
About TMAS:
Metro Animal Shelter is a 501c3 non-profit organization that opened its doors in July, 1994. We are funded by the City of Tuscaloosa, City of Northport, and Tuscaloosa County Commission. Along with those funds, we receive donations which are tax-deductible, redemption and adoption fees. We receive animals from both animal control and citizens.
Our mission is to provide resources, programs, and information needed to build a more humane community that values animals and promotes compassion and kindness towards them, embraces responsible pet ownership, and promotes the animal/human bond.
Our vision is to inspire community involvement in animal welfare and motivate the public to embrace responsible lifelong pet ownership.
Walking Tour of Tuscaloosa Metro
Animal Shelter
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Tour Our Shelter!
Are you interested in learning about our life-saving work? Schedule a tour with a Q & A session to follow. This is great for classes, clubs, or organizations who wish to learn more about TMAS.

Employment
Want to work for an organization who is making an impact in our community?
Consider joining our team. We believe we must continually change and evolve to make such an impact. Believing in providing solutions to our community, we use innovative, progressive, effective strategies to make our community a leader in animal welfare services.
We respect and value diversity, equity, and inclusion. TMAS provides equal opportunity for employment in all its programs and departments. We provide an open and safe environment where employees feel valued and appreciated.
We are hiring a part-time (20-35) or full-time (40 hours) adoption counselor. Starting pay: $10-$13. Full-time includes insurance benefits (apply at the end of description).
JOB SUMMARY
Facilitates adoptions of TMAS by evaluating both the potential adopter as well as the animal to find the best possible match. Assists clients with donations, t-shirts, raffles, and/or anything else needed. Participates in off-site adoption events or other TMAS sponsored activities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Not limited to)
- Interface with clients in a diplomatic and tactful manner to assist with the adoption process.
- Must be able to remove personal opinions/views/judgements to make the appropriate animal/client match in a professional manner.
- Check our ShelterLuv software for adoption applications submitted online.
- Review and respond to emails regarding adoption.
- Review adoption profile uploads to Petfinder to ensure the database stays up to date.
- Reviews adopter and animal profile to determine suitability.
- Data entry of all items relating to the approval of animal adoptions.
- Identifies animal needs during the adoption process and makes the appropriate arrangements, if needed, prior to completing the adoption (ex. s/n surgery, testing, microchipping).
- Assists with other front desk duties as needed (ex. Hill's Science Diet adoption data).
- Ability to handle cleaning of adoption areas (ex: urine, fecal matter, bodily fluids, dirt and mud).
- Be able to handle and work with dogs and cats of all breeds, size, and temperament.
- Communicate professionally through a variety of avenues.
- Must attend adoption events as needed.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Must support the TMAS mission, policies, and practices.
- Must always be able to provide accurate information to the public.
- Must adhere to the company’s dress code.
- Must have the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
- Must have good oral and written skills.
- General knowledge of care, cleaning, and housing of domestic dogs and cats.
- Ability to multi-task, organize and perform detailed tasks efficiently and with accuracy.
- Ability to be diplomatic and informative.
- Maturity, good judgment, and a professional disposition.
- Ability to follow guidance of the behavior team relating to behavioral modification and training.
- Must be computer literate.
- Must have excellent phone etiquette.
- Must be available during office hours.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Retail sales and/or customer service experience a plus.
- Recognize the need for assistance and ask for help.
- Ability to work independently and work as a team.
- Must have high school diploma or GED.
- Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
POTENTIAL FOR PROLONGED EXPOSURE
- Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soaps, laundry detergents, bleach, etc.
- Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
- Prolonged exposure to various zoonotic diseases.
PREFERRED
Experience working in an animal shelter environment, veterinary clinic, or general office setting preferred (but not required). Candidate should be a highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a positive professional attitude.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The offices and operations of an animal shelter can be high stress and very busy at times. This position can have a changing schedule based upon need. The schedule may require over-time work if necessary. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice requests.
We are hiring a part-time (20-35) and full-time (40 hours) adoption counselor. Must be willing and able to work weekends and holidays if needed. Need motivated person who takes initiative and can contribute to teamwork. Requires good customer service and great attitude! Person who can lift at least 50 lbs.
This job is for 20-35 hours per week. Starting pay: $11-$13/hr.
JOB SUMMARY
