Animal Adoption Counselor

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking compassionate, customer-focused individuals to join our team as an Animal Adoption Counselor. This role helps connect homeless pets with loving families while creating a welcoming and positive experience for adopters, visitors, volunteers, and community partners. This is a great opportunity for someone with customer service, retail, hospitality, and animal handling experience who enjoys helping people, working with animals, and being part of a mission-driven team.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to stay professional and compassionate in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, organized, adaptable, and comfortable working with people and animals.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Previous customer service, retail, hospitality, animal handling, animal welfare, veterinary clinic, shelter, or community event experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors and guide potential adopters through the adoption process.
• Answer questions, review adoption applications, and help facilitate successful matches between people and pets.
• Provide basic information about animal behavior, medical needs, and adoption expectations.
• Assist with retail purchases, transactions, and cash drawer balancing.
• Help maintain clean, organized, and welcoming adoption lobby and work areas.
• Support off-site adoption events and community outreach opportunities.
• Work closely with staff and volunteers while using low-stress, compassionate animal handling techniques.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED