Adoption Assistant

Erie Humane Society

Adoption Assistant Job Description

Position:                          Adoption Assistant

Reports To:                     Adoption Manager

Supervises:                      N/A

Facilities:                         Erie Humane Society

Employment Type:        This is a hourly position which will require nights and  

                                            weekend availability.

Compensation: Based on Experience

Erie Humane Society:

 Our Mission: Rescue|Rehabilitate|Rehome

The Erie Humane Society is an independent, registered 501-c3 nonprofit, local animal shelter, operating under no-kill standards. We help orphaned, injured, and abused pets by focusing our efforts on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming; keeping them safe, providing shelter, care and nutrition, and helping them lead happy, healthy lives.

Position Summary

The Adoption Assistant serves as a point of contact for visitors, adopters, volunteers, and community members at the Erie Humane Society. This role is responsible for providing outstanding customer service, assisting with adoptions and animal viewings, answering phones, processing transactions, maintaining accurate records, and supporting daily shelter operations. The Adoption Assistant plays an important role in creating positive experiences for both people and pets while helping animals find loving homes.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Front Desk Operations

• Greet visitors, adopters, volunteers, and donors in a friendly and professional manner.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls and respond to general inquiries.
• Assist visitors with adoption information, shelter policies, and available services.
• Process dog licenses, donations, and retail store purchases.

Adoption Support

• Review and approve adoption applications.
• Assist potential adopters through the adoption process.
• Schedule and facilitate meet-and-greets and animal viewings.
• Prepare adoption paperwork and ensure records are accurate and complete.
• Communicate adoption procedures, fees, and expectations to adopters.

Intake & Administrative Support

• Assist with owner surrender and stray intake paperwork.
• Support the Adoption Manager with maintaining shelter databases and records.
• File and organize documents related to adoptions, intakes, and animal records.
• Process monetary and in-kind donations according to shelter procedures.

 Retail & Facility Support

• Stock and organize retail merchandise and adoption materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception and lobby area.
• Assist with inventory counts and restocking supplies as needed.

 Social Media & Community Engagement

• Assist with adoption announcements and success stories on social media.
• Help promote adoptable animals and upcoming shelter events.
• Represent the Erie Humane Society professionally when interacting with the public.

Cross-Departmental Support

• Assist kennel and cattery staff with animal viewings and basic support tasks as needed.
• Help during busy adoption periods, special events, and staffing shortages.
• Participate in shelter events and off-site adoption opportunities when assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

Experience

• Previous customer service, receptionist, retail, or animal welfare experience preferred.
• Experience handling cash transactions and basic office duties is a plus.

 

Communication

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate compassionately and professionally with a diverse range of people.
• Comfortable handling sensitive or emotional situations with empathy.

 Organization & Adaptability

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Dependable, flexible, and willing to assist where needed.

 Technical Skills

• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and email.
• Ability to learn shelter management software, databases, and point-of-sale systems.
• Familiarity with social media platforms is helpful.

 Physical Requirements

• Must be comfortable working in an environment with frequent exposure to animals, noise, odors, and dander.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Ability to safely handle animals under the guidance of shelter protocols.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and special events as required.