What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Adoption Counselor position at Animal Rescue League Of Iowa?
Adoption Assistant
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking a compassionate and customer-focused Adoption Assistant to help connect animals with loving homes. This role plays an important part in advancing the ARL’s mission by guiding adopters through the adoption process, supporting adoption events, and ensuring animals and potential adopters have positive experiences both at the shelter and in the community.
What Makes the ARL Different
At the ARL, our work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and service. As Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to animals while creating meaningful connections between pets and people. Our team members play a vital role in ensuring that every adoption experience is welcoming, educational, and supportive.
As an Adoption Assistant, you will help create positive first impressions for visitors and adopters while supporting the lifesaving work happening every day at the ARL. This role combines customer service, animal care, and community engagement, allowing you to make a direct impact on the lives of animals and the families who welcome them home.
What You’ll Do
The Adoption Assistant provides excellent customer service by guiding visitors through the pet adoption process and facilitating successful matches between people and animals. In this role, you will interact with customers in a professional, courteous, and educational manner while promoting the ARL’s mission, programs, and services.
You will assist potential adopters by answering questions, reviewing adoption applications, and facilitating safe and positive interactions between customers and animals. Adoption decisions are made in collaboration with the Adoptions Shift Supervisor and Adoptions Supervisor to ensure the best outcomes for both the animals and their new families. The role also includes accurately completing adoption contracts, medical or behavior documentation, and all related records through electronic filing systems.
Adoption Assistants support the day-to-day operations of the adoption area by maintaining clean, organized lobby and work spaces and assisting with retail sales when needed. Financial responsibilities include processing transactions accurately, balancing a cash drawer, and ensuring strong data integrity with all adoption and sales records.
This role also involves coordinating and assisting with off-site adoption events. Responsibilities include transporting animals between ARL locations, setting up and tearing down event spaces, supporting adopters during events, and helping promote community partnerships with adoption event sponsors. You will collaborate with Volunteer Services to schedule volunteers for events and assist in training and working alongside volunteers to ensure they have a positive and meaningful experience while supporting departmental goals.
Throughout all responsibilities, Adoption Assistants contribute to a healthy shelter environment by practicing compassionate animal handling techniques that reduce stress and disease risk. Maintaining a safe work environment, following all safety guidelines, and adhering to ARL policies and procedures are essential components of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the mission of the organization.
What You Bring
Qualified candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED. Previous experience handling animals is preferred, along with at least two years of customer service experience. Candidates with prior event coordination or event management experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required, as the position may involve transporting animals between ARL locations or to community events. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and able to function effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to resolve conflict and provide thoughtful guidance to adopters. Candidates should also possess basic mathematical skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
This position requires the ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds and to regularly stand or sit for extended periods of time. Work may involve exposure to animal odors, animal waste, moderate noise levels, and animals that may carry contagious diseases or display behaviors such as biting or scratching.
If you are passionate about helping animals find loving homes and enjoy working with people in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply!
Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.