Adoptions Counselor - ACS

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County. 

Job Summary

Position is responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of the adoption program. In addition, will work with the transfer of animals to rescue groups and other shelters. Will also coordinate the spay/neuter appointments of adoptive animals, foster care program, offsite adoptions and special events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Processes adoptions including adoption applications and surveys. This includes the entire adoption process from matching, application to approval and discharge.
• Interacts with the animals and talks with prospective adopters to make the best possible match.
• Conducts tours of animal holding areas for adoptees and lost pet owners to review animal population and aid in selection and/or identification of pet.
• Counsels owners with pets and those pets up for re-adoption and assist owners with alternatives. Follows up on adoptions after an animal has been placed.
• Acts as point of contact with rescue groups and shelters for animals.
• Educates and communicates with potential adopters in nutrition, care, feeding and socialization of animals. 
• Produces and maintains proper records, reports and statistics with regards to the adoption program.
• Works with animal care technicians supportively and collaboratively in behavior assessments and health screenings on incoming animals to include the decision making process of approval or denial for acceptance into the adoption program.
• Injects identification microchips into animals.
• Removes animal waste from the adoption kennels as needed throughout the day.

  This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

  High school graduate or Equivalent required. Two (2) years of working with public or volunteer experience preferred. Prior experience working with animals a plus, but not required, but must be able to be comfortable around animals. Must be able to communicate with culturally diverse staff and display professional and courteous manner at all times. Ability to lift and move objects and animals up to 50 pounds for short distances, may have to humanly restrain animals when necessary.

  Work is conducted in an animal shelter/kennel environment.