Adoption Counselor - Dogs / Adoption Counselor - Cats

The Rescue Crew; Andover (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rescue Crew, Inc. is seeking an Adoption Counselor to guide adopters and fosters through the adoption process for dogs and cats. You will review applications, coordinate meet-and-greets, manage listings, and oversee finalization of adoptions with attention to ethical placements.

You will document outcomes, communicate clearly, and collaborate with leadership on complex cases, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.

Qualifications

• Compassion, sound judgment, and a passion for animal welfare.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to balance empathy with clear boundaries and decision-making.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple applications and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Review adoption applications for dogs or cats and assess overall fit.
• Coordinate meet-and-greets between adopters and foster caregivers.
• Manage adoption listings and track progress through the process.
• Finalize adoptions, ensure agreements are signed and fees are paid, and coordinate pickup/handoff logistics.
• Keep accurate documentation in systems like Petstablished and Airtable.
• Communicate decisions professionally to adopters and fosters; escalate concerns as needed.

Skills

Compassion

Sound judgment

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organization

Detail oriented

Customer service

Animal welfare

Multi-tasking

Tools

Petstablished

Airtable

Online payments platforms

Job description

Role Overview

As an Adoption Counselor for The Rescue Crew, you play a critical role in helping animals find safe, lasting homes. You are the guide through one of the most meaningful moments in rescue—supporting adopters and fosters while ensuring each placement is thoughtful, ethical, and set up for long-term success.

From reviewing applications to coordinating meet-and-greets, managing adoption listings, and finalizing adoptions, you serve as the primary owner of the adoption process for your assigned species. This role balances empathy with structure, ensuring clear communication, strong decision-making, and a positive experience for everyone involved.

Key Responsibilities

Review & Screen Adoption Applications

• Review adoption applications for assigned animals (dogs or cats) and assess overall fit.
• Facilitate communication between foster caregivers and prospective adopters to gather additional information, clarify expectations, and answer questions.
• Conduct interviews or follow-ups as needed to support informed placement decisions.
• Collaborate with the leadership on complex cases or exceptions.

Foster Collaboration

• Partner with fosters to gather insight on an animal's personality, behavior, and needs.
• Prepare fosters for meet-and-greets and adoption transitions.
• Keep fosters informed throughout the adoption process without requiring them to manage applications, contracts, or payments.
• Document outcomes and determine next steps clearly and promptly.

Adoption Decisions & Approval

• Assist, as needed, final adoption recommendations in alignment with The Rescue Crew policies and standards.
• Communicate decisions professionally and compassionately to adopters and fosters.
• Escalate concerns or unusual circumstances to leadership when appropriate.

Adoption Finalization

The Adoption Counselor is the owner of adoption finalization, including:

• Sending adoption agreements.
• Ensuring agreements are signed and completed.
• Confirming adoption fees are paid.
• Coordinating final pickup or handoff logistics.
• Sending final communications to both the adopter and the foster.
• Marking animals as adopted in all required systems.

Documentation & Workflow Management

• Maintain accurate and timely updates in Petstablished, Airtable, and other shared systems.
• Track application progress, decisions, and outcomes.
• Ensure each adoption is fully closed out and documented.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Compassion, sound judgment, and a passion for animal welfare.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to balance empathy with clear boundaries and decision-making.
• Comfortable managing multiple applications and timelines.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working within structured systems.
• Experience in animal rescue, adoption counseling, or customer service (preferred, not required).
• Basic computer skills and comfort using online platforms (training provided).

Bonus if you...

• Have prior adoption counseling or placement experience.
• Are familiar with Petstablished, Airtable, or online payment platforms.
• Have experience with large dogs, puppies, special-needs animals, or longer-stay pets (Dogs).
• Have experience with kittens, adult cats, or multi-cat household placements (Cats).
• Have previously volunteered with The Rescue Crew or another rescue organization.