Pet Client Services Assistant
About The Position
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking a compassionate, professional, and service-minded Pet Help Assistant to provide support to pet owners during both challenging and hopeful moments in their lives. This is a full-time temporary position anticipated to continue through November 2026, with the potential for longer-term employment based on organizational needs, staffing levels, and performance. While continued employment beyond November is not guaranteed, this role offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining experience in animal welfare and community services. This is not a typical customer service role. Every day, you'll work directly with individuals experiencing a wide range of emotions—from the joy of being reunited with a lost pet to the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a beloved companion. You will assist pet owners arriving for animal intakes, humane euthanasia appointments, pet aftercare services, lost pet concerns, and community veterinary procedures. You'll help guide pet owners through difficult decisions, connect them with resources, and ensure every interaction reflects the compassion and professionalism that define the ARL's mission. While this work can be emotionally demanding, it is also deeply meaningful. The impact you make will extend far beyond the animals in our care. You will provide comfort, guidance, and support to members of our community when they need it most. If you are someone who remains calm under pressure, approaches others with empathy, and believes exceptional customer service matters even during life's hardest moments, this may be the role for you.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED is required.
- Two or more years of experience in customer service, client relations, hospitality, healthcare, veterinary medicine, social services, funeral services, or another public-facing role is preferred.
- Excellent communication and active listening skills.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and solutions-focused when supporting individuals experiencing grief, stress, frustration, or crisis.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Comfort with computer systems and databases.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy.
- Comfort navigating difficult conversations while upholding organizational policies and procedures.
- Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team dedicated to helping both people and animals.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely handle animals.
- Ability to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a primary point of contact for individuals seeking assistance from the ARL.
- Welcome and assist pet owners arriving for animal intake appointments, community medical services, lost pet inquiries, humane euthanasia appointments, and pet aftercare services.
- Guide individuals through sensitive conversations with compassion and professionalism, helping them navigate available resources and understand next steps.
- Help reunite lost pets with their families.
- Coordinate animal intake processes.
- Ensure all documentation and records are completed accurately.
- Coordinate pet aftercare services.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Process payments.
- Respond to phone calls and emails.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for visitors.
- Provide a high level of customer service while balancing empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Support individuals who may be experiencing grief, stress, frustration, or emotional distress.
- Assist with the respectful handling and coordination of pets receiving aftercare services.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
