Intake and Adoption Specialist

City of Maypearl; Sugar Land, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

TMRS pension with 2:1 city match; 457b

Paid holidays and vacation

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs and mental health

Job summary

The City of Sugar Land's Animal Services Department seeks an Intake and Adoption Specialist to be the welcoming first contact for visitors, adopters, and the community. You’ll support animal intakes, guide adopters through the process, coordinate applications, and maintain accurate records and transactions for a positive shelter experience.

This full-time, non-exempt role offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities to grow within a compassionate municipal team.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with typing and basic computer skills.
• Minimum 2 years of administrative and customer service experience.
• Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic preferred.
• Experience with animal database software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line customer service; greet visitors and guide them.
• Counsel potential adopters and explain the meet-and-greet process.
• Coordinate adoption packets and guide adopters through steps.
• Screen incoming animal intakes and determine eligibility.
• Review documents and verify ID, residence, and vaccination records.
• Support lost pet reunification and animal return processes.
• Monitor 311 and dispatch channels; respond professionally.
• Track sleepover records and follow up to finalize adoptions.
• Ensure rabies vaccination records are current for new homes.
• Process payments accurately and record transactions.

Skills

Front-line customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Animal database software

Job description

The City of Sugar Land is seeking a compassionate individual to join our team as an Intake and Adoption Specialist in the Animal Services Department.

This position is at the heart of the Sugar Land Animal Shelter, serving as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors, adopters, and community members. You’ll help connect people and pets by supporting animal intakes, guiding potential adopters through the adoption process, coordinating applications, and ensuring accurate records and transactions - all while helping create a positive and engaging shelter experience.

About the City of Sugar Land

The City of Sugar Land serves over 110,000 residents and is known for its high quality of life and commitment to innovation. Our team is driven by service, collaboration, and a shared goal of making our community even better.

At the City of Sugar Land, we’re building a high-performing, innovative community where employees are empowered to make an impact. You’ll join a collaborative team, enjoy strong benefits from day one, and have real opportunities to grow your career.

We follow our BLAZE values by encouraging bold ideas, fostering a supportive and collaborative team, adapting to change, holding ourselves to high standards, and empowering employees to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

What We Offer

• A competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance package with coverage starting Day 1
• TMRS pension with 2:1 city match; 457(b) options
• Paid holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave
• Wellness programs, mental health resources, and an EAP
• Grow your career with professional development programs, training opportunities, and career advancement through our Gold Standard People Development Division.

What We Pay

The Intake & Adoption Specialist is a non-exempt position with a starting salary of $46,259 - $53,206 annually.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• What You’ll Do as the Intake and Adoption Specialist:Provide front-line customer service. Greet visitors, direct them, explain the meet-and-greet process and safety rules, and coordinate tours with staff.
• Counsel potential adopters. Advise on behavior and the shelter-to-home transition.
• Manage the adoption process. Prepare complete adoption packets and guide adopters through each step.
• Screen incoming animal intakes. Determine eligibility and redirect out-of-jurisdiction residents and animals.
• Verify documents. Review ID, proof of residence, and vaccination records.
• Support lost pet reunification. Work with owners on over-the-counter intakes to get animals home.
• Monitor the 311 and dispatch Teams channel. Follow up on Animal Services calls with accurate, professional responses.
• Run the sleepover program. Keep accurate records of animals out on sleepovers and follow up on time to finalize adoption or arrange return.
• Track rabies vaccination compliance. Follow up to verify rabies vaccination for animals adopted before they could be vaccinated.
• Process payments accurately. Handle cash, checks, and card payments, enter them in the shelter software and Tyler Cashiering, settle the card machine, and keep the change drawer accurate.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position. Required to work as an essential employee before, during and after an emergency or disaster, whether natural or acts of war.
• Stay abreast of, and comply with, all City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Director or his/her designee.

Formal Education

• Formal Education:High School diploma or equivalent GED supplemented with course work in typing, business processes and personal computer operations.
• Relatable Work Experience:Minimum (2) two years of administrative and customer service experience required.
• Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic preferred.
• Experience with animal database software preferred.
• Knowledge of animal shelter behavior management and shelter operations preferred.
• Training (License and/or Certification):Valid Texas Drivers License or ID