The Intake/Health/Behavior Technician is responsible for providing high quality information regarding resources, intake services, and referrals to people coming into the intake lobby. Will be responsible for reducing shelter intake and length of stay in the shelter through the provision of helpful, supportive, non-judgmental, proactive services that reunite lost pets with owners, and give owners tools to be able to keep their pet. Responsible for processing animals into the shelter, performing evaluations on animals, and coordinating with animal control to get correct information regarding AC pickups.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (not limited to)
- Assist pet owners wishing to surrender their pet. Provide helpful information to them and encourage them to keep their pet by providing information about services. If they are intent on surrender, make appointment for that surrender.
- Answer phone calls pertaining to intake. Check voicemails of the intake department and return calls.
- Coordinates and communicates with animal control about all incoming animals, ensuring the proper information is collected and recorded.
- Thoroughly evaluates animals coming into the shelter (check weight, temperature, check for wounds, if the animal is spayed/neutered, determine if the animal(s) need to go to the vet).
- Provide vaccines, microchips, medications, or anything needed to animals in our care.
- Assist owners wishing to reclaim an animal. Walk people around the building and help them with the process of reclaiming.
- Enter all data related to the intake of an animal into the ShelterLuv system.
- Review and respond to intake emails.
- Review all lost/found social media pages to try to match up ones coming in with ones being lost.
- Provide medications to all animals on the task list.
- Take animals to vets as needed.
- Keeps intake lobby and evaluation room clean.
- Responsible for daily rounds and reviewing system notes to determine if animals residing in the shelter need to be added to the medical list.
- Work with Intake/Health/Behavior Manager to determine appropriate behavior plan for animals when needed.
- Work with behavior plans with animals noted in the system.
- Post daily lost/found animals on TMAS Facebook page.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Will be asked to communicate with the public daily in a professional manner.
- Must be non-judgmental, open to new ideas, endlessly optimistic, follow instructions, and comfortable with change.
- Must be able to learn basic veterinary concepts such as vaccine protocols, deworming protocols, and information about diseases prevalent in animals.
- Must be able to stand or sit for 8 or more hours.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
- Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures.
- Must be able to work under stressful situations and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
- Must be able to cope with varying degrees of injured animals and with euthanasia.
- Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm.
- Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.
- Ability to recognize the need for assistance and ask for help.
- Ability to work independently and work as a team.
- Demonstrate capability to conduct oneself in a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with the public and/or with difficult situations.
- Demonstrate capability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
- Ability to effectively manage a wide array of tasks, projects, and responsibilities.
- Ability to work productively with frequent interruptions.
- Proficient in basic computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and internet usage.
- Record keeping, organization, and planning skills.
POTENTIAL FOR PROLONGED EXPOSURE
- Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soaps, laundry detergents, bleach, etc.
- Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
- Prolonged exposure to various zoonotic diseases.
PREFERRED
- High school education completed.
- Have job-related experience.
- Candidate should be a highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a positive professional attitude.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The offices and operations of an animal shelter can be high stress and very busy at times. This position will typically have a set schedule with rotating weekends. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice requests.
Must be willing and able to work weekends and holidays if needed. This position requires a motivated individual who enjoys working with people and animals.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Conduct evaluations on all incoming animals, coordinate with animal control, assist people missing their animal, processing of all data associated with animal entry into our shelter management software, implement behavior plans, and cleaning of intake office area.
This job is for 20-35 hours per week. Starting pay: $10-$13
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for maintaining proper disease control protocols, including cleaning of kennels/facility, laundry, providing care to the animals, and general maintenance of the facility. Essential jobs functions include, but aren’t limited to the following:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Thorough cleaning of all areas including dog kennels, cat areas, dishes, laundry, floors, etc., each day (following all disease control and safety protocols). Spot cleaning of all areas will be required throughout the day.
- Monitor the health of the animals daily, report health problems or conditions.
- Restock supplies when needed.
- Walk dogs.
- Maintain cleanliness of overall organization (keep yard scooped, take out trash, and spot clean throughout the day).
