Adoption Advisor

Position Summary:
The Adoption Advisor I is responsible for matching Seattle Humane pets with families by facilitating all aspects of 
our adoption process including meet and greets and dog introductions. The Adoption Advisor I provides a friendly, 
welcoming, and judgment-free experience for all visitors to the Adoption Lobby and efficiently handles incoming 
inquiries to the department. Advisors utilize a conversation-based approach to understand client needs and 
shares medical and behavior history for each pet in order to aid in matchmaking. The Adoption Advisor I supports 
the mission, goals, and philosophy of Seattle Humane and adheres to the Team Charter.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Promotes a friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental atmosphere for all guests entering our Adoption 
Lobby

Helps visitors get oriented with our adoption process and animal viewing spaces

Guides clients through the adoption advising process by utilizing a conversation-based approach to help 
match their family with a pet

Provides all relevant behavior and medical history during each advisin

Facilitates meets between pets and potential adopters

Provides relevant resources and advice to assist with questions and concerns

Refers for 2nd advising or other internal support as directed and/or needed

Assists with dog-to-dog introductions as outlined in Seattle Humane guidelines

Performs adoption outcome processes accurately and efficiently

Ensures all contracts and waivers are reviewed and signed

Collects and processes payment and donation information

Provides all relevant animal history and adoption support documentation at time of adoption

Ensures that owner has secure method for transporting pet home

Answers incoming inquiries into the department with high standards of customer service and returns 
voicemails messages and emails promptly and professionally

Proactively supports retail sales goals by encouraging purchases at time of adoption and accurately 
entering receipt line items

Actively solicits donations to support agency and department fundraising goals

Works closely with volunteers working in the department and related programs; builds rapport, actively 
engages with, and provides support, training, and guidance as needed

Performs shelter cleaning procedures in department workspaces and perimeter areas to keep public and 
staff areas clean and orderly

Restocks food, cleaning, and office supplies for the department and informs supervisor when supplies are 
low

Completes and files all paperwork and other records accurately, while adhering to the files and records 
retention policy and procedures

Monitors supply and demand of department’s retail needs

Engages regularly with cross-functional teams, helping foster an environment of respect and partnership across 
departments

Secondary Functions:

Adheres to Seattle Humane Standard Operating Procedures

Promotes a positive, supportive, cooperative work environment based on mutual respect and open 
communication

Reports any health, behavior, safety or security concerns to a supervisor in a timely manner

Attends department and full staff meetings as requested and participates with ideas and suggestions 
designed to improve shelter services, programs, and working conditions

Provides assistance, support, and coverage (including, cleaning, care, and movement) to other 
departments as requested by supervisor

Ensures the available animal population moves through the adoption process quickly and efficiently

Performs opening and closing procedures for department

Demonstrates ability to be on time and fulfill obligations of a schedule

Completes other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 
Provides training support to volunteers and staff as directed by leadership

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

Daily communication with staff and volunteers in person and through email, written procedures, 
monitoring sheets, company database(s)

Regular contact with clients in person, over the telephone, through email or direct mail

Regular contact with other animal welfare agencies and veterinary clinics

Regular contact with administrative staff 

COMPLEXITY: 
A high degree of independent judgment is required. Duties vary on a daily basis, and flexibility throughout the shift 
is required. Formal policies and procedures are followed or developed as needed. Needs high level of attention to detail and must be able to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from the public, volunteers 
and other staff. Must be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent 
interruptions. Must be able to work well without direct supervision. Must be able to communicate effectively and 
display cultural competency with many people with varying backgrounds. Requires excellent customer service 
skills. Must work well within a team setting.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

Animal handling experience preferred

Animal behavior/health/training background helpful

Customer service experience required

Experience working compassionately with people in high-stress situations preferred

Must have excellent oral communication skills

Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively

Regular and reliable attendance required

Basic knowledge of computers is required

Bilingual abilities are a plus

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

High school graduate or GED preferred

Capable of being certified in CPR and human first aid

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Requires the ability to safely handle cats and dogs regularly

Requires the ability to solve problems and make clear decisions quickly

Must have good attention to detail

Must be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions

Must possess the ability to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures

Must be able to offer excellent customer service (internal and external)

Must be able to have difficult conversations with customers in a sensitive manner

Must exhibit initiative and motivation in performing all duties

Must have good dexterity and reflexes, especially when restraining or moving an animal

Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds with or without accommodation; crouch and bend at the 
waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 200 pounds when on a leash

WORKING CONDITIONS: 
General office and animal shelter environment. When handling animals, there is a potential for animal bites, 
exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise. Potential for working with angry or irate 
customers. Involves entering and leaving work areas alone and at night.

Equipment Use: Desktop computer and printer, general office supplies, multi-lined telephone, copier, 
calculator, credit card machine, microchip scanner, nail trimmers, safety boots, hearing protection, eye 
protection, respirators, gloves, animal leashes/collars, animal carriers, clothes washer and dryer, broom, 
mop, vacuum, hoses and nozzles, sprayers, scrapers, squeegees. Occasional use of syringes, animal 
restraint equipment, muzzles, dog fight equipment.

Chemical Interaction: A wide variety of cleaners, disinfectants, detergents and medical products are used on 
a daily basis. Each position at Seattle Humane will likely encounter these chemicals during the routine 
performance of their duties. Specific instructions will be provided by a staff member for the safe and proper 
use of these chemicals. If there are any questions regarding this information, copies of our chemical MSDS 
sheets are available for review. If asked to use a product that is unfamiliar, contact your supervisor for proper 
instructions.

Work Hours: full-time hours, including both weekend days and evenings. Schedule may vary depending on 
coverage needs due to staff PTO, holidays, or emergencies.

LOCATION:
The position works in an onsite capacity, located in the Bellevue, WA office. 

SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES:

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane’s Core Values:

Compassion
Accessibility
Innovation
Responsibility
Teamwork

Who we are:

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter, we are a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services, so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy, and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

 
The Benefits:

At Seattle Humane, we believe in investing in our people, you'll receive competitive benefits and perks, including full health & wellness coverage, generous paid time off starting at three weeks, 10 paid holidays, an employer matching retirement plan, personal pet allowance, employee sabbaticals, discounts, and you get to work around cute animals!

Check out our LIST of benefits and perks HERE

Sound like something you want to be a part of? Then apply today!