Associate - Adoptions

Description

Position Overview

The Adoption Associate creates pathways to new homes for the animals in our care. This position guides adopters through thoughtful, conversation-based matchmaking, supports foster and rescue placements, and delivers an exceptional client experience that turns every adoption into a lifelong relationship between a pet, a family, and the Louisiana SPCA. This role is often the public face of the organization and is central to our commitment to positive outcomes for every animal.

Key Responsibilities

Adoption Counseling and Matchmaking

• Welcomes prospective adopters, learns what they are looking for in a pet, and counsels them on choosing the appropriate animal for their household, lifestyle, and experience level
• Communicates each animal’s known history, behavior, medical status, and needs honestly and completely so adopters can make informed decisions
• Educates adopters on spay/neuter, humane pet ownership, basic behavior, and post-adoption resources, including follow-up support to keep newly adopted pets in their homes
• Completes all adoption paperwork, contracts, and data entry accurately and in a timely manner
• Conducts post-adoption follow-up and assists adopters experiencing challenges, connecting them with behavior resources before a return becomes necessary

Foster and Placement Support

• Assists in recruiting and matching foster caregivers with shelter animals needing temporary homes for socialization, enrichment, medical recovery, or a break from the shelter environment
• Prepares animals and paperwork for foster departures and returns, and communicates animal updates to the Foster and Pathway teams
• Supports rescue transfer and transport placements by ensuring animals meet documentation requirements and records are complete
• Shares adoptable animal information with the Advancement team to support media visibility and promotion efforts

Client Experience and Operations

• Provides exceptional customer service in person, by phone, and by email, working with a sense of priority and empathy in every interaction
• Counsels clients on services, programs, fees, and available resources offered by the Louisiana SPCA
• Supports off-site adoption events and community promotions as assigned
• Balances revenue at the end of each day and ensures all deposits are placed in the appropriate area
• Ensures all paperwork is organized, up to date, and located in the correct area

Success Criteria

• Adoptions are well matched, resulting in low return rates and high adopter satisfaction
• Clients consistently describe their experience as welcoming, knowledgeable, and judgment free
• Records and daily revenue reconciliation are accurate and complete
• Foster and rescue placements move efficiently with clear communication across teams

Organizational Expectations

• Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance, and promotes a humane and caring attitude toward all animals
• Remains alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition for client and employee safety; ensures animals are handled humanely and appropriately by clients, employees, and volunteers
• Supports teamwork across departments by being cooperative, flexible, and helpful
• Maintains confidentiality at all times
• Attends all training and animal handling classes available
• Contributes to the general appearance and upkeep of the interior and exterior lobby and public areas
• Takes inventory of assigned supplies and restocks as needed

Education and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college or a bachelor’s degree preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license
• Highly competent in Microsoft Office; accurate and detail oriented when entering information into shelter software
• Excellent organizational and collaborative skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficient in mediating disputes, conflicts, and grievances with tact and professionalism
• Serves on the core team for Storm & Emergency Response; expected to work extended hours as needed, including weekends, and maintain 24-hour on-call status during activations
• Mental and physical flexibility is a must

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, and reach; perform strenuous physical activity including frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping
• Should not be allergic to animals or nuts; must be able to work around all animals and nut products
• Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants

Working Conditions

• Full-time; schedule includes weekends and holidays as assigned
• Works in an area with a high noise level
• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches

Benefits

• Health insurance, life insurance, and 401K match
• PTO and paid holidays
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, with application assistance

Compensation

• $15 - $17 per hour