Join Our Team

ABOUT US

Wags & Walks is a 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue located in Nashville and Los Angeles— we share nonprofit identification, but we operate separately with different staff, processes, budgets, and dogs. As a whole, we are a community of dog lovers working to promote shelter dogs as the best dogs in the world through advocacy of our unique family-friendly foster and adoption programs.

We’re currently accepting applications for the following roles. Please read through the job description you’re interested in before applying.

+ Wags PupUp Brand Ambassador Internship

SUMMARY

Hamptons | June – Labor Day (Summer 2026)

Stipend Available | College Credit Eligible

Wags & Walks is seeking motivated, passionate, and community-oriented students to join our Wags PupUp Brand Ambassador Internship for Summer 2026. This role supports our seasonal Hamptons PupUp, a high-impact summer initiative focused on dog rescue, adoption, and community engagement throughout the Hamptons. This internship is ideal for high school students (17+) or college students who love animals, enjoy connecting with people, and want hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing, events, and brand activations.

Internship Overview

  • Brand Ambassadors will play a key role in helping us bring Wags & Walks’ mission to life across the Hamptons through local events, outreach, and on-the-ground support. Interns will assist with promoting summer events, supporting adoption activations, and helping spread awareness about rescue dogs in need of homes.

  • This is a partially in-person role and applicants must be local to the Hamptons for the summer (or have summer housing in the area). This is not a fully remote opportunity.

Time Commitment

  • Duration: June through Labor Day
  • Schedule: Flexible, with availability required for: Local events and activations (weekends and occasional weekdays)
  • Some remote support (admin, coordination, outreach)
  • Exact hours will vary week to week based on event schedule

Responsibilities

  • Represent Wags & Walks as a Brand Ambassador at local events, puppy parties, adoption events, and community activations
  • Assist with flyering, outreach, and grassroots promotion throughout the Hamptons
  • Support on-site logistics at events (setup, breakdown, guest engagement, adoption support)
  • Help spread awareness of Wags PupUp initiatives through word-of-mouth and community engagement
  • Provide occasional remote support, including:
  • Event coordination assistance
  • Admin support
  • Tracking outreach efforts
  • Act as a positive, professional, and enthusiastic representative of the Wags & Walks brand
  • Opportunity to grow into Adoptions and Foster support roles

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for students and young adults who are:

  • Extremely self-motivated and reliable
  • Passionate about animal welfare, rescue, and community impact
  • Comfortable talking to new people and engaging with the public
  • Organized, responsible, and eager to learn
  • Able to attend in-person events across the Hamptons
  • Local to the Hamptons for the summer (or have summer lodging in the area)

Eligibility

  • High school students 17+ or current college students
  • Must be available June through Labor Day
  • Must be able to commute locally within the Hamptons
  • Having consistent access to a vehicle is a big plus
  • Must be comfortable working in active, public-facing environments

Compensation & Benefits

  • Summer stipend provided
  • Eligible for college credit (school approval required)
  • Hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing, events, and community outreach
  • Meaningful involvement in a mission-driven organization saving dogs’ lives
  • Networking opportunities within the Hamptons community and nonprofit space

Important Notes

  • Wags & Walks does not provide summer housing
  • This role is not fully remote and requires in-person participation

