Feral Cat Coalition Clinic Procedures
General Rules for Everybody
- YOU MUST SIGN UP IF YOU WANT TO WORK A CLINIC! Be sure you send in your volunteer sign-up sheet to the Volunteer Coordinator before each clinic. If you plan to work every clinic, you can tell the Coordinator to assume you'll be there unless you notify him that you can't make it.
- GET TO THE CLINIC ON TIME! The Supervisor and Admitting people arrive about 2 hours before surgery is scheduled to start; (Caretakers bringing cats are to arrive 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours beforehand); remaining volunteers should arrive at least 1/2 hour beforehand. If you're not there at the specified time, the Supervisor must assume you're a "no-show" and juggle other volunteers to fill your absence; if you do show up late, volunteers must be juggled again, depending on their experience. This can turn into a real mess, so if you can't make it or are going to be late, call the Volunteer Coordinator! (Never call the hospital). Also, please be flexible if you're asked to switch job assignments!
- DON'T ENTER THE FACILITY UNTIL YOUR TEAM LEADER OR THE SUPERVISOR SAYS IT'S OK! Before surgery, a clinic staff member tells us when we may begin setting up; this is always a hectic time, so only a few people are allowed inside to set up Anesthesia, Prep, and Surgery stations. During surgery, if you're not assigned a job inside the clinic, you shouldn't be inside - a crowded hospital can be dangerous for our patients! We DO encourage everybody to briefly check out the various stations to see how the whole clinic operates, BUT FIRST you must ask your Team Leader (so they know you'll be away from your station) AND the Supervisor (in case it's too busy for observers in surgery, for example). Unless pre-approved, children are never allowed at clinics for their own safety — and the cats'!
- STAY IN YOUR ASSIGNED JOB AREA! Things might be slow at times (especially at the beginning of a clinic), but don't assume you're needed more somewhere else and "reassign" yourself — your Team Leader relies on you to be there when you're needed! Also, be ready to respond quickly if another volunteer needs assistance (i.e. cat waking up earlier than expected).
- FOLLOW FCC PROCEDURES AND YOUR TEAM LEADER'S INSTRUCTIONS! If you have any questions about why we do things the way we do or don't understand something, PLEASE ASK!!! Your Team Leader is responsible for your job area, so must be able to count on you to fully understand your responsibilities! They have been chosen because they know the job well — learn from their experience!
- TREAT THE HOST FACILITY AND STAFF WITH RESPECT! Veterinarians work hard to get their own hospital and, to many, it's their second home — and we're their guests! Also, remember that it is a HOSPITAL and the veterinarians are DOCTORS — without their hospitality, their professional services, and their facilities, the FCC would not exist! Don't go in "forbidden" areas (their office, for example) or use their supplies. Leave the clinic cleaner than the way you found it — we want to be invited back!
- CLEAR OUT OF THE CLINIC ASAP! Start cleaning your area as soon as possible as surgery nears completion so the host vet and staff can lock up and go home!
- WASH UP AFTER HANDLING FERALS! After a clinic, you'll be covered with lots of feline germs! Don't pet animals in the facility and don't touch your own animals at home until you've washed up thoroughly. Also, remove your clinic clothes as soon as you get home and keep them away from your pets!
- BE CONSIDERATE! Try to have a good time and a positive attitude while doing a good job. Sometimes things can get very hectic, but don't stress — remember everyone is trying to do their best for the cats!!!
Back to Clinic Procedures Home Page
[Page updated November 2009]