Adoption Assistant

Erie Humane Society; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Erie Humane Society is seeking an Adoption Assistant to be the friendly face at the front desk, handling adoptions, donations, and daily shelter tasks in Erie. You will assist visitors, process applications, and help coordinate meet-and-greets with adoptable animals.

The role requires evenings and weekend availability, strong customer service skills, and a caring approach to animals and people. Training on shelter software and POS systems will be provided, with occasional outreach at events.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and respond to inquiries at the front desk.
• Process dog licenses, donations, and store purchases.
• Review and approve adoption applications; assist through the process.
• Schedule meet-and-greets and animal viewings; prepare adoption paperwork.
• Assist with owner surrender and intake paperwork; support shelter databases and records.
• Stock and organize retail merchandise; maintain a clean reception area.
• Support shelter events and social media posts; promote adoptable animals.

Skills

Customer service

Front desk

Cash handling

Retail & donations

Animal welfare

Tools

Shelter software

POS systems

MS Office

Job description

Employment Type

This is a hourly position which will require nights and weekend availability.

Compensation

Based on Experience

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.
• 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.