Pet Adoption Counselor

SPCA Florida•Lakeland, FL

About The Position

SPCA Florida is seeking a full-time Adoption Counselor to support its mission of finding loving homes for animals in its care. Adoption Counselors are often the first point of contact for visitors and help create a warm, welcoming environment through professional, empathetic interactions with people and animals. They guide families through the adoption process, help match prospective adopters with animals, and support lasting bonds between pets and their new homes. The role involves public-facing customer service, animal interaction and handling, adoption counseling and application decisions, accurate data entry in ShelterLuv, payment processing, and maintaining clean and sanitary areas. The position also includes educating adopters, responding to inquiries, supporting shelter operations, and participating in team and continuing-education activities. SPCA Florida describes its workplace as a positive, family-like team environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace that conducts background checks.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Animal experience is required, including knowledge of animal behavior and handling.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Receptionist experience.
Ability to perform clerical work quickly and accurately.
Ability to use a multiple-line telephone system.
Ability to handle cash and other forms of payment.
Ability to interact closely with clients and patients daily.
Leadership skills, initiative, eagerness to learn, and strong customer-service skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
Ability to multitask and maintain a friendly, professional, and empathetic manner, including during stressful moments.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including Saturdays and Sundays; the center is open seven days a week.
Ability and willingness to learn and use ShelterLuv.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree preferred but not required.
Flexibility in attitude and work habits.

Responsibilities

Greet visitors and interact with the public, including prospective adopters, to understand what they are looking for in a pet.
Get to know the animals and discuss their personalities with prospective adopters to support successful matches.
Guide applicants through the adoption process, share animal care and behavior information, review applications, interview applicants, make decisions to finalize or deny adoptions, and communicate decisions courteously.
Learn and use ShelterLuv to track animals and enter complete, accurate data.
Clean cages and maintain sanitation standards, including cleaning public areas and assisting with disease control as needed.
Provide in-person and telephone service to clients and visitors interested in adopting, including information about available pets and adoption procedures.
Educate adopters on animal care, training, enrichment, medical history, related paperwork, and long-term responsibilities.
Facilitate visits and interactions between potential adopters and animals.
Perform housekeeping duties, including laundry and dishes.
Report signs of illness, disease, injury, or unusual activity to the Adoption Center Medical Team.
Learn the animals in different areas and their personalities to help place them in suitable homes.
Encourage retail-store sales to help meet budget goals and collect payments for store sales and adoptions.
Balance adoption financials daily.
Respond promptly to emails and phone calls from adopters and potential adopters.
Participate in team meetings and share ideas and suggestions for improvements.
Participate in continuing education and attend required educational programs.
Treat everyone in a nonjudgmental manner.