Animal Adoption Specialist

Under the general supervision of the Animal Shelter Supervisor, the Animal Adoption Specialist supports efforts to increase live outcomes by facilitating both on-site and off-site adoptions. This role ensures a positive experience for all patrons and promotes responsible pet ownership through education and outreach. The specialist collaborates with volunteers and program coordinators to plan and execute adoption and awareness events, conducts follow-up with adopters, and provides resources to support successful pet retention and reduce adoption returns.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

1. Customer Service

• Creates a welcoming and supportive environment for patrons and promotes positive public engagement.

• Greets and assists visitors, guiding potential adopters through the shelter to help match pets with appropriate homes.

• Responds to adoption inquiries via email and phone, reviews applications, and provides timely, solution-oriented support.
• Assists with a variety of customer needs, including lost/found pets, intakes, reclaims, fosters, and rescue transfers.
• Collaborates with volunteers, supports training and engagement efforts, and contributes to a positive volunteer experience.

2. Adoptions

• Facilitates successful adoptions and supports long-term placement outcomes.

• Reviews adoption applications, processes approved adoptions and educates adopters on pet integration and care.

• Conducts meet-and-greets between adoptable animals and potential adopters' pets to ensure compatibility.
• Coordinates with program staff to plan and execute on-site and off-site adoption events.
• Provides guidance to staff, volunteers, and community service workers involved in adoption activities.

3. Clerical and Administrative Support

• Maintains accurate records and supports adoption-related financial transactions.

• Ensures animal biographies are current, engaging, and accessible to the public.

• Updates animal records and maintains the shelter's animal database and inventory.
• Processes adoption payments and assists with reconciliation of cash, check, and credit transactions.
• Compiles data and prepares reports to support adoption tracking and operational planning.

4. General Shelter Support

• Contributes to overall shelter operations and service delivery.

• Assists with cleaning, maintenance, and special projects as needed.

• Serves as backup for animal intake and reclaim processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of Animal Services

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of professional experience in animal care and in a team environment or a related field.
• One (1) year of customer service experience.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of animal health, behavior, breed identification, and shelter procedures, including intake, adoption, return, and euthanasia protocols.

• Knowledge of forms, records, and documentation related to adoptions, reclaims, transfers, and veterinary care; understanding of confidentiality and data accuracy.

• Skilled in customer service and conflict resolution, with the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with the public, even in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.

• Skilled in handling animals safely and recognizing signs of illness or distress; seeks assistance when appropriate.
• Skilled in using sound judgment in complex or non-routine situations, including those involving animal placement or intake.
• Ability to initiate open-ended conversations to assess adopter suitability and promote responsible placements.
• Ability to work independently, follow standard procedures, and step into leadership roles in the absence of a supervisor.
• Ability to collaborate with shelter leadership to improve adoption programs and support innovation.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, volunteers, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to manage records, handle payments, calculate dates, and maintain confidentiality in all administrative tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. Subject to standing, walking and vision constantly; sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, hearing and talking frequently; crawling often.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involves exposure to aggressive animals, zoonotic diseases, loud noises, hazardous chemicals, odors, hot water, and extreme weather conditions. Protective Equipment: Gloves (latex, leather, or cloth), rubber boots, ear plugs or muffs, eye protection, animal handling equipment. Possible rabies exposure (may be required to obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccine at City's expense).

This position requires direct handling of animals daily for receiving and reclaim procedures, adoption interactions, collection of identification information, including aggressive animals; must have or be able to recognize and accommodate animals with various behaviors and temperament; to obtain photos, scan for microchips and identification and other tasks involved with daily procedures.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
• Choice Plus PPO Plan
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Wellness Initiatives
• Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
• Dental Plan
• Davis Vision Insurance
• Base Vision Plan
• Premium Vision Plan
• Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.