Animal Adoption Counselor - Helping Pets Find Homes

SPCA Florida•Lakeland, FL

About The Position

At SPCA Florida, we are committed to enhancing the lives of animals and cultivating meaningful careers in animal welfare. Every team member plays a vital role in creating positive change for the animals in our community. We are currently seeking a full-time Adoption Counselor to join our team and support our mission of finding loving homes for every animal in our care. Our staff consists of compassionate and innovative individuals who work tirelessly to ensure that each pet at the SPCA Florida Adoption Center has the best possible chance of finding a forever home. As the first point of contact for visitors, Adoption Counselors are essential in creating a warm and welcoming environment. They demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and a genuine love for both animals and people in every interaction. Adoption Counselors guide families through the adoption process and help build lasting bonds between pets and their new homes.

Requirements

Kind-hearted & empathetic—someone who genuinely cares about people and animals.
A people-person—friendly and professional, even during stressful moments
A smart & resourceful multitasker—able to juggle different tasks at once
A team player who values respect, no drama, and a positive work culture
Be flexible in attitude and work habits. Must be able to work a flexible schedule (including Saturdays and Sundays). We are open 7 days a week.
A high school diploma is required.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, and receptionist experience
Ability to perform clerical work with speed and accuracy, use a multiple-line telephone system; handle cash and other forms of payment, and interact closely with clients and patients daily.
Candidates must have leadership skills, be eager to learn, show initiative, possess great customer service skills, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
Animal experience is a must, including knowledge of animal behavior and handling.

Nice To Haves

An associate's degree is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Actively reaching out to and interacting with the general public, specifically greeting visitors and talking with prospective adopters to find out what they are looking for in a pet
Interacting with and getting to know the animals, therefore, being able to talk with prospective adopters about them to make a successful match.
Helping people through the adoption process, sharing information about animal care and behavior, reviewing adoption applications, conversationally interviewing applicants, making decisions to finalize or deny an adoption, and communicating with the applicant in such a manner that maintains a courteous and friendly experience
Willingness and ability to learn and use the ShelterLuv computer program we use to track animals in the shelter. Utilize software to enter complete and accurate data into the ShelterLuv system.
Clean cages and maintain sanitation standards
Provides quality in-person and telephone client service.
Greet and assist visitors interested in adopting animals, providing information on available pets and adoption procedures.
Educate adopters on animal care, training, enrichment, and long-term responsibilities.
Possess a good understanding of medical history and other associated paperwork that needs to be explained to the client.
Facilitate visits and interactions with potential adopters.
Housekeeping duties such as laundry and dishes.
Assists with disease control and cleaning of public areas throughout the day as needed.
Reports signs of illness, disease, injury, or unusual activity to the Adoption Center Medical Team.
Learn all the animals in the various areas and their personality to best place them to flourish and succeed.
Encourages sales from the retail store to help meet budgetary goals.
Collects payments for store sales and adoptions.
Responsible for balancing the adoption financials daily.
Responds to emails and phone calls from adopters and potential adopters promptly.
Regularly participates in team meetings to share ideas and make suggestions for SPCA Florida improvements.
Participates in continuing education to improve the functioning of the shelter. Attend educational programs as required.
Being nonjudgmental to everyone