Volunteer Cat Socialization
Training
IF you are just starting the training process, please review the below information closely, then email Liz at [email protected] to let her know you are ready for in store training. Thank you for your support!
Please send Liz your signed WAIVER before you start volunteering or in store training.
Please send Liz your signed WAIVER before you start volunteering or in store training.
Chicago Pet Rescue Pet Socialization Guidelines
The following guidelines are also available as a PDF to view or download.
Your visit provides our cats with what they need most: a clean space, human interaction, and exercise.
General Guidelines:
Your visit provides our cats with what they need most: a clean space, human interaction, and exercise.
General Guidelines:
- Clean first, socialize after. Please plan for 1-2 hours and arrive at least 2 hours before closing to ensure the cats have a clean condo and fresh food overnight. Check store hours the day before your shift to plan accordingly for holidays and Sunday hours.
- Before your shift: Check recent Facebook posts for any updates or issues.
- Shift Reminders: Set a reminder for your shifts at the beginning of the month and ensure your phone is charged (or bring a charger).
Store-Specific Instructions:
Petsmart:
Checklist for Each Visit:
Important Policies:
If You Can’t Make Your Shift:
See next page for how to set up Petco socialization area closure.
Petsmart:
- Ask a manager to unlock the CPR cat room/condo.
- If you leave the room, lock all condos and the room before exiting.
- Vetco usually available after 6:30 PM (M-S) but good to call Petco to make sure there isn’t a vet clinic going on. If the Vetco area is not available, you will need to ask a manager to let you use the breakroom.
- Vetco has no door at the entrance, use the divider-screen (outside) and playpen (inside) to prevent cats from escaping.
- Ask a manager for a cat carrier, bathroom key and condo access.
- Transfer the cat to a carrier and take them to the restroom for socialization.
- Return the cat to condo, then return the carrier and keys to the manager.
Checklist for Each Visit:
- Cleaning & Feeding:
- Scoop litter boxes, clean scooper, wash dishes, and disinfect the condo.
- Keep litter/scooper supplies separate from food supplies.
- Refill litter/water and provide fresh food as per Facebook post/Petco door instructions (do not change food unless authorized by Elena).
- If cat not eating any food that was in bowl, message Elena to discuss before you leave.
- Answering Customer Questions:
- Direct potential adopters and volunteers to our website.
- If someone cannot submit an application online, manager can print physical copies and they should also be available:
- Petsmart: In plastic drawers in the rolling cart (cat room closet)
- Petco: Inside the cat condo/cabinet
- Socializing the Cats:
- Play, cuddle, and interact with the cats.
- Ensure all cats get movement and attention—even shy ones (use towel cuddling if needed).
- Do not just pet the cat in the condo or leave a cat in a carrier. That defeats the purpose of you being there. They need to stretch their legs and get some movement.
- If any issue arises IMMEDIATELY contact Elena via Messenger at (Elena CPR Red) or text while still at the store.
- Post-Visit Tasks:
- Wipe and clean the carrier after use.
- Post pictures, videos and non-emergency health or behavior updates on Facebook CPR Socialization page.
- Petco only: Every Sunday or after a cat leaves:
- Clean entire condo, replace all linens and dump/wash litter boxes completely.
Important Policies:
- No non-CPR volunteers may handle or socialize cats. Adopters must submit an adoption application AND be approved before meeting a cat. Meets are ONLY scheduled with our volunteer staff.
- Guests (friends/family) must sign a volunteer waiver before interacting with cats.
- Do not trim nails unless you pre-approved to do so by Elena.
- Be mindful while brushing or petting—some cats overstimulate easily.
- For additional training or handling tips, ask for guidance.
If You Can’t Make Your Shift:
- Post on the Facebook CPR Socialization page to find coverage.
- Message Elena on FB first. If no reply, text:
- Elena: 773-218-3252 AND
- Liz: 312-291-6928
- Petco shifts must be covered—confirm with Elena before assuming someone else will handle it.
See next page for how to set up Petco socialization area closure.
Petco socialization area closure set up in the VETCO area
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Screen and playpen location next to Vetco entrance or condo area.
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Tall screen should be on outside
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Playpen should be on the inside to prevent anyone from going under screen and jumping over
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Please watch the videos in numerical order!
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Video #5 |
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