Dog Matchmaking Specialist - Large Breed Focus

Advertising Producers Association; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Life insurance

Dental and vision

Short-term disability

401(k) retirement with match

Paid holidays and PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Austin Pets Alive! is seeking a Dog Placement Specialist to champion dog matching, behavior guidance, and volunteer engagement. You will work closely with volunteers to run daily tasks, guide adopters, and keep dog profiles up to date, while ensuring excellent client service in a busy shelter setting.

The role emphasizes hands-on dog handling, providing training support, and developing initiatives to shorten shelter stays for large breed dogs while promoting APA!’s mission across the Austin area.

Qualifications

• Experience working with dogs and ability to handle large dogs safely.
• Customer service experience is required.
• Leadership experience or comparable is required.
• Willing and committed to working well with volunteers and staff.
• Comfortable with basic email, word processing, and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a volunteer-powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift.
• Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks and promote collaboration.
• Support recruitment and onboarding by welcoming new volunteers and guiding orientation.
• Help retain volunteers with encouragement, feedback, and recognition.
• Educate adopters and fosters to ensure successful dog placements.
• Maintain documentation and update online profiles for all dogs.

Skills

Dog handling experience

Customer service

Volunteer coordination

Leadership experience

Dog behavior training

Email/Office software

Job description

Austin Pets Alive! is seeking a Dog Placement Specialist to champion dog matching, behavior guidance, and volunteer engagement. You will work closely with volunteers to run daily tasks, guide adopters, and keep dog profiles up to date, while ensuring excellent client service in a busy shelter setting.

The role emphasizes hands-on dog handling, providing training support, and developing initiatives to shorten shelter stays for large breed dogs while promoting APA!’s mission across the Austin area.