Adoption Counselor

Since 1984, we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.

Position Summary

The Adoption Counselor is a full-time position that works with potential adopters to find available animals a suitable home and complete and process the necessary paperwork for adoptions. The Adoption Counselor will provide prescribed behavioral and medical protocols to assigned animals and work collaboratively with other staff to ensure a high quality of care for animals housed at the Adoption Center.

Schedule: The Adoption Counselor will generally work in the AHS Adoption Center. The work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for the Adoption Counselor starts at $16.25/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing information to the general public and counseling adopters regarding open adoption policies and available animals in the Adoption Center.
• Complete and process the necessary adoption paperwork.
• Process associated retail transactions as necessary.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all animals in the Adoption Center.
• Demonstrate proper animal handling and care.
• Carry out various aspects of animal care, including cleaning, feeding, watering, and walking as needed.
• Report and document animal temperament and medical/health concerns.
• Administer medications to animals in the Adoption Center.
• Carry out all behavior protocols assigned by the Director of Behavior and Training.
• Responsible for following AHS’s protocols involving the movement of animals.
• Responsible for ensuring that the Adoption Center is presentable, tidy, and organized in public and staff areas.
• Collaborate with volunteers to support AHS goals, ensuring clear communication, guidance, and shared responsibility in executing tasks and projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Previous experience working with animals is highly preferred
• Ability to apply proper animal handling skills and knowledge of individual animal temperament.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills.
• Ability to work with volunteers and co-workers in a professional manner.

This position requires standing for long periods. It requires the ability to stoop, bend, reach, and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds to a level of 4 feet high and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.