Join our team as an Adoption Counselor! This role is much more than matching pets with adopters—it’s about being an integral part of the entire adoption and intake process, ensuring every animal receives the best care and every community member feels supported.
About the Role
As an Adoption Counselor, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operations of the shelter, assisting with everything from animal intakes to post-adoption support. This position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Adoption Counseling: Assist potential adopters by providing detailed information on available animals, their care needs, and completing the adoption process, including all paperwork and financial transactions.
- Animal Intakes: Manage the intake of animals while maintaining accurate records of their health and behavior. Collaborate with animal care staff to prioritize urgent cases.
- Education and Support: Educate adopters about animal care, behavior, and training techniques to set them up for success with their new pets.
- Customer Service: Serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable resource for visitors, volunteers, and adopters, addressing questions and concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Shelter Organization: Maintain the cleanliness and organization of workspaces, intake areas, and adoption rooms to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for both animals and people.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with other Adoption Counselors, volunteers, and shelter staff to promote adoption efforts, prioritize animal welfare, and address shelter needs.
- Administrative Tasks: Manage accurate records for adoptions, intakes, and communications. Schedule appointments and events, and assist with off-site adoption drives when needed.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Knowledge of animal care, behavior, and welfare preferred.
- Strong ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as proficiency in using computers, email, and shelter-specific software.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on your feet or sit for extended periods.
- Ability to handle high-stress situations and make quick, sound decisions.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily indoors but the potential to have to be outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Exposure to animal dander, fur, odors, and potential zoonotic diseases.
- Fast-paced, sometimes noisy environment that may require evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.
Why Join Us?
This position is an opportunity to do more than just facilitate adoptions—you’ll be actively involved in almost every aspect of the shelter’s operations. From assisting clients with incoming animals to educating the community about animal welfare, your work will make a tangible impact.
If you’re compassionate, organized, and committed to the well-being of animals, we’d love to have you on our team. Apply today to be part of our mission to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them.
Email resume to our Business and Culture Director Nichole Janny, nichole@hawspets.org