Cat Placement Specialist
APA, Austin, TX, United States
APA! BACKGROUND
Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is one of Austin’s most dynamic and beloved nonprofits. The organization leads the No Kill movement nationally and is considered a national thought leader in animal welfare. APA! locally rescues, treats, and adopts out 10,000 homeless dogs and cats each year, providing the safety net for Austin’s most at-risk shelter pets, which helps Austin to be a No Kill city, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals. The organization is distinguished by its large volunteer workforce and the scrappiness of its grassroots and its non‑traditional, community‑based animal rescue work.
The organization continues to innovate best practices to save lives and spreads its impact by offering resources and mentorship related to its renowned lifesaving model through American Pets Alive!, APA!’s national division. In 2020, American Pets Alive! began the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) – an innovative initiative aimed at rethinking the traditional model of animal sheltering. It focuses on supporting both people and pets in the community to reduce the number of animals entering shelters and improve outcomes for both. The project encourages collaboration between animal welfare organizations and community‑based services, with a goal of providing personalized, proactive support that positions animal welfare as a social service.
BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY/OVERVIEW As a Cat Placement Specialist, you play a pivotal role in matching clients with the perfect feline companion for their home. Beyond mere matchmaking, you serve as a dedicated advocate for shelter cats, particularly those often overlooked in the shelter environment. Leveraging your expertise in cat behavior, medical care, and rescue practices, you spearhead innovative initiatives to streamline the foster and adoption process and connect cats with the right people. Your primary objective is to reduce the length of stay for all cats, with a special focus on our lifesaving programs. In this dynamic role, you will continuously refine and develop methods and practices to achieve this goal. This full‑time, non‑exempt position reports directly to the Cat Placement Manager, offering an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of shelter cats and their future fosters and adopters.
The Cat Placement Specialist plays a key role in advancing the goals of APA!’s placement team. This position contributes directly to APA!’s mission to increase the live release rate across Texas by supporting a sustainable, inclusive, and high‑impact model for placement coordination.
The Cat Placement Specialist is responsible for managing their daily responsibilities, maintaining clear priorities, and delivering consistent, high‑quality work that aligns with APA!’s values and goals. This includes staying organized, using data or feedback to inform decisions, and following through on key tasks and responsibilities with minimal oversight. This is a hands‑on, mission‑driven role focused on results, reliability, and teamwork.
APA! is a volunteer‑powered organization, so every staff member is expected to work alongside and support volunteers. The Cat Placement Specialist collaborates closely with volunteers to complete day‑to‑day tasks, helps create a positive and inclusive environment, and actively contributes to a culture of shared effort and mutual respect.
This position may involve shift flexibility, weekend hours, and responsiveness during times of high need.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Actively contribute to a volunteer‑powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift and helping create an inclusive, welcoming environment
Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks, ensuring the work is shared and collaborative—not siloed
Support the recruitment and onboarding process by welcoming new volunteers and helping them get oriented to the program
Help retain volunteers by offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback during shared work
Contribute to a positive culture by recognizing volunteer contributions through appreciation, gratitude, and shoutouts
Help set volunteers up for success by clearly explaining tasks, providing hands‑on guidance, and offering in‑the‑moment support
Greet customers to ensure that every client has a welcoming and guided experience
Maintain active customer service throughout the entire shift both in person and via communications over text, email, and phone call
Stays current on cats both on site and in foster – update appropriate documents
Provide guidance to clients in selecting the right cat for their home
Stay up to date on relevant behavioral and health information of cats onsite and in foster
Be comfortable discussing complex medical needs with clients in a vernacular that can be easily understood
Ensure all required paperwork for adopters and fosters is completed accurately
Educate adopters and fosters to be as successful as possible bringing home their new cat; this could include slow and safe introductions and medical needs
Maintain an open mindset and continually think of how to remove barriers to cats leaving the shelter
Update internal notes for all cats when new information is available and ensure information is accurate on online profiles
Monitor physical conditions of animals and advise veterinarians or applicable staff as needed
Receive, medicate, handle and kennel cats and kittens, including those of unknown temperament, sick and injured animals, and those with zoonotic illness
Communicate within the Foster and Adoption Success department and with other departments to ensure efficiency in assisting clients
Respond to email inquiries from clients interested in onsite cats or Matchmaking services in a professional and timely manner
Ensure safe and productive interactions when introducing cats to clients
