Full-Time Adoption Counselor

Animal Defense League of Texas - San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Animal Defense League of Texas - San Antonio is seeking an Adoption Counselor to be the first and last contact in a visitor’s adoption journey. You will greet visitors, review adoption forms and medical histories, and educate adopters on pet needs and local resources.

You will input data into our shelter database, manage the POS, assist with merchandise and events, and respond to inquiries with compassion and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Must have basic knowledge of companion animal care and behavior.
• Excellent customer service skills; experience with the public preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-directed and able to make decisions.
• Organized, detail-oriented with strong time management.
• Computer skills required; HS diploma and valid driver’s license.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Greet and engage visitors entering the facility.
• Review adoption forms, animal medical history, and educational resources with adopters.
• Engage with adopters in a welcoming manner; embody the Adoptions Welcome mindset.
• Request donations at time of adoption to meet organizational goals.
• Input adopter information into shelter database.
• Manage POS system including payments and records.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers in a friendly, professional manner.
• Assist with merchandise restocking and inventory management.
• Respond to in-person, phone, and email inquiries.
• Matchmake pets and visitors based on needs or preferences.
• Update animal bios and photos when needed.
• Handle receptionist duties; answer calls and return messages.
• Attend offsite events with Community Outreach Coordinator as needed.
• Other duties as assigned to support the organization.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Time Management

Organization

Computer Skills

Self-directed

Driver's License

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Shelter database

POS system

Job description

Job Description

The Adoption Counselor is a key position within our shelter program. As the first and last contact in a visitor’s journey to adoption, they represent our mission and culture by serving our patrons with professionalism, enthusiasm, and compassion. They work collaboratively with our dynamic team of staff and volunteers to unite thousands of dogs and cats with forever families annually. They are also educators, conducting one‑on‑one conversations with adopters to review the adoption form, the pet’s medical history and future needs, and educational resources. The core duty of this role is to ensure that each adopter fully understands the needs of their new pet and the resources available in our community to ensure their pet receives proper care and support to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

Essential duties & responsibilities

• Greet and engage with all visitors that enter the facility
• Conduct conversation with adopters to review the adoption form, animal medical history, and educational resources
• Engage with adopters in a positive and welcoming manner, fully embodying the “Adoptions Welcome” mindset
• Asks for donations at the time of adoption confidently and with efforts to meet goals based on organizations need
• Input data into shelter digital database including adopter information and other related shelter activities
• Manage POS system including receiving payments and record keeping
• Collaborate with other managers, supervisors, staff and volunteers in a friendly and professional manner
• Assist Adoption Center Supervisor and Adoption Center Lead with merchandise restocking and inventory management
• Respond to in‑person, phone, and email inquiries
• Matchmake pets and visitors based on eithers unique needs or preferences
• Update animal bios and photos when needed
• Phone reception answering client inquiries, returning phone calls, and serves as a receptionist.
• Attend offsite events with Community Outreach Coordinator as needed
• Other duties as assigned to support the needs of the organization

Knowledge/skills/requirements

• Must have basic knowledge of companion animal care and behavior. At least one year of documented experience working with companion animals preferred.
• Must have excellent customer service skills. At least one year of documented experience working with the public preferred.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be self‑directed and able to make decisions.
• Must be organized, detail‑oriented, and have strong time management skills.
• Must have computer skills.
• Must be at least a high school graduate (or equivalent) and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred but not required.

Physical demands and working conditions

Physical requirements include the ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds. Subject to climbing, kneeling, lifting, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, and walking to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are inside and outside with exposure to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, noise, dirty environment, confining workspace and unfavorable odors.

Company Description

The Animal Defense League of Texas (ADL) is a non‑profit organization that rescues homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens and provides medical treatment, nutrition, and shelter in a safe, live‑release facility until they are matched with their forever families. Through community education and empowerment, we advocate for responsible pet ownership.

The Animal Defense League of Texas (ADL) is a non‑profit organization that rescues homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens and provides medical treatment, nutrition, and shelter in a safe, live‑release facility until they are matched with their forever families. Through community education and empowerment, we advocate for responsible pet ownership.