Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking to make a hands-on impact in your community?
HSSC is seeking an Intake & Foster Assistant to join our lifesaving team!
Hourly Rate: Starting at $19.00+ based on experience | Excellent Benefits
The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Intake & Foster Assistant to join our dedicated Intake & Foster Services team. This role is essential in supporting the journey of shelter animals—from admission through foster care and transfer—ensuring every pet receives timely, loving, and professional care.
Why HSSC?
The Humane Society of Sarasota (HSSC) operates a no-kill animal shelter located in Sarasota, FL. We provide compassionate care for 3,000 cats and dogs annually, of which hundreds rely on our network of foster families. Our growing foster program needs an experienced foster coordinator to ensure the most vulnerable animals in our shelter receive the expert care they need. The Foster Coordinator should have experience coordinating a large group of foster homes and be adept at neonatal care. We are a growing organization committed to expanding lifesaving programs, fostering collaboration, and educating communities to build a No-Kill Florida. The Lifesaving Services department drives lifesaving strategies to create a more ethical future for companion animals across Florida. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming, we give dogs and cats a second chance, while empowering communities to join the no-kill mission.
At HSSC, we're more than just a shelter—we're a community dedicated to compassion, innovation, and high-quality care.
Benefits That Matter:
- Medical Insurance: 4 plan options, with 100% coverage of employee premium for the base plan
- Dental & Vision Insurance
- Life & AD&D Insurance fully covered
- Disability Insurance
- 401(k) with up to 3% employer match
- 3+ Weeks of PTO from day one
- FSA and Supplemental Insurance for added peace of mind
- Employee Discounts on retail and at-cost medical care for your own pets
- And much more!
Be Part of a Mission That Matters
Working at HSSC means joining a team that saves lives every day. You'll be surrounded by passionate professionals who believe in kindness, excellence, and teamwork. We value your growth and will support your path to becoming an even stronger veterinary professional.
About the Role
As an Intake & Foster Assistant, you’ll play a vital behind-the-scenes role in daily operations that support the well-being of animals and the humans who care for them. You’ll assist in medical intakes, facilitate foster placements, prepare animals for transport, and maintain accurate records—all while working side-by-side with experienced shelter staff and volunteers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love working with both animals and people, this job is for you.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with animal intake exams and administer routine vaccinations and basic diagnostic tests.
- Support foster caregivers by preparing foster kits, coordinating appointments, and communicating updates.
- Prepare animals and documentation for rescue transfers; help clean and maintain transport vehicles.
- Manage inventory of foster/intake supplies and assist with department administrative tasks.
- Provide backup support across foster, admissions, and transfer operations.
What We’re Looking For
- At least 3 years of experience in an animal shelter, clinic, or related field preferred.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Comfortable handling dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments.
- Willingness to learn and support procedures including vaccines, microchipping, and diagnostics.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ShelterLuv experience is a plus.
- Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- A team player who can maintain emotional resilience in a dynamic environment.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and crouch throughout the day
- Lift and carry animals and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
- Perform repetitive tasks, such as cleaning kennels and feeding animals
- Work in varying temperatures, including outdoor conditions in all seasons
- React quickly and calmly in stressful or emergency situations
- Safely handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments
Ready to Help Pets Find Their Way Home?
Apply today and be a part of the meaningful work we do every day at HSSC!
