Animal Adoption Counselor
About The Position
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking a compassionate and customer-focused Adoption Assistant to help connect animals with loving homes. This role plays an important part in advancing the ARL’s mission by guiding adopters through the adoption process, supporting adoption events, and ensuring animals and potential adopters have positive experiences both at the shelter and in the community. At the ARL, our work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and service. As Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to animals while creating meaningful connections between pets and people. Our team members play a vital role in ensuring that every adoption experience is welcoming, educational, and supportive. As an Adoption Assistant, you will help create positive first impressions for visitors and adopters while supporting the lifesaving work happening every day at the ARL. This role combines customer service, animal care, and community engagement, allowing you to make a direct impact on the lives of animals and the families who welcome them home.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- At least two years of customer service experience
- A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
- Organized, proactive, and able to function effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment
- Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to resolve conflict and provide thoughtful guidance to adopters
- Basic mathematical skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience handling animals
- Prior event coordination or event management experience
Responsibilities
- Provides excellent customer service by guiding visitors through the pet adoption process and facilitating successful matches between people and animals.
- Interacts with customers in a professional, courteous, and educational manner while promoting the ARL’s mission, programs, and services.
- Assists potential adopters by answering questions, reviewing adoption applications, and facilitating safe and positive interactions between customers and animals.
- Accurately completes adoption contracts, medical or behavior documentation, and all related records through electronic filing systems.
- Supports the day-to-day operations of the adoption area by maintaining clean, organized lobby and work spaces and assisting with retail sales when needed.
- Processes transactions accurately, balances a cash drawer, and ensures strong data integrity with all adoption and sales records.
- Coordinates and assists with off-site adoption events, including transporting animals between ARL locations, setting up and tearing down event spaces, supporting adopters during events, and helping promote community partnerships with adoption event sponsors.
- Collaborates with Volunteer Services to schedule volunteers for events and assist in training and working alongside volunteers.
- Contributes to a healthy shelter environment by practicing compassionate animal handling techniques that reduce stress and disease risk.
- Maintains a safe work environment, follows all safety guidelines, and adheres to ARL policies and procedures.
- Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the mission of the organization.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