Willingness to learn, and adherence to, APA’s methods of cat handling, under the guidance and training of APA Cat Care Team members
Exhibit confidence and proficiency in discussing and demonstrating handling and medicating methods to clients, ensuring clarity and reassurance throughout the process
Develop, implement, and sustain placement initiatives aimed at boosting the adoption and fostering rates of specialty population cats, ensuring their successful transition into loving homes
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff and volunteers to increase retention on the team
Meet with advocates and Cat Program volunteers to discuss notes for marketing cats
Participate in proactive outreach to potential adopters and fosters
Assist with daily tracking of appointments and initiatives
Job duties may include some or all of the above, and other duties as assigned by manager
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Assist with basic care, feeding, medicating, and cleaning animal areas as needed, adhering to strict sanitation protocols
Attend and participate in essential trainings covering fundamental cat husbandry practices and techniques for administering medications
Able to demonstrate time management to complete job responsibilities
Must demonstrate dependability, accountability, time management, use of reasoning, and good judgment skills
Attend and participate in all required training sessions and meetings
Maintain open and consistent communication with Program Manager or designee, supervisor, and other colleagues
Partner with Volunteer Managers to learn about the volunteer programs and support volunteers interested in your department on an ongoing basis
Able to react to change productively and perform other related duties as assigned
Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Able to work in a high‑volume, fast‑paced, high‑stress environment
Comfortable working autonomously when given goals and deadlines
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPECTATIONS
Must be open and adaptable to new procedures and ways of working
Must have experience working with cats, and be able to handle cats safely
Customer service experience is required
Ability to recognize, understand, and address various animal behaviors and illnesses
Ability to handle cats safely and with kindness at all times, without exception
Must be proficient with email, word processing, and spreadsheets
Committed to embodying APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart
Commitment to APA!'s customer experience expectations
Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s mission
Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support; dedicated to working well with volunteers across all roles
Comfortable working cross‑functionally and serving as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members
Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials
Self‑starter with strong time management; able to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm and professional presence in all situations
Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality
Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed
Dedicated to delivering an exceptional and inclusive customer experience
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to be on your feet for long periods of time and work outdoors in all types of weather
Must be able to routinely lift 40–50 pounds
Must be able to focus in a loud and busy environment despite distractions
Must be able to walk around the shelter as needed – uneven ground, keeping a safe distance from dogs and handlers
Must be able to visually observe people and animals from up to 150 feet away
Ability to hear normal speech at close contact and shouting up to 150 feet away
If reasonable accommodations are requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship to the organization
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is normally performed onsite at APA!, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and near animals
Uses own transportation to travel and transport
Occasional after‑hours or weekend work may be required to support program needs
Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, disinfectants, and high levels of noise
When onsite, potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people
TIME COMMITMENT
This is a full‑time, nonexempt position with an average of 40 hours per week
Shift and schedule flexibility is required, as weekly schedule is subject to change
Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS This position reports directly to the Cat Placement Manager, or another individual designated by APA!
LOCATIONS
APA! Main – Town Lake Animal Center 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703
APA! Tarrytown Cat Adoption Center 3108 Windsor Road, Austin, TX 78703
May travel to offsite locations as needed
BENEFITS Austin Pets Alive! is proud to offer a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including subsidized employer‑sponsored medical coverage, subsidized and voluntary life insurance, voluntary dental, vision and short‑term disability options, all effective the first day of employment. We also offer voluntary wellness and emergency sick plans, up to 2% match on 401(k) retirement plan, supplemental benefits, flexible spending accounts and additional life coverage. Full‑time employees receive 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days paid time off during the first year of employment, with an additional 5 days of PTO accrual upon completion of 12 months of employment. Employees will also receive professional development opportunities through APA!’s ongoing mission to advance our animal welfare professionals in our life‑saving work.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT Austin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we engage on. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, women, transgender and gender non‑conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply.
