Animal Foster Placement & Transfer Assistant

Title: Foster & Transfer Assistant
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Support Lifesaving Care: From Shelter to Home

Do you have a passion for helping animals thrive outside the shelter environment? As a Foster & Transfer Assistant at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), you’ll play a vital role in connecting animals with foster homes and partner organizations and helping expand our capacity to care for animals in need.

This role is perfect for someone who is organized, compassionate, and enjoys building relationships while managing the details that keep a fast-moving program running smoothly.

What You’ll Do
In this role, you will support the daily operations of the foster and transfer program, ensuring animals receive the care, placement, and resources they need until they find their forever homes. You’ll maintain accurate and organized records of foster families, including applications, home visits, and availability, while helping ensure compliance with Iowa Department of Agriculture regulations.

Communication will be central to your work. You’ll regularly connect with foster families to provide guidance on medical care and behavior, coordinate veterinary and behavioral services, and support timely responses to foster needs or emergencies. You’ll also partner closely with the Adoptions team to help animals in foster homes successfully find permanent homes.

You’ll assist with preparing animals for transport, ensuring all medical and behavioral requirements are met, and managing the necessary documentation for transfers. Building strong, positive relationships with foster volunteers will be key, as will staying in regular contact to provide support and gather updates, including photos and bios for the website.

Your role will also include helping recruit and engage new foster families, contributing to program materials and outreach efforts, and being present for foster-related activities such as pick-ups, meet and greets, and home visits as needed. Throughout your work, you’ll collaborate with teams across the organization to ensure animals, fosters, and staff are supported every step of the way.

What You Bring
You bring strong organizational skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. You communicate clearly and professionally, and you approach challenges with patience, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellent customer service.

This role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience in animal care and handling. You should be comfortable working in situations that may be emotionally or physically demanding and be able to navigate them with professionalism and care. Basic math skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office are expected, and a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required.

Working Conditions
This position involves physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as extended periods of standing or sitting. The work environment includes regular exposure to animals and may involve odors, noise, dander, waste, and the possibility of scratches or bites, as well as exposure to contagious illnesses.

Why Work at ARL
At ARL, your work directly impacts the lives of animals and the people who care for them. By supporting foster and transfer efforts, you help create space, opportunity, and second chances for animals across Iowa and beyond. You’ll be part of a compassionate, mission-driven team dedicated to making a difference every day.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state regulations, ARL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants to discuss potential accommodations.