Canine Foster Coordinator

Work hours

Work hours: Part-time, various shifts depending on shelter needs;
Approximately 24 – 30 hours per week. Must be willing to work an occasional Saturday.

Position Summary: The Canine Foster Coordinator is responsible for managing and expanding the dog foster program. This role ensures that dogs in foster care receive timely and appropriate placement, support, and monitoring with the goal of adoption. The Foster Coordinator will serve as the main point of contact for foster families, providing guidance, resources, and communication that promotes positive foster experiences while advancing the mission of HSDC.

• Recruit, screen, and onboard new foster families. Serve as the primary contact for foster families, offering timely ongoing support, training, and problem-solving assistance.
• Match dogs with appropriate foster homes based on temperament, medical, and behavioral needs. Provide fosters with supplies, medical appointments, and behavioral resources. Work closely with the HSDC staff to implement training or behavior modification on plans in foster homes.
• Communicate timely and regularly with fosters about each dog’s progress, medical needs, and adoption readiness. Collaborate with the adoption team to promote foster dogs for adoption. Ensure staff and supervisor are timely informed of activities and concerns regarding individual animals, needs, and foster interactions.
• Maintain accurate and timely foster program records in the shelter’s database. Collect foster feedback and updates for adoption on profiles, social media, and promotional materials.
• Coordinate intake and return of foster animals. Schedule and track veterinary appointments. Monitor health and well-being of foster animals, escalating issues as needed.
• Reinforce and follow all HSDC established policies and procedures. Develop resources such as training manuals, FAQs, and workshops for fosters.
• Assist with meet-and-greets and introductions between fosters, adopters, and staff.

• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor both within the HSDC and the general public.
• Strong communication and customer service skills. Ability to proactively approach HSDC staff, volunteers and the general public to openly discuss the shelter, its mission, and the animals in a compassionate, friendly, honest, and professional manner.
• Must be reliable and dependable. The shelter animal’s health and welfare depend on your attendance. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in databases, email, and Microsoft Office.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Electronic deposit (ACH) of paycheck is requested.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and handle dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and handling animals. May be required to work long or unusual hours during peak operational needs.
• Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field – a positive attitude and sense of humor are essential.
• Work is performed in an animal shelter. There is a potential for exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, hazardous chemicals or chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets, anesthetics, sharp objects, and potential hostile persons and/or dangerous and fractious animals.
• Ability to multitask in a constantly changing environment. All work is performed on-site s position is not eligible for remote work experience. Must be able to work assigned shifts, including weekends, holidays or during emergencies.

This position has a 90 day probationary period. This is an at-will position.