat has different personality traits and experiences that influence behavior, and current circumstances also play a part in their reactions to to people and their environment.

Socialization Sponsors should allow the cat to guide the process at their own pace. Because each cat is a unique case, results and timing for socialization will vary. Sometimes it may be a month, or sometimes six months depending on the age and temperament of the cat.

Requirements:

• Have general knowledge of cat behavior and be able to read body language and vocalizations to help guide your interactions in a compassionate way that builds trust.

• Offer environmental and emotional enrichment to ease their fear or anxiety. Create a base camp where they feel safe and secure.

• Gather tools like gloves, wands, backscratchers, and toys to slowly guide initial interactions.

• Create a routine for the cat. This helps make them less fearful of the unknown.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• ~2–4 hours per month (flexible and can vary by cat needs)

We’re looking for a Fundraising Vendor Fair Coordinator to help plan and manage our presence at seasonal vendor fairs, craft shows, or farmers markets — especially during the summer and holiday seasons.

You’ll help coordinate logistics, vendor registration (if we’re hosting), booth setup, volunteers, and merchandise that supports our rescue efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Research and sign up for local vendor events, craft fairs, or holiday markets.

• If we’re hosting our own event, help coordinate location, permits, vendors, and basic logistics.

• Work with the team to select and prepare merchandise (e.g., cat-themed gifts, rescue swag, handmade items).

• Schedule volunteers for booth setup, breakdown, and sales shifts.

• Promote the event via social media, email newsletters, and local groups.

• Track sales and donations from the event and report totals to the leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Comfortable communicating with vendors, event hosts, and volunteers.

• Creative flair for displays and merchandise selection.

• Reliable, proactive, and a team player.

• Passion for animal rescue and community involvement.

• Bonus: Experience in events, markets, or small business.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• Coordinator: ~6–10 hours per month

• Team Members: ~2–6 hours per month

• Note: Hours may increase in the 1–2 months leading up to major events.

The Volunteer Coordinator(s) is responsible for daily supervision and management of the shelter’s volunteer program as well as recruiting, providing training and mentorship, and retention of volunteers.

The Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with the Foster Coordinator to ensure all fosters and volunteers are managed effectively and cohesively.

Responsibilities

• Actively recruit volunteers through the use of the website, print media, community calendars, public speaking, attendance at community meetings and events, etc.

• Train, mentor, and serve as initial primary contact for all volunteers.

• Teach pertinent staff to mentor and serve as primary contacts for volunteers specific to their area of expertise.

• Develop and maintain advanced or specialized volunteer programs and training to ensure continual growth of the volunteer program.

Qualifications‍ ‍

• Customer service skills and the ability/desire to work directly with the public are necessary.

• Communicate directly and work with shelter staff when appropriate.

• Attention to detail and the ability to absorb and recall large amounts of information.

• Ability to stand/walk for the duration of a shift or orientation session.

• Ability to assess whether or not a prospective volunteer is a fit for volunteering at the rescue and have a clear rationale for that assessment.

Estimated Time Commitment:

• 8–12 hours per month, depending on volunteer onboarding and scheduling needs.