Associate - Adoptions

Louisiana SPCA•New Orleans, LA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Adoption Associate creates pathways to new homes for the animals in our care. This position guides adopters through thoughtful, conversation-based matchmaking, supports foster and rescue placements, and delivers an exceptional client experience that turns every adoption into a lifelong relationship between a pet, a family, and the Louisiana SPCA. This role is often the public face of the organization and is central to our commitment to positive outcomes for every animal.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening
Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license
Highly competent in Microsoft Office; accurate and detail oriented when entering information into shelter software
Excellent organizational and collaborative skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Proficient in mediating disputes, conflicts, and grievances with tact and professionalism
Serves on the core team for Storm & Emergency Response; expected to work extended hours as needed, including weekends, and maintain 24-hour on-call status during activations
Mental and physical flexibility is a must
Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, and reach; perform strenuous physical activity including frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping
Should not be allergic to animals or nuts; must be able to work around all animals and nut products
Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants

Nice To Haves

some college or a bachelor’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Adoption Counseling and Matchmaking: Welcomes prospective adopters, learns what they are looking for in a pet, and counsels them on choosing the appropriate animal for their household, lifestyle, and experience level.
Communicates each animal’s known history, behavior, medical status, and needs honestly and completely so adopters can make informed decisions.
Educates adopters on spay/neuter, humane pet ownership, basic behavior, and post-adoption resources, including follow-up support to keep newly adopted pets in their homes.
Completes all adoption paperwork, contracts, and data entry accurately and in a timely manner.
Conducts post-adoption follow-up and assists adopters experiencing challenges, connecting them with behavior resources before a return becomes necessary.
Foster and Placement Support: Assists in recruiting and matching foster caregivers with shelter animals needing temporary homes for socialization, enrichment, medical recovery, or a break from the shelter environment.
Prepares animals and paperwork for foster departures and returns, and communicates animal updates to the Foster and Pathway teams.
Supports rescue transfer and transport placements by ensuring animals meet documentation requirements and records are complete.
Shares adoptable animal information with the Advancement team to support media visibility and promotion efforts.
Client Experience and Operations: Provides exceptional customer service in person, by phone, and by email, working with a sense of priority and empathy in every interaction.
Counsels clients on services, programs, fees, and available resources offered by the Louisiana SPCA.
Supports off-site adoption events and community promotions as assigned.
Balances revenue at the end of each day and ensures all deposits are placed in the appropriate area.
Ensures all paperwork is organized, up to date, and located in the correct area.