- Animal feeding, bathing, general care.
- Engagement and assistance to the public.
- Transport animals to vet appointments, events, or help on rescue transports.
- Socialize animals and assess general temperament of animals as we engage playgroups.
- Other duties assigned.
- Will be cross trained to fill in in different areas as needed such as events, office areas, medical/behavior team, adoption office, etc.
- Treat all animals and people humanely and compassionately, regardless of the situation.
- Help ensure we always provide a safe environment for all the animals and members of the public.
- Vehicle maintenance and yard maintenance.
- Vet trips when assigned.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Will be asked to communicate with the public daily in a professional manner. Good, clear communication, and customer services through both verbal and non-verbal forms. Must have ability to read and write (communication via email).
- Must be able to learn basic veterinary concepts such as vaccine protocols, deworming protocols, and information about diseases prevalent in animals.
- Must be able to stand or sit for 8 or more hours.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day.
- Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
- Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures (we work inside and out).
- Must have good range of motion, have good vision, and possess good hand-eye coordination.
- Must be able to work under stressful situations and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
- Must be able to cope with varying degrees of injured animals and with euthanasia.
- Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm.
- There can be frequent interruptions and changing priorities based on incoming animals and general need.
- Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.
- Ability to recognize the need for assistance and ask for help.
- Ability to work independently and work as a team.
- Affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare, be comfortable working with animals of unknown disposition (health or behavior). Treat people with dignity and respect, contribute to effective teamwork.
- Ability to work with limited supervision, take initiative.
- Foster public relations beneficial to the shelter and its programs.
- Must have a valid Alabama Driver's License and must be able to be insured by our insurance carrier.
Animals need daily care, so applicant is required to work weekends and holidays (If needed). Do not apply if this is a problem. Can give up to 30 hours per week. Must be able to consistently arrive on time and work slated hours. Availability must be flexible.
POTENTIAL FOR PROLONGED EXPOSURE
- Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soaps, laundry detergents, bleach, etc.
- Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
- Prolonged exposure to various zoonotic diseases.
PREFERRED
Experience working in an animal shelter environment or veterinary clinic preferred. Customer service experience a plus. Candidate should be a highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a positive professional attitude.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The offices and operations of an animal shelter can be high stress and very busy at times. This position can have a changing schedule based upon need. The schedule may require evening, weekend, holiday, and over-time work if necessary. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice requests. Animals need daily care, so applicant is required to work weekends and holidays (If needed). Do not apply if this is a problem. Must be able to consistently arrive on time and work slated hours. Availability must be flexible.
Receptionist (Full-time)
May 1, 2022
We are hiring a full-time position (40 hours per week). Must be able and willing to work weekends and holidays when needed (the shelter is open on Saturday). Requires good customer service and an enthusiastic personality.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Greet and direct the public to the appropriate area of the shelter for assistance, answer phone lines, assist with social media, and provide friendly and knowledgeable service to the public.
Manager (Full-time)
May 1, 2022
We are hiring a full-time position (minimum of 40 hours per week). Must be able and willing to work weekends and holidays when needed (the shelter is open on Saturday). Requires good customer service and an enthusiastic personality. Requires some over-time work.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of the day-to-day operations of designated area. Scheduling. Provide oversight, supervision of staff. Monitor and enforce safety protocols, uphold customer service standards and employee policies and procedures. Deescalate and resolve conflict. Perform operational tasks to ensure all animals are processed as quickly as possible for adoption, contribute creatively/provide input, train employees. Help with the upkeep/maintenance of the facility.
Staff
(Photos courtesy of Wags to Riches Photography)
Management



Front Office






Intake Office



Animal Care

Valerie Scott
Animal Care Assistant

Ashleigh Greene
Animal Care Assistant

Jacob Allred
Animal Care Assistant

Landen Dickey
Animal Care Assistant

Artemise Smith
Animal Care Assistant

Jaci Vines
Animal Care Assistant

Hayleigh Green
Animal Care Assistant

Ella Wiley
Animal Care Assistant

Jeanie Spidel
Animal Care Assistant

Peyton Earp
Animal Care Assistant

Matthew Driggers
Animal Care Assistant

Jala Poke
Animal Care Assistant

Madison Feltman
Animal Care Assistant

Ryan Cass
Animal Care Assistant
