Adoption Ambassador
About The Position
The Adoption Ambassador counsels the public about pets available for adoption, conducts meet-and-greets with clients and animals, and explains adoption programs to help achieve long-term adoption matches. The role also involves getting to know animals in the shelter’s care, assisting with adoption events, and maintaining a basic understanding of veterinary knowledge about common shelter issues. Employees are expected to uphold LifeLine Animal Project’s values and provide compassionate, professional service to animals, visitors, adopters, and colleagues. The position supports adoption operations and broader shelter services, including community outreach, volunteer engagement, and coordination with other departments. The employee must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing shelter needs, and follow safety protocols. Work takes place in an animal shelter and may involve unpleasant kennel smells and handling stray, injured, diseased, or vicious animals.
Requirements
- Compassion for animals and the people who care for them.
- Passion for animal welfare and a strong understanding of animal care and adoption processes.
- Ability to serve the public and coworkers with honesty and integrity.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
- Basic computer application proficiency, such as MS Office and email.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and bend and reach to perform work activities.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Comfort working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
- Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
- Ability to collaborate with multiple departments to support efficient shelter operations.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
- Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected, or treated cruelly.
- Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
- Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
- Must pass a background check.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
Nice To Haves
- College degree or relevant coursework.
- Experience with database systems.
- One or more years of experience in an animal-related field or animal sheltering.
- Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or a similar role.
- Fear Free Sheltering.
Responsibilities
- Guide adopters through the application process and use matchmaking criteria to connect them with pets while supporting positive adoption outcomes.
- Answer public questions about adoptable pets, breed behavior, dog and cat behavior, future medical care, and other relevant information.
- Educate adopters and the public about responsible pet ownership, including housetraining, veterinary care, and preventive health.
- Conduct tests to assess dog behavior and interactions between dogs.
- Conduct meet-and-greets with dogs, cats, and other animals.
- Assist during high-traffic periods, staff shortages, and special events to support front desk and adoption operations.
- Work with management to implement strategies to increase adoptions and participate in community outreach events.
- Maintain a general understanding of shelter operations, including animal care, adoption policies, volunteer opportunities, and foster programs.
- Stay informed about animals in the shelter, including their needs, personalities, and status.
- Collaborate with shelter staff to address issues or concerns.
- Welcome visitors in a friendly and professional manner, using a judgment-free approach and following the Adopters Welcome policy.
- Support and engage volunteers who assist placement teams.
- Participate in LifeLine’s annual 40-hour training requirement.
- Maintain clean and tidy work and visitor areas.
- Perform other assigned tasks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
