Animal Shelter Front Desk Receptionist

We’re Hiring: Front Desk Receptionist (Part-Time)

H.A.L.O. Animal Rescue is looking for someone special to join our front office team — someone who brings both compassion and confidence to the table.

If you love animals, enjoy working with people, and can communicate clearly (even in challenging moments), this could be a great fit for you.

This role is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also fast-paced, hands-on, and requires someone who is comfortable taking the lead in conversations and situations when needed.

What the Job Feels Like:

• Busy, sometimes loud (yes, lots of barking!)
• A mix of happy moments and emotionally challenging ones
• Team-oriented, where everyone supports each other
• A role where you’ll need to think on your feet and stay composed

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Greeting and guiding visitors through our services and processes
• Answering phones/emails and providing clear, accurate information
• Assisting with adoptions and applications
• Handling payments and donations
• Keeping the front office clean and organized
• Performing basic animal care tasks (including nail trims — training provided)
• Data entry and general office support

Animal Handling Expectations (Important):
We provide training for nail trims and safe handling, but this is a hands-on role:

• You may get scratched during nail trims
• Some animals are fearful or resistant
• Some may attempt to bite or require firm, proper restraint

Confidence, awareness, and the ability to stay calm and in control are key.

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Is friendly and empathetic, but not afraid to speak up or set boundaries
• Can handle difficult or emotional conversations with professionalism
• Is comfortable making decisions and guiding interactions, not just observing
• Works well with a team and communicates openly
• Stays organized and focused, even when things get hectic

If you tend to avoid interaction or prefer a quiet work environment, this position likely won’t be the right fit.

Schedule:

• Part-time (3–4 days/week)
• 8:45 AM – 5:10 PM
• Some flexibility required

Pay: Starting at $15/hour, with opportunities for raises

This is a chance to be part of a team that truly makes a difference every day — for both animals and the people who love them.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Application Question(s):

• Please describe any previous experience you have in receptionist or customer service roles. What responsibilities did you handle, and what skills did you gain from those positions?
• Are you able to stay focused and on task in environments with loud or constant noise, such as multiple dogs barking or several conversations happening at once? If you have any previous experience working in loud environments, please explain.
• This position involves daily physical tasks such as moving large wire crates, restraining strong dogs for nail trims, and lifting heavy items (40-50lbs). It also requires frequent bending, crouching, and kneeling. Do you have the ability and willingness to perform these types of physical tasks on a regular basis?
• Tell us about any previous experience you have working or volunteering in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or other animal-related environments. What knowledge or skills related to animal rescue, health, or behavior have you gained?
• This role requires frequent use of technology, including data entry on a Mac computer, navigating our shelter management software, sending emails through Gmail, and managing schedules through Google Sheets. Please describe your comfort level and experience with using computers and learning new digital tools.
• Working in animal rescue often involves stressful or emotional interactions with customers (ex: emotions surrounding the surrendering of pets, intaking sick animals in need of care, etc.) Can you share how you maintain patience, compassion, and a positive attitude when handling challenging or sensitive situations?
• The starting wage is $15/hour, with an opportunity for a raise at the 90-day evaluation mark, and then annual reviews/raises after that. Time off is not granted within the first 90 days unless discussed prior to employment, but 1st and 2nd year employees are allotted 5 vacation days (paid for full-time, unpaid for part-time employees) per year, plus 10 sick days. Are you comfortable with these terms?
• Anything else you’d like us to know?

Work Location: In person