+ Event Coordinator

Summary

The Event Coordinator is responsible for supporting all efforts around the outreach, coordination, logistics, and execution of all event and fundraising efforts throughout the year. Events range from Puppy Parties and corporate volunteer days to a Galentine’s Social, or Benefit Concert. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dog loving, super organized, people-person with a proven track record of executing in situations with lots of moving parts. This multifaceted role must be well organized, motivated, possess a strong work ethic and have the ability to positively interact with donors, partners, volunteers, and staff, and dogs, in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, while remaining calm, focused, consistent, resourceful and efficient.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Helps plan, coordinate and execute day of logistics for 3rd party events and other fundraisers such as: puppy parties, offsite adoption events, & volunteer days.
  • Support event logistics: This includes creating tickets, event pages, sending confirmation emails, and follow up correspondence with attendees and volunteers.
  • Helps with any event needs ranging from vendor/sponsor recruitment and coordination, to attendee recruitment and correspondence, to setup and day of execution.
  • Supports in handling inquiries from potential event hosts, current partners, team members, and volunteers in a timely manner. This includes lining up the right dogs for the right events and ensuring the needs for both sides are met.
  • Takes the lead on organizing vendor payments and invoicing. Uses this structure to help ensure postmortem reports on events are conducted.
  • Is comfortable serving as the face of Wags and Walks events out in the community multiple days a week.
  • Provides an extension of coverage for fellow event team members so they can remain flexible with their off days allowing essential communication to still take place.
  • Serves as a crucial bridge between the Volunteer and Development departments to ensure all stakeholders are properly accounted for on events of all sizes.
  • Work closely with Volunteer Lead and Foster/Adoptions teams to ensure there’s proper coverage for all events.
  • Work closely with the organization’s community of volunteers to ensure the organization is representing its mission and values as best as possible.
  • Always have a fundraising hat on as the role works closely with the rest of the Development team to ensure the organization is taking on the right events that line up with its values and brand.
  • Hit monthly revenue targets with a combination of on- and off-site events, merch sales and donation asks at events, and ambitious asks.
  • Work with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure that all of the events get the proper exposure and promotion.
  • Willingness to support graphic design / promotional materials if in the comfort zone of the employee.
  • Joins the team prepared to hit the ground running to form new corporate sponsors and partnerships both through organic event inquiry and cold outreach during slower event months.
  • Supports in maintaining the strong partner relationships that have been established by thoroughly communicating and executing on the promised deliverables.

QUALITIES

  • Must be a dog lover!
  • Problem solver and quick thinker
  • Not afraid to talk to everyone and anyone about Wags and Walks
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Special ability to make personal connections in a larger setting while also staying focused on the larger goals
  • A team player who works well with others
  • Friendly demeanor and positive attitude
  • Enjoys working in a fast paced and dynamic environment
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Is very detail oriented
  • Is very proactive and a self-starter
  • Flexibility, able to think on your feet and go with the flow

QUALIFICATION

  • College Degree preferred
  • Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed
  • Experience with nonprofits, fundraising and events preferred
  • Computer proficient (Google docs, ability to learn new software, etc)
  • Must have a current and valid Tennessee Driver’s License
  • Must be comfortable standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 lbs
  • Background in animal welfare preferred
  • Must be able to work some weekends

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

  • Opportunity to join a fantastic team at an incredibly rewarding rescue organization
  • Connections to Wags and Walks network of partners
  • Salary Range: $20 - $25/hour commensurate with experience
  • Paid time off that grows each year of employment
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and eligible dependents (full-time only)
  • Holiday pay (full-time only)
  • 401K

+ Veterinary Receptionist & Coordinator (Full time)

SUMMARY

The Veterinary Receptionist & Coordinator is responsible for front-desk leadership, client communication, surgery coordination, and medical administrative support within the Wags & Walks Medical Program. This role serves as the primary point of contact for public clients, adopters, fosters, and rescue partners while ensuring smooth clinic flow, accurate medical documentation, and continuity of care across the medical, shelter, foster, and intake teams. This position plays a critical role in maintaining organization, communication, and efficiency within a fast-paced, high-volume veterinary and rescue environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Front Desk & Client Coordination

  • Serve as first point of contact for public clients, adopters, fosters, and rescue partners
  • Manage phone, text, email, and in-person communication professionally and compassionately
  • Schedule, confirm, and manage appointments for public and rescue patients
  • Manage surgery and appointment reminders
  • Provide accurate information regarding clinic services, policies, and procedures
  • Manage patient check-in, check-out, billing, and payment verification
  • Verify billing completion during public surgery days
  • Maintain calm, professional communication during emotional or high-stress situations

Surgery Coordination & Patient Discharge

  • Coordinate patient intake on surgery days, ensuring all required consent forms and contracts are completed
  • Support patient movement between intake, surgery, recovery, and discharge
  • Oversee discharge process and provide clear post-operative instructions to clients, adopters, and fosters
  • Maintain and update the surgery board with accurate patient, foster/adopter, and medical information
  • Enter and update surgery completion details in clinic software systems
  • Prepare and distribute spay/neuter certificates and surgical documentation

