Adoption Counseling
Adoption Counselors play a key role in helping animals find loving homes by welcoming potential adopters, guiding them through our sign-in and waitlist process, and providing accurate, thoughtful information about each animal’s personality, behavior, and needs. These volunteers also support guests by answering questions about our adoption procedures and other services we provide, all while fostering positive relationships with visitors, staff, and fellow volunteers. While most adoption processes happen here at the shelter, the ARL does partake in offsite mobile adoption events and are always looking for more volunteers to help support these outreach events. So if you’re a compassionate, people-focused individual who is comfortable working with animals and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, consider volunteering to be an ARL adoption counselor!
Essential Functions:
- Assist with potential adopted signing in and joining our waitlist
- Providing potential adopters with accurate information regarding an animal’s temperament, behavior, age, breed, and sex
- Answer questions about ARL processes including adoption, relinquishment, medical/behavioral examinations, and end of life services
- Promote positive relationships with the general public, volunteers, and staff while promoting the ARL’s programs, policies, and philosophies
Requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Possess good customer relation skills
- Good clerical skills, which may include computer literacy
- Comfortable working with animals of various sizes
- Sign ARL privacy contract for computer and password access
Training & Support:
- Complete Volunteer Orientation
- Shadow with an ARL Staff member and/or qualified volunteer
- Adoption counseling training will first focus on cats and smallies before moving on to dogs