Austin Pets Alive! does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Austin Pets Alive! is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, community focus, and innovation.
APA! is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact Talent Acquisition at job@austinpetsalive.org at least one week in advance of your interview.
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The organization continues to innovate best practices to save lives and spreads its impact by offering resources and mentorship related to its renowned lifesaving model through American Pets Alive!, APA!’s national division. In 2020, American Pets Alive! began the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) – an innovative initiative aimed at rethinking the traditional model of animal sheltering. It focuses on supporting both people and pets in the community to reduce the number of animals entering shelters and improve outcomes for both. The project encourages collaboration between animal welfare organizations and community‑based services, with a goal of providing personalized, proactive support that positions animal welfare as a social service.
BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY/OVERVIEW As a Cat Placement Specialist, you play a pivotal role in matching clients with the perfect feline companion for their home. Beyond mere matchmaking, you serve as a dedicated advocate for shelter cats, particularly those often overlooked in the shelter environment. Leveraging your expertise in cat behavior, medical care, and rescue practices, you spearhead innovative initiatives to streamline the foster and adoption process and connect cats with the right people. Your primary objective is to reduce the length of stay for all cats, with a special focus on our lifesaving programs. In this dynamic role, you will continuously refine and develop methods and practices to achieve this goal. This full‑time, non‑exempt position reports directly to the Cat Placement Manager, offering an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of shelter cats and their future fosters and adopters.
The Cat Placement Specialist plays a key role in advancing the goals of APA!’s placement team. This position contributes directly to APA!’s mission to increase the live release rate across Texas by supporting a sustainable, inclusive, and high‑impact model for placement coordination.
The Cat Placement Specialist is responsible for managing their daily responsibilities, maintaining clear priorities, and delivering consistent, high‑quality work that aligns with APA!’s values and goals. This includes staying organized, using data or feedback to inform decisions, and following through on key tasks and responsibilities with minimal oversight. This is a hands‑on, mission‑driven role focused on results, reliability, and teamwork.
APA! is a volunteer‑powered organization, so every staff member is expected to work alongside and support volunteers. The Cat Placement Specialist collaborates closely with volunteers to complete day‑to‑day tasks, helps create a positive and inclusive environment, and actively contributes to a culture of shared effort and mutual respect.
This position may involve shift flexibility, weekend hours, and responsiveness during times of high need.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Actively contribute to a volunteer‑powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift and helping create an inclusive, welcoming environment
Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks, ensuring the work is shared and collaborative—not siloed
Support the recruitment and onboarding process by welcoming new volunteers and helping them get oriented to the program
Help retain volunteers by offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback during shared work
Contribute to a positive culture by recognizing volunteer contributions through appreciation, gratitude, and shoutouts
Help set volunteers up for success by clearly explaining tasks, providing hands‑on guidance, and offering in‑the‑moment support
Greet customers to ensure that every client has a welcoming and guided experience
Maintain active customer service throughout the entire shift both in person and via communications over text, email, and phone call
Stays current on cats both on site and in foster – update appropriate documents
Provide guidance to clients in selecting the right cat for their home
Stay up to date on relevant behavioral and health information of cats onsite and in foster
Be comfortable discussing complex medical needs with clients in a vernacular that can be easily understood
Ensure all required paperwork for adopters and fosters is completed accurately
Educate adopters and fosters to be as successful as possible bringing home their new cat; this could include slow and safe introductions and medical needs
Maintain an open mindset and continually think of how to remove barriers to cats leaving the shelter
Update internal notes for all cats when new information is available and ensure information is accurate on online profiles
Monitor physical conditions of animals and advise veterinarians or applicable staff as needed
Receive, medicate, handle and kennel cats and kittens, including those of unknown temperament, sick and injured animals, and those with zoonotic illness
Communicate within the Foster and Adoption Success department and with other departments to ensure efficiency in assisting clients
Respond to email inquiries from clients interested in onsite cats or Matchmaking services in a professional and timely manner
Ensure safe and productive interactions when introducing cats to clients
Willingness to learn, and adherence to, APA’s methods of cat handling, under the guidance and training of APA Cat Care Team members
Exhibit confidence and proficiency in discussing and demonstrating handling and medicating methods to clients, ensuring clarity and reassurance throughout the process
