Animal Care & Placement Specialist (PT)

Austin Pets Alive•Kyle, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care & Placement Specialist plays a key role in advancing the goals of APA!’s intake-to-placement programs, with a focus on both animal care and customer service at the PAWS Kyle location. This position contributes directly to APA!’s mission to increase the live release rate across Texas by supporting a sustainable, inclusive, and high-impact model for shelter operations. You will care for animals, get to know them as individuals, help visitors and potential adopters connect with pets and follow through on the things each animal needs to succeed. The Animal Care & Placement Specialist is responsible for managing their daily responsibilities, maintaining clear priorities, and delivering consistent, high-quality work that aligns with APA!’s values and goals. This includes staying organized, using data or feedback to inform decisions, and following through on key tasks and responsibilities with minimal oversight. This is a hands-on, mission-driven role focused on results, reliability, and teamwork. APA! is a volunteer-centric organization. Every staff member is expected to work alongside and support volunteers. The Animal Care & Placement Specialist collaborates closely with volunteers to complete day-to-day tasks, helps create a positive and inclusive environment, and actively contributes to a culture of shared effort and mutual respect. This position involves shift flexibility, weekend hours, and high responsiveness.

Requirements

Must be able to routinely lift 40-50 pounds
Must be able to work around animals (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, and inclement weather
Must be able to comfortably interact with cats/dogs of various health levels, including cats who may carry zoonotic diseases such as ringworm, scabies, intestinal parasites, etc.
Must be able to walk big dogs that pull and jump
Able to be on your feet for multiple hours of the day
Must be able to visually observe people and animals from up to 150 feet away
Ability to hear normal speech at close contact and shouting up to 150 feet away with the ability to hear and discern dog vocalizations both soft and loud
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Committed to embodying APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion, and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart
Commitment to APA!'s customer experience expectations
Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s mission
Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support; dedicated to working well with volunteers across all roles
Comfortable working cross-functionally and serving as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members
Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials
Self-starter with strong time management; able to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm and professional presence in all situations
Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality
Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed
Dedicated to delivering an exceptional and inclusive customer experience

Nice To Haves

Able to react to change productively and perform other related duties as assigned
Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Able to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, high-stress environment
Comfortable working autonomously when given goals and deadlines

Responsibilities

Feed, water, and clean living spaces for cats and dogs daily according to shelter protocols
Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes per APA! protocol
Provide enrichment, exercise, and socialization for animals in care
Help animals become more comfortable, socialized, and prepared for placement
Communicate important information about an animal, according to SOPs
Help identify animals who have stalled in the shelter and brainstorm practical ways to help them move forward
Greet and welcome potential adopters, and suggest personalized matches with well-suited animals
Practice an approach that removes unnecessary adoption barriers, replaces judgment with open conversations, and focuses on helping people and pets succeed together
Inform adopters of animal history, behavior notes, and care requirements
Process administrative documents, applications, paperwork, and fees
Conduct follow-up communication with new adopters as needed
Promote adoptable animals through in-person interactions, photos, or social media support
Actively contribute to a volunteer-powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift and helping create an inclusive, welcoming environment
Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks, ensuring the work is shared and collaborative—not siloed
Support the recruitment and onboarding process by welcoming new volunteers and helping them get oriented to the program
Help retain volunteers by offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback during shared work
Recommend strong volunteers for deeper involvement or specialized roles to your supervisor or volunteer manager
Contribute to a positive culture by recognizing volunteer contributions through appreciation, gratitude, and shoutouts
Help set volunteers up for success by clearly explaining tasks, providing hands-on guidance, and offering in-the-moment support