Adoption Counselor

About Cambridge and District Humane Society

Our Mission

The Cambridge and District Humane Society promotes and ensures the health, safety and humane treatment of animals through public education and the provision of care and shelter for those animals in need within our community.

We Believe

Animals are a natural part of our environment. No animal should suffer.

All animals deserve our respect and compassion. All animals should have appropriate shelter/protection. Animal ownership is a privilege.

Adoption/Animal Care Position: Maternity Leave Replacement (12 months only)

Hours/Shift:

· Shift Rotation Monday-Friday one week and Tues-Sat the next week

· Weekend flexibility for adopt-a-thon events at satellite Adoption Centres

· Full time (37.5 hours per week)

· Hours subject to change based on needs of the Shelter

· Schedules are typically distributed 1 month in advance.

· Split Reporting: Adoption role reports to the Executive Director and Animal Care duties, reports to the Animal Care Supervisor.

Education/Experience Required:

· Post-Secondary Education; preferably in animal care, animal behaviour, canine training, or previous experience working in an animal adoption role.

· Animal Care: working in a veterinary clinic, boarding kennel or previous Shelter experience preferred.

Key Traits you will bring to this position:

· Excellent time management skills; highly organized, resourceful, proactive and the ability to prioritize responsibilities

· Excellent decision-making skills

· Confident

· Able to make difficult decisions

· Rabies Vaccinated (will be a requirement of the job)

· Trained in First Aid & CPR (preferred)

· Honesty & Integrity

· Comfortable handling all types of animals

· Willingness for professional development in the areas of animal behaviour, knowledge of breeds and enrichment programs

· Physically demanding job at times: ability to lift (up to 50 lbs): feed, animals

· Compassionate and dedicated to animal welfare

· Excellent communication skills working in a team environment and also with the public, community partners.

· Ability to work independently as required as well as cooperatively in a team based environment

· Reliable, punctual

· Excellent Driver’s Abstract

· Negative Police Record Search

· High level of computer skills and the ability to learn new software

· Social media savvy

· Excellent writing skills (animal profiles & assisting with the Newsletter as required)

Kennel Responsibilities

· Feeding, bathing and care of all animals within the Shelter

· Administration of medication and vaccinations

· General cleaning and disinfecting of premises and equipment (cages/kennels) as well as common areas kitchen/bathrooms

· Compliance with PPE, disinfection protocols and Occupational Health & Safety

· Laundry, dishes, scrubbing floors, etc.

· Handling and restraint of animals (wild and domestic)

· Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

· Transport of animals to and from Vet Clinic appointments

Adoption Responsibilities

· Review adoption applications and inquiries within 48 hours.

· Minimize length of stay for Shelter animals by efficiently facilitating one on one interviews with potential adopters.

· Perform periodic check-ins with Adopters and resolve potential issues to avoid returns.

· Process adoption paperwork and maintain records in Petpoint.

· Ensure adoption animals have engaging profiles to maximize adoptability

· Transport animals to and from Satellite Adoption locations

· Maintain and update Policies and Procedures for satellite locations

· Ensure daily communication with satellite Adoption Partners

· Ability to handle large/strong dogs with temperament issues

· Ability to lift up to 50lbs

Other duties may be required depending on the needs of the organization.

Hourly rate will be discussed in an interview and will be based on candidate’s experience.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-05-06