Develop, implement, and sustain placement initiatives aimed at boosting the adoption and fostering rates of specialty population cats, ensuring their successful transition into loving homes
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff and volunteers to increase retention on the team
Meet with advocates and Cat Program volunteers to discuss notes for marketing cats
Participate in proactive outreach to potential adopters and fosters
Assist with daily tracking of appointments and initiatives
Job duties may include some or all of the above, and other duties as assigned by manager
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Assist with basic care, feeding, medicating, and cleaning animal areas as needed, adhering to strict sanitation protocols
Attend and participate in essential trainings covering fundamental cat husbandry practices and techniques for administering medications
Able to demonstrate time management to complete job responsibilities
Must demonstrate dependability, accountability, time management, use of reasoning, and good judgment skills
Attend and participate in all required training sessions and meetings
Maintain open and consistent communication with Program Manager or designee, supervisor, and other colleagues
Partner with Volunteer Managers to learn about the volunteer programs and support volunteers interested in your department on an ongoing basis
Able to react to change productively and perform other related duties as assigned
Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Able to work in a high‑volume, fast‑paced, high‑stress environment
Comfortable working autonomously when given goals and deadlines
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPECTATIONS
Must be open and adaptable to new procedures and ways of working
Must have experience working with cats, and be able to handle cats safely
Customer service experience is required
Ability to recognize, understand, and address various animal behaviors and illnesses
Ability to handle cats safely and with kindness at all times, without exception
Must be proficient with email, word processing, and spreadsheets
Committed to embodying APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart
Commitment to APA!'s customer experience expectations
Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s mission
Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support; dedicated to working well with volunteers across all roles
Comfortable working cross‑functionally and serving as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members
Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials
Self‑starter with strong time management; able to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm and professional presence in all situations
Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality
Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed
Dedicated to delivering an exceptional and inclusive customer experience
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to be on your feet for long periods of time and work outdoors in all types of weather
Must be able to routinely lift 40–50 pounds
Must be able to focus in a loud and busy environment despite distractions
Must be able to walk around the shelter as needed – uneven ground, keeping a safe distance from dogs and handlers
Must be able to visually observe people and animals from up to 150 feet away
Ability to hear normal speech at close contact and shouting up to 150 feet away
If reasonable accommodations are requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship to the organization
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is normally performed onsite at APA!, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and near animals
Uses own transportation to travel and transport
Occasional after‑hours or weekend work may be required to support program needs
Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, disinfectants, and high levels of noise
When onsite, potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people
TIME COMMITMENT
This is a full‑time, nonexempt position with an average of 40 hours per week
Shift and schedule flexibility is required, as weekly schedule is subject to change
Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS This position reports directly to the Cat Placement Manager, or another individual designated by APA!
LOCATIONS
APA! Main – Town Lake Animal Center 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703
APA! Tarrytown Cat Adoption Center 3108 Windsor Road, Austin, TX 78703
May travel to offsite locations as needed
BENEFITS Austin Pets Alive! is proud to offer a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including subsidized employer‑sponsored medical coverage, subsidized and voluntary life insurance, voluntary dental, vision and short‑term disability options, all effective the first day of employment. We also offer voluntary wellness and emergency sick plans, up to 2% match on 401(k) retirement plan, supplemental benefits, flexible spending accounts and additional life coverage. Full‑time employees receive 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days paid time off during the first year of employment, with an additional 5 days of PTO accrual upon completion of 12 months of employment. Employees will also receive professional development opportunities through APA!’s ongoing mission to advance our animal welfare professionals in our life‑saving work.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT Austin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we engage on. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, women, transgender and gender non‑conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply.
Austin Pets Alive! does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Austin Pets Alive! is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, community focus, and innovation.
APA! is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact Talent Acquisition at job@austinpetsalive.org at least one week in advance of your interview.
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