Pet Resources Rescue/Foster Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described below. 

• Identifies animals requiring placement in approved temporary foster homes and/or rescue partners. 


• Manages the foster and rescue partner databases ensuring that such data is always accurate and up to date. 


• Approves all new requests for foster/rescue partners.


• Coordinates and enters data for third party background checks on foster/rescue partners.


• Conducts home visits of new foster homes and rescue locations as needed. 


• Coordinates the selection, placement and pickup of animals by animal rescue/foster partners.


• Follows up with foster homes regularly to verify pet progress, upcoming appointments and general pet health. 


• Follows up with rescue partners ensuring required vet care has occurred. 


• Schedules and hosts foster orientations for the community. 


• Performs new foster parent trainings. 


• Develops and updates the rescue/foster standard operating procedures and new hire training programs. 


• Develops new relationships with other humane agencies. 


• Works with regional partners to increase live saving capabilities.  Performs related administrative duties in the execution and monitoring of the rescue/foster programs.


• Serves as a member of the department’s Evaluation Team to review all animals that have been identified as requiring additional follow up, up to and including making euthanasia decisions.  


• Supports the department in mandated ESF-17 (Emergency Support Function 17) responsibilities in the event of a disaster or during an activation of the County’s Emergency Operations Center. 


• Attends meetings and events on behalf of the department as required.


• Perform Humane Euthanasia as needed.


• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of animal related medical conditions and understands the importance of infectious disease control and Zoonotic diseases.


• Knowledge of care and humane treatment of animals. 


• Knowledge of animal diseases and health requirements. 


• Knowledge of accepted practices in the treatment, restraint and handling of animals. 


• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 


• Ability to work effectively with others. 


• Ability to collect, organize and evaluate information and present conclusions. 


• Ability to use a computer and related software. 


• Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision and sometimes under stressful situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability and willingness to handle both dogs and cats.


• Ability and willingness to work outside in heat, cold and sometimes light rain. 


• Ability and willingness to stand, lift and bend for extended period of time. 


• Ability to work under stressful conditions. 


• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.


• Position may require frequent travel.


• Must be able to work with and around toxic chemicals which may emit strong odors or require PPE. 


• Must be able to work with potentially dangerous or sick animals.

Work Category

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate; AND


• Three years of experience working as a rescue or foster coordinator or veterinary technician with animal shelter experience at a shelter with an annual intake greater than 10,000; OR


• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND


• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete a 16 hour training and obtain a State of Florida Euthanasia Certificate within 6 months of acquiring the position.