Rags To Riches Cat Rescue is a volunteer-run, federally registered charity with a big mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome forgotten cats and kittens abandoned across southwestern Ontario’s rural communities.
Many of the cats we save have been dumped, abused, or left to fend for themselves in harsh conditions — freezing winters, predator-filled woods, or remote areas where help never comes. With zero government funding and limited resources, our small but dedicated team works around the clock to give these animals what every living being deserves: safety, medical care, love, and a second chance at life.
Every cat in our care is spayed or neutered, fully vetted, and given the individualized attention they need to heal and thrive. We also work tirelessly to combat overpopulation and educate the community about proper cat care and welfare.
In 2025, 257 cats found their forever homes through our rescue! In the first seven months of 2026 alone, another 316 cats found their forever homes! This is a true testament to what compassion, resilience, and a caring community can achieve when we come together.
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 independently as well as part of a team.
WORKING CONDITIONS
● Compensation: $25/hour , Sub-contractor
● Schedule: Part‑time, minimum 10 hours/week; 3–4+ hour shifts depending on operational needs
● Location: Rags to Riches Cat Rescue Onsite (Tillsonburg, Ontario)
QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
· Registered & Licensed Veterinary Technician (RVT) in positive standing, and approved by Rags to Riches shelter vet to practice medicine within the rescue
· Minimum 2 years of experience as an RVT, preferably in shelter, referral, or emergency medicine.
· Shelter medicine experience strongly preferred, including familiarity with fast‑paced environments and population‑level health considerations.
· Adaptability and strong teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, evolving shelter setting.
· Exceptional attention to detail, especially in medical documentation, treatment accuracy, and monitoring subtle changes in animal condition.
· Understanding of the emotional and behavioural complexities associated with caring for animals with difficult or unknown histories.
· Empathy paired with professionalism, maintaining calm judgment and compassionate care even in stressful situations.
· Open, honest, and clear communicator, able to collaborate effectively with veterinarians, volunteers, and leadership.
· Valid G Driver’s License & reliable vehicle, required for clinic transport and offsite appointments.
· Proficient in Google Suite (Google Meet, Sheets, Docs, Gmail) with solid technical and organizational capabilities.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across diverse groups.
· Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail, with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
· Reliable, committed, and adaptable, demonstrating professionalism and accountability in all interactions.
· Positive and calm under pressure, maintaining focus and a solutions-oriented approach in stressful situations.
· Dynamic personality with a passion for rescue work.
· Collaborative team player who works well independently while fostering inclusion and shared success.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Rags to Riches Cat Rescue is committed to creating a respectful, accessible, and inclusive work environment. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.
If you require accommodations during recruitment or interviews, please contact
[email protected]
What Rags to Riches offers:
· Join a community of supportive cat lovers.
· Training, resources, and guidance.
· Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping cats find their forever homes.
We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment 1yr+ with Rags to Riches Cat Rescue apply for this role.
veterinary medicine.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 10.0 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Veterinary clinic: 2 years (required)
- Animal shelter: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
- English (required)
Licence/Certification:
- License (required)
Work Location: In person
📌 Registered Veterinary Technician (Tillsonburg)
🏢 Rags to Riches Cat Rescue
📍 Tillsonburg