Dog Foster Coordinator

Friends of Oakland Animal Services•Oakland, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dog Foster Coordinator coordinates the day-to-day activities and operations of the dog foster program at Oakland Animal Services. The role matches shelter dogs with suitable foster homes, recruits and trains foster caregivers, and provides ongoing support to caregivers while monitoring each dog’s progress and care needs. The coordinator also works with staff, volunteers, veterinary providers, and organizational leadership to support foster dogs’ care, placement, and outcomes. The position includes hands-on program work such as direct animal care, cleaning, organizing supplies, and assisting with veterinary care. It also involves maintaining program systems, records, documentation, and resources; identifying operational challenges and improvements; and helping expand the program’s capacity. The coordinator supports promotion and adoption of foster animals through caregiver engagement and sharing images, videos, and stories. The primary work location is the Oakland Animal Services shelter. The environment includes loud noises, high activity, animals with varied health and behavioral conditions, and possible exposure to animal waste, bodily fluids, zoonotic diseases, bites, scratches, and physical impact. Some outdoor work in varying weather conditions may be required. The role requires tolerance for the emotional aspects of shelter work, including euthanasia and professional communication about difficult outcomes. The regular schedule is Thursday through Monday, with occasional flexibility needed for team coverage. This is a full-time, non-exempt position of 40 hours per week, on-site in Oakland, California. Compensation is $27–$30 per hour.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent qualification, or a higher degree, from an accredited college or technical school.
At least one year of experience working or volunteering with an animal care, rescue, or shelter organization.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, employees, and volunteers.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm and objective in urgent or complex situations.
Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Ability to develop, implement, and maintain processes and systems.
Ability to handle animals safely and humanely, facilitate safe interactions with people, transport animals, and put on animal gear such as collars and harnesses.
Experience handling dogs of all sizes, including basic training and recognition of behavioral concerns.
Ability to recognize symptoms of common animal diseases.
Ability to navigate and operate safely in an animal shelter and perform physical tasks such as opening and closing cages, carrying and organizing supplies, and lifting and handling animals.
Ability to lift and handle dogs of all sizes and move heavy items such as large dog crates and 50-pound bags of dog food.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
Commitment to the mission, goals, and success of Oakland Animal Services and Friends of Oakland Animal Services.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience working or volunteering with an animal care, rescue, or shelter organization.
Training or experience with basic animal care such as vaccinating, deworming, weighing, and giving medications.
Experience working with animals requiring additional support, including dogs with behavioral challenges, medical needs, or other barriers to placement.
Experience coordinating teams of volunteers and/or staff.
Familiarity with animal sheltering and animal welfare challenges.

Responsibilities

Coordinate day-to-day activities and operations for the dog foster program.
Coordinate the movement of shelter dogs into and out of foster care.
Match dogs needing foster care with appropriate foster homes based on dogs’ needs and foster-home capabilities.
Recruit and train foster caregivers.
Provide ongoing caregiver support, including answering questions, offering guidance, providing supplies, and addressing medical, behavioral, and other foster-related needs.
Communicate regularly with foster caregivers to monitor animal progress and ensure fostering remains a positive, manageable experience.
Cultivate a supportive and engaged community of foster caregivers and volunteers.
Participate in daily foster program operations and perform hands-on tasks as needed, including organizing supplies, cleaning, and direct animal care.
Coordinate veterinary care for foster dogs and assist with care as needed.
Ensure foster dogs are up to date on appropriate vaccinations and flea treatment.
Collaborate with staff to support foster dogs’ care, placement, and overall outcomes.
Develop and maintain systems for day-to-day operations, coordination, information sharing, and recordkeeping.
Identify operational challenges and contribute to developing and implementing process and workflow improvements.
Support initiatives to grow foster program capacity, improve operations, and meet evolving organizational needs.
Develop meaningful volunteer roles and support volunteer recruitment and training.
Build foster caregivers’ capacity to assist with marketing, promotion, and adoption of available foster animals.
Create and update foster program resources, including procedures and training materials.
Maintain accurate records of foster dogs and program activities, and keep relevant shelter database records up to date.
Collect, review, and maintain foster documentation, including contracts, behavior bios, and field trip forms.
Support external communications by sharing images, videos, and stories highlighting foster program successes.
Assist the manager with regular reports to OAS and FOAS leadership on program status, successes, and challenges.
Perform other duties as assigned.