Pet Admissions and Retention Specialist

Pet Admissions and Retention Specialist

Job Description

Class: Full Time, Non-Exempt                                                                                                                                                                September 2026

Location: Merriam

Reports to: Admissions and Pet Retention Manager

Salary: $18 - $23 hourly

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically? 
• Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
• Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.? 
• Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

Position Summary: The Pet Admissions and Retention Specialist is responsible for managing the pet intake process in a safe, efficient, and humane manner. This position requires attention to detail, emotional resilience, and the ability to compassionately work with diverse groups of people and animals.

 Key Responsibilities

• Schedule appointments for returned and surrendered animals
• Process incoming animals by weighing, aging and vaccinating them. Communicate all abnormal behavior or medical concerns to VP of Operations, Behavior Department and Shelter Medicine
• Process and enter animals into the shelter management system accurately.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures including city ordinances, state laws, and Great Plains SPCA requirements.
• In partnership with the Admissions Manager, work with other animal shelters and rescues to coordinate transfers of animals
• Provide excellent customer service for pet owners, Animal Control Officers, community outreach workers, shelter, rescue and transport partners and all other guests. 
• Maintain a clean and tidy Admissions Lobby and exam room. Ensure supplies are stocked.
• Coordinate with other departments (adoptions, behavior, animal care, shelter medicine team) about animal movement and incoming and outcoming animals
• Handle lost animal inquiries and maintain the lost animal database, including posting animals on appropriate websites and reviewing listings to identify animals that may be in the shelter.
• Fully supports through action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and culture of GPSPCA 
• May be required to perform other related duties as directed to meet ongoing needs of the organization
• Crosstrain in adoptions department and provide support with adoptions duties as needed.
• Other duties as needed

Key Capabilities 

• Key Competencies: Drive for Results, Resilience, Integrity, Problem Solving, and Customer Focus
• Excellent people skills; must be able to deal exceptionally well with diverse types of people with an empathetic, non-judgmental approach
• High level of emotional resilience and tolerance for seeing animals in difficult situations
• High value for quality, compassion, teamwork, collaboration and fun
• Able to work well under pressure within an ever-changing, fast paced environment
• Displays maturity, good judgment, professionalism

Experience Requirements 

• Strong Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with animal shelter software a plus
• Animal handling experience
• Experience in an animal shelter and/or nonprofit organization a plus
• High school diploma or GED 

Additional Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish)

Work Conditions

• Handle, walk and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working around all types of pets including dogs, cats and other animals
• Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
• Work schedule and hours may vary; weekend hours are required
• Displays maturity, good judgment, professionalism, and problem-solving skills
• Lift up to 50 lbs. to waist height

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause

. 

Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications. 

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
• 100% employer‑covered mental health support
• Disability and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets