Foster Coordinator

SPCA of Texas

Job Description

The Foster Coordinator is responsible for the placement, support, and medical oversight of animals in foster homes. This role ensures continuity of care from shelter to foster and supports foster parents with scheduling, communication, supplies, and medical treatment coordination. The coordinator works cross-functionally with the medical, behavior, adoption, marcom, and intake teams, providing excellent internal and external customer service and ensuring that all animals placed in foster homes receive necessary medical care, behavioral support, and path to placement.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS:

Foster Placement & Coordination

• Facilitate placement and scheduling of animals in need of foster care, including medical and behavior cases.

• Maintain the foster email inbox and phone line; respond to inquiries promptly and professionally.

• Coordinate pick-up, drop-off, and veterinary appointments with foster volunteers and shelter staff.

• Assist in preparing and sending foster plea emails and online posts.

• Schedule and confirm appointments for vet exams, technician-only visits, and follow-ups for all foster animals.

• Liaise with animal care, behavior, medical, volunteer, adoptions, and marcom to ensure an exceptional experience for foster volunteers while maximizing lifesaving.

• Provide or coordinate transport for foster animals as needed.

Medical Oversight & Animal Care

• Administer vaccines, dewormers, microchips, and other preventatives for animals prior to foster placement.

• Fill and explain prescription medications and dosage instructions to foster parents.

• Provide in-home medical support (e.g., delivery of medications, minor treatments) as approved by a shelter veterinarian.

• Educate fosters on medication administration, bottle/syringe feeding, and other care protocols.

• Track and follow up on animals’ medical progress and ensure timely administration of preventatives.

• Provide in-home behavior support as needed, such as relaying training plans, assisting with management of under socialized animals, and reinforcing shelter behavior protocols.

• Relay timely and accurate behavioral observations between foster homes and the shelter behavior team to ensure continuity of care and appropriate support.

• Track behavioral progress of animals in foster care through regular check-ins, foster feedback, and documentation in the shelter database.

Program Support & Administration

• Keep accurate and up-to-date animal records in the shelter database and internal documents.

• Maintain inventory of foster supplies and communicate restocking needs.

• Participate in foster population management processes to ensure all animals and foster volunteers are supported.

• Maintain and promote accuracy of Foster Program web content and marketing materials.

Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Engage with foster families and volunteers through email, phone, in-person visits, and the Foster Hero Facebook group.

• Actively recruit, onboard, and engage new foster volunteers.

• Support foster volunteers attending offsite adoption events and assist with logistics.

• Represent the SPCA of Texas at community events to promote fostering and recruit volunteers.

• Coordinate and lead trainings on topics related to animal care and fostering.

Summary of Expectations:

• Provide excellent customer service as a representative of the SPCA of Texas.

• Must be committed to providing exceptional care and a loving home for every animal.

• Safeguard the confidentiality of customer and donor information.

• Actively support and engage volunteers to strengthen the volunteer program and staff collaboration.

• Serve as an SPCA of Texas ambassador by promoting our mission and understanding ways to support our work.

• Proactively address concerns that could compromise internal and external customer service or animal care and safety.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Effective team player in diverse environments.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, plan and organize effectively.

• Customer service focused with experience resolving constituent issues.

• Able to adapt to changing priorities, address challenges proactively, and mitigate risks.

• Valid Texas driver’s license required; must pass SPCA of Texas DMV background check.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; strong communication skills required; bilingual preferred.

• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, and time management.

• Animal rescue or shelter experience preferred but not required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• May work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week in a fast-paced, demanding environment; shifts may vary and include weekends.

• Exposure to animals, including those that are fearful or fractious, is expected.

• Regularly uses hands, talks, hears; frequently stands, walks, sits, reaches, stoops, kneels, or crouches; must lift/move up to 40 lbs.

• Requires close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to focus.

• May be exposed to animal odors, airborne particles, and moderate noise levels during job performance.

• Must meet physical requirements necessary to perform job duties, with reasonable accommodations available.

Normally scheduled 5 days per week, 8 hours per day between the hours of 7am and 7pm.