OPERATION CATNIP
P.O. Box 141023 ª Gainesville, FL 32614-1023 ª (352) 380-0940ª www.operationcatnip.org ª A non-profit organization dedicated to humanely reducing the homeless cat population through a no-cost trap-neuter-return program

Volunteer Guide

Since a handful of volunteers started steril-izing a few cats in 1994, Operation Catnip has grown to spay and neuter over 20,000 cats at three locations. The program would not exist without the dedication and compassion of OC’s volunteers, who willingly donate their time and talent. This guide is intended to summarize the policies and procedures of clinics while explaining some of the reasons behind the rules. Any more questions? Please ask the Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer Instructions

1) DRESS appropriately. Scrub shirts are required in order to distinguish volunteers from visitors. Understand that the nature of the work may result in soiling volunteer’s clothes. No open-toed shoes are allowed at any time.

2) ARRIVE 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time in order to complete paperwork and receive instructions. Volunteer commitment to the clinic is important. If unable to attend, please notify the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible so a replacement can be arranged.

3) SIGN IN at every clinic, giving current contact information. The Volunteer Sign-In and Release log records rabies vaccination status of all volunteers. A rabies vaccination is highly recommended, though not required.

4) COMPLETE all paperwork. The University of Florida requires that all campus volunteers complete standard paperwork. These forms must be completed before beginning work at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

5) WEAR a nametag at all times. This identifies volunteers as a part of Operation Catnip and helps everyone communicate more efficiently.

6) WEAR GLOVES AT ALL TIMES to protect against infectious diseases the cats may carry. This applies to volunteers in administrative and other “hands-off” positions.

7) REMAIN at the station unless instructed otherwise. Loitering at other stations creates confusion. NEVER leave a station unattended, as this puts the cats at risk. Stagger breaks with other volunteers at the same station.

8) STAY in the Operation Catnip area when on break. Do not wander about the school. The continued cooperation of the College depends on respecting their rules.

9) READ the station’s instructions every time, regardless of whether you have worked that job before. The instructions are updated periodically, and although the sheet may look the same, its contents may have changed. Even minor changes are important.

10) ASK for further instruction if uncertain about any of the requirements of the station. Several stations require that the gender of the cats be verified. If anyone cannot distinguish a female cat from a neutered male cat—ask for clarification. (Neutered or cryptorchid males will not have visible testicles.) A male cat sent to the spay tables endangers the cat and wastes resources.

11) INVENTORY the station’s supplies at the end of the day so that the station is adequately stocked for the next clinic. Read the Supply List included in the station’s supply kit and record what supplies remain. Submit this sheet to the Supply Coordinator with the station kit at the conclusion of the clinic.

12) CLEAN the station at the end of the clinic. Sweep and mop the area. Disinfect the table(s). Remember: The room is used for surgeries during the week.

NEVER HANDLE A CONSCIOUS CAT.

In the event of a scratch or bite, inform the Clinic Supervisor immediately.

Cat bites and scratches can cause significant health problems, including severe infection and death.