Animal Intake Assistant

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

7d

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a compassionate, professional, and service-minded Animal Intake Assistant to help pet owners find guidance, support, and services. The role connects community members with resources for lost pets, animal intake, community veterinary care, pet aftercare arrangements, and end-of-life services. It is suited to someone with client-facing experience who enjoys helping people, building trust, and providing steady support in routine and emotionally sensitive situations.

The position is 40 hours per week, with a schedule of Thursday through Monday, Friday through Tuesday, or Tuesday through Saturday. Shift times vary by day and are either 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, it provides sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources.

The role works in an active animal welfare environment and may involve emotionally challenging conversations related to lost pets, animal surrender, end-of-life services, and pet aftercare. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Employment is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in emotionally sensitive situations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Comfort using phones, scheduling systems, payment processes, and basic computer programs.
• Ability to work well with clients, team members, volunteers, and community partners.
• Emotional resilience and a genuine interest in supporting both pets and people.

Nice To Haves

• Previous customer service, healthcare, veterinary, hospitality, social services, funeral services, animal welfare, or related client-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors and serve as a helpful point of contact for pet owners seeking assistance.
• Answer questions and provide information about ARL services, programs, resources, and next steps.
• Support pet owners navigating lost pets, animal intake services, community veterinary care, pet aftercare, and end-of-life services.
• Coordinate services, schedule appointments, process payments, and maintain accurate records.
• Communicate with veterinary, shelter, animal care, and other ARL teams to support a positive client and animal experience.
• Navigate sensitive or emotional conversations with compassion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and excellent service.
• Follow organizational policies, safety procedures, and confidentiality expectations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance.
• Supplemental insurance, 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 expansive holiday and paid time off policies.
• Competitive, market-driven compensation.

What This Job Offers

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