About this role
Job title: Adoption Counselor
About the Role The Adoption Counselor at Salem Animal Rescue League helps families find the right match for a shelter pet by reviewing applications and coordinating in-person appointments. The role centers on thoughtful, non-predetermined placement to ensure the best fit for both the family and the animal.
What You'll Do
- Review online adoption applications and identify good fits for available pets
- Set up and conduct adoption appointments and meet-and-greets with prospective adopters
- Explain the adoption process, policies, and what the fees cover to applicants
- Uphold SARL policies (e.g., not placing a pet on a pure first-come basis when multiple good fits exist) and help applicants navigate the process
- Collect and verify required documentation: valid license or picture ID, proof of home ownership or a lease with pet permission, and your landlord’s contact information
- Ensure the entire family meets the animal prior to finalizing adoption; confirm at least one family member is 21 or older; coordinate introductions with current pets as needed
- If you have a current dog, arrange a meet with the prospective new family member; verify that existing pets are up-to-date on vaccines and spayed/neutered (adoption counselor may contact the veterinarian)
- Explain adoption fees and what’s included (spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, micro-chip)
- Ensure cats leaving the shelter have an approved carrier; provide one at a nominal cost if needed
- Note: SARL does not ship animals
What We're Looking For
- Interest in animal welfare and helping families find the right match
- Ability to communicate policies clearly and compassionately
- Comfort guiding applicants through required documentation and vetting processes
- Willingness to explain fees and shelter policies and to coordinate meet-and-greets
- Patience and attention to detail in coordinating appointments and follow-ups