About Us

Established in 2022, Rags To Riches Cat Rescue is a volunteer-run, federally registered charity dedicated to rescuing cats and kittens in need throughout Southwestern Ontario. Many of the animals that come into our care have been abandoned, neglected, born outdoors, or left to survive in unsafe conditions. Through our network of volunteers, foster families, veterinary partners, and supporters, we strive to give every cat the prospect to live a safe, healthy, and loved life. As a foster-based rescue, our cats live in private homes where they receive the individualized care, socialization, and attention they need to prepare for adoption.

Our Mission

Adoption

By working with local communities, property owners, and animal welfare partners, our mission is to rescue cats facing homelessness, neglect, abandonment, illness, or injury. Once in our care, we provide veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and compassionate support before matching each cat with the loving forever family they deserve.

In 2025, 257 cats found their forever homes through our rescue. In the first seven months of 2026 alone, another 316 cats were adopted, demonstrating the incredible impact that a dedicated community can have on the lives of vulnerable animals.

Advocacy

In addition to rehoming cats, we are passionate about advocating for feline welfare and educating the public on important issues such as:

- Cat overpopulation and the importance of spay and neuter programs
- Responsible pet ownership
- Outdoor cat welfare and community cat management
- Abandonment, neglect, and animal welfare concerns
- The importance of veterinary care and preventative health

We believe every cat deserves access to nutritious food,



safe shelter, medical care, enrichment, and compassion.

Education

A cat is a lifelong commitment and should never be abandoned because of changes in circumstance or convenience. Common reasons cats are surrendered include relocation, financial hardship, lifestyle changes, allergies, or behavioural challenges. Our goal is to educate adopters and the community about responsible pet ownership, helping cats remain in loving homes for life whenever possible.

Volunteer Commitment

Rags To Riches Cat Rescue is powered entirely by dedicated volunteers. Communication, accountability, compassion, commitment, and reliability are essential to our success in helping cats in need.

Before applying, please ensure volunteering fits within your current commitments and availability.

Your support helps save lives and gives vulnerable cats a second chance at a brighter future.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) plays a critical role in ensuring high‑quality, consistent medical care for cats within Rags to Riches Cat Rescue. This position supports intake assessments, ongoing treatment, preventative care, and medical documentation while working collaboratively with veterinarians, volunteers, and the RVT team. The RVT helps maintain a safe, organized,



and compassionate environment for cats—many of whom arrive with complex medical or behavioural histories—while contributing to the overall health and stability of the shelter population

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Evaluate new animal intakes, including physical assessments, review of medical history, and interpretation of diagnostics when available.
- Administer medical treatments and preventative care, including vaccines, microchipping, parasite control, and RVT‑only procedures.
- Perform blood draws for FIV/FeLV snap tests and other diagnostic needs.
- Monitor ongoing medical cases, documenting changes, communicating concerns, and ensuring timely follow‑up.
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date medical records, including treatment logs, intake notes, and veterinary directives.
- Coordinate veterinary appointments, including scheduling, preparing medical summaries, and communicating with clinic partners.
- Arrange and oversee transportation of cats to and from veterinary clinics, ensuring safe handling and proper carrier setup.
- Collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal care volunteers, and fellow RVTs to ensure consistent, high‑quality care across the shelter.
- Support population‑level health management, including monitoring for infectious disease, sanitation standards, and isolation protocols.
- Provide guidance to volunteers on safe handling, medical observation, and care routines as needed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Number of direct reports: 0

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

As part of the Shelter Team and under the guidance and direction of the Founder (Interim), works

📌 Registered Vet Tech (Tillsonburg)
🏢 Rags to Riches Cat Rescue
📍 Tillsonburg