Now Hiring

 

Animal Caretaker & Adoption Counselor

The Animal Caretaker & Adoption Counselor plays a vital dual role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals in our care while guiding adopters through a welcoming, supportive adoption experience. This position combines hands-on animal care with community-facing adoption counseling using an “Adopter’s Welcome” approach — focusing on conversation, education, and relationship-building rather than barriers or judgment.

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We are seeking compassionate, dependable candidates who align with our organizational culture, demonstrate kindness toward people and animals, and are passionate about serving our community.

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Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Love & Friendship Adoption Center

Hours: 3-25 hours/week; some evening and weekend availability required.

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Primary Responsibilities

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Animal Care:

• Provide daily care and enrichment for animals housed at the shelter, including feeding, cleaning, exercise, and socialization

• Monitor animals’ health and behavior; promptly report concerns to veterinary or leadership staff

• Assist with medical treatments, behavioral plans, and basic grooming as directed

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of animal housing areas, laundry, dishes, and general shelter spaces

• Ensure proper animal handling in accordance with organizational policies

• Accurately document feeding, behavior observations, treatments, and enrichment activities

 

Adoption Counseling:

• Greet visitors warmly and create a positive, inclusive adoption experience

• Engage potential adopters in open-ended conversations to understand their household, lifestyle, and goals

• Match adopters with appropriate animals based on behavior, needs, and compatibility

• Provide education on animal care, behavior, training, and transition support

• Promote a solutions-oriented, judgment-free adoption process that removes unnecessary barriers

• Process adoption paperwork, fees, and required documentation accurately

• Maintain adoption records and animal profiles with accurate, up-to-date information

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Volunteer & Public Interaction:

• Provide excellent customer service to visitors and volunteers

• Ensure safe and appropriate animal handling by members of the public

• Support and guide volunteers in daily animal care and enrichment tasks

• Direct inquiries to appropriate staff or organizational resources

• Represent the organization professionally in all interactions

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Organizational Culture & Teamwork:

• Maintain a respectful, cooperative working attitude toward colleagues, volunteers, and the public

• Arrive on time and prepared; complete assigned duties thoroughly within scheduled shifts

• Communicate effectively with managers and team members to ensure smooth shelter operations

• Leave workspaces organized and stocked for the next shift

• Uphold safety protocols and contribute to a positive, mission-driven workplace culture

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Qualifications

Required:

• 18+ years old

• Passion for animal welfare and commitment to the organization’s mission

• Passion for serving the community

• Ability to safely handle dogs in varying weather conditions; proficiency expected within 6 weeks of hire

• Ability to safely handle cats and dogs with medical or behavioral needs; proficiency expected within 6 weeks of hire

• Attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

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Preferred:

• Experience working with fearful or behaviorally complex animals using Fear Free or LIMA techniques that build trust without forcing interaction

• Experience in customer service, sales, or counseling roles

• Experience in a shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, or similar care facility

• Familiarity with progressive adoption models or open-adoption philosophies

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Work Environment

• Onsite at the Love & Friendship Adoption Center

• Combination of animal care areas (including exposure to noise, odors, cleaning chemicals, and inclement weather) and public-facing adoption spaces

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Who We're Looking For

We value team members who:

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• Approach their duties with compassion and empathy

• Believe in reducing barriers to adoption while promoting responsible pet ownership

• Serve our community with respect and inclusivity

• Take initiative while remaining collaborative

• Are reliable, adaptable, and solutions-oriented

• Value humane, community-centered animal welfare by prioritizing keeping pets with their families, supporting owner resources and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and focusing on education and assistance rather than judgment

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If you are passionate about caring for animals and building meaningful connections with people, we encourage you to apply and join our mission-driven team.

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**Positions open until filled.