Adoptions Counselor

Job Overview

The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley is seeking a compassionate, organized, and customer-focused Adoption Counselor to support our lifesaving mission. This role is responsible for guiding adopters through a positive and informed adoption experience while ensuring animals are placed into safe, loving homes.

The Adoption Counselor works closely with animals, adopters, volunteers, and kennel technicians to facilitate all aspects of the adoption process, maintain accurate records, and support daily shelter operations. A strong commitment to animal welfare, excellent customer service, and attention to detail are essential.

Responsibilities

Adoption & Customer Experience

• Greet visitors and guide them through the adoption process from intake to completion
• Assist adopters with applications, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Conduct adopter counseling, including reviewing medical and behavioral information
• Facilitate meet-and-greets between adopters and animals, including introductions with resident dogs when appropriate
• Process adoption paperwork and fees, ensuring compliance with HSTV policies through our shelter management software Shelterluv
• Provide clear, friendly communication to ensure a positive adopter experience

Animal Care & Placement Support

• Monitor animals for signs of illness or behavioral concerns and notify appropriate staff promptly
• Assist with safely moving animals between kennels, clinic, and recovery areas
• Support kennel techs enrichment initiatives and ensure animals are presented well for adoption
• Clean up after animals as needed to maintain a sanitary environment in meet & greet rooms

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Answer phone calls, check messages, and respond to emails in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate animal records in shelter management system Shelterluv
• Take and upload photos of adoptable animals and assist with basic marketing efforts such as “gotcha day photos”
• Prepare and maintain kennel cards, adoption files, and departmental binders
• Track adoption floor inventory and ensure proper labeling and organization
• Assist with donation intake and documentation as needed

Facility & Team Support

• Ensure adoption areas, office, and entry are open, clean, and welcoming to the public
• Open and secure facility areas according to daily schedule
• Support volunteers and ensure adherence to HSTV policies and guidelines
• Collaborate effectively with staff across departments, including clinic and animal care teams
• Support our Foster & Volunteer Coordinator as needed with pickup and PetSmart cats

Qualifications

Education/Experience: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. A four-year degree is a plus. At least three years working in a fast-paced environment. Prior work in an animal welfare organization or veterinarian clinic is a plus.

Skills: Attention to detail, multitasking and general people skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and shelter management software (e.g., Shelterluv). Exceptional communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities

Additional Requirements: No criminal convictions or injunctions at the local, state, and or national level that could hinder the ability to carry out HSTV’s mission or programs. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Other Attributes: A passion for animal welfare and the overall mission of the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley. Committed to ethical standards and donor privacy. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Work Location: In person