Foster Coordinator

About the role

The Foster Coordinator manages the shelter's foster care program, ensuring animals are placed in safe, supportive foster homes and that foster caregivers receive the training, resources, and guidance they need. This role requires strong communication, excellent organization, and the ability to support a high volume, fast-moving program in a large shelter environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to attract new foster caregivers through outreach, events, social media, and community partnerships.
• Match animals to appropriate foster homes based on behavior, medical needs, and caregiver experience.
• Provide orientations, training materials, and ongoing support to foster families, including guidance on animal care, behavior, and medical protocols.
• Maintain consistent communication with foster caregivers, ensuring they feel supported and informed.
• Care for and maintain accurate records of foster animals, caregiver information, medical updates, and program metrics.
• Coordinate veterinary appointments, medication pickups, and behavior consultations for foster animals.
• Work closely with intake, medical, behavior, and adoption teams to ensure smooth transitions for animals entering and exiting foster care.
• Aid in event and program development.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with three (3) years of relevant work experience in an animal or customer service-related field.
• Ability to clearly explain care instructions, policies, and expectations to foster caregivers.
• Calm, resourceful approach to unexpected medical or behavioral issues.
• Understanding of safe handling, behavior cues, and basic medical needs (training provided if needed).
• Comfortable using shelter software, scheduling tools, and communication platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in animal welfare, veterinary care, or foster program management.
• Familiarity with common behavioral challenges in shelter animals.
• Experience explaining basic medical care and following veterinary instructions.
• Experience organizing community events or volunteer activities.

Skills

• Ability to clearly explain care instructions, policies, and expectations to foster caregivers.
• Calm, resourceful approach to unexpected medical or behavioral issues.
• Understanding of safe handling, behavior cues, and basic medical needs (training provided if needed).
• Comfortable using shelter software, scheduling tools, and communication platforms.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.