Adoption Counselor Volunteer

SUPERVISOR: Adoptions Management Team

GOAL OF POSITION: To find forever homes for our shelter animals that are good match for both the animals and the people involved.

TIME COMMITMENT: At least three hours a week for a minimum of one year. Shifts available weekdays from 11am-7pm and weekends from 11am-6pm.

DUTIES: Adoption Volunteers do very important work placing companion animals into permanent, loving and responsible homes. Duties may include reviewing adoption applications, showing animals to potential adopters, assisting the public in selecting a companion animal and counseling potential adopters on expectations, animal behavior, needs, etc., and educating the public on responsible pet guardianship.

TRAINING: Completion of Volunteer Orientation. Adoption Volunteers are also required to complete a dog and cat TLC training as well as on-the-job training sessions with experienced Adoption Counselors. Adoption counselors are always available to assist beyond initial training.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have the ability to work well with both people and animals; strong interpersonal and communication skills; a strong desire to learn as much as possible about the emotional and physical needs of a wide variety of animals; a willingness to educate; and good physical agility & strength. Must be at least 18 years of age.

EMOTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: Due to your efforts, many animals will be adopted into good and loving homes. However, there will be challenges in terms of adopters’ expectations of our animals and our adoption process. It is important to be able to steer adopters in the direction of an animal that is a proper fit for their home. Occasionally an adoption may even be declined based on a pet owner’s history. Conversely, our philosophies may result in the approval of an adoption you may not personally agree with. All situations are treated as unique and sensitive- an open mind is a must.