Patient Intake, Records & Triage

  • Triage walk-in patients and collect relevant medical and behavioral information
  • Assist with intake creation and updates in Shelter Manager and rescue medical records
  • Maintain accurate and timely patient medical documentation
  • Assist with the safe handling of dogs during minor treatments, intake procedures, and exams when needed

Preventative Care & Foster/Shelter Coordination

  • Track and communicate vaccine and prevention needs for shelter and foster animals
  • Send weekly reminders for vaccines, prevention, and follow-up care
  • Support continuity of care across Medical, Intake, Animal Care, and Foster teams
  • Ensure preventative care records remain accurate and current

Scheduling, Outreach & Communication

  • Assist in promoting clinic services, surgery openings, and medical programs
  • Monitor surgery capacity and communicate open scheduling to internal teams
  • Support follow-up communication with adopters, fosters, and clients
  • Help ensure efficient clinic utilization and scheduling flow

Clinic Operations & Administrative Support

  • Maintain accurate and organized client and patient records
  • Process medical records requests, referrals, and documentation
  • Receive, organize, and stock incoming medical shipments and supplies
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and functional front office and coordination workspace
  • Support daily opening and closing procedures for the medical wing
  • Assist the veterinary and medical staff to ensure a smooth clinic workflow
  • This role works closely with: Medical Team (veterinarians, technicians, assistants), Intake Team, Animal Care Team, Foster Team, and Adoptions Team

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred
  • Experience in veterinary clinic, animal shelter, medical office, or customer service role preferred
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
  • Comfortable working with animals of various sizes and temperaments
  • Proficient with basic computer systems; Shelter Manager or veterinary software experience preferred

Preferred Attributes

  • Compassionate and patient-centered
  • Detail-oriented and dependable
  • Calm and emotionally steady under pressure
  • Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Organized, proactive, and systems-focused

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Comfortable working in clinical and shelter environments with animals

+ Adoptions Counselor

SUMMARY

The Adoptions Counselor is responsible for managing adoption applications, screening and communicating with applicants, organizing meet-and-greets and adoptions, and providing post-adoption follow-up. This role requires a friendly, organized, and excellent communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is compassionate, proactive, and a team player.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Adoption Counseling

  • Review and screen adoption applications; connect with applicants by phone, email, and in person.
  • Maintain current knowledge of all dogs in our care to provide accurate updates to team members and adopters.
  • Educate adopters on the adoption process and commitment, ensuring successful matches.
  • Maintain applicant correspondence, responding within 24-72 hours and keeping messages organized.
  • Organize and/or attend meet-and-greets and adoptions; safely handle dogs of all sizes.
  • Communicate across teams using Slack, Monday.com, and Google Sheets for efficient scheduling and dog availability updates.
  • Participate in adoption events, staff meetings, and training as needed.

Qualities and Skills

  • Genuine passion for animal welfare, with knowledge of basic dog behavior.
  • Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and organizational ability.
  • Creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and a drive to learn and improve.
  • Team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude.
  • Skilled in communicating effectively and respectfully with a diverse community.
  • Able to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Open to feedback and proactive in seeking process improvements.

Qualifications

  • Able to work at a computer for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Proficient in Word, Excel, Slack, and Google Docs; quick to learn new technology.
  • Valid Tennessee Driver's License.
  • Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

  • Opportunity to join a fantastic team at an incredibly rewarding rescue organization
  • Connections to Wags and Walks network of partners
  • Salary Range: $18 - $20/hour commensurate with experience

+ Animal Caregiver - Level 1

SUMMARY

Our Animal Caretakers are responsible for overseeing the care and well-being of all the dogs in our adoption center. This job requires an outgoing, enthusiastic, and hardworking person to help us grow our rescue. It is physically demanding but also extremely rewarding. Dog lovers are encouraged to apply, but it's not a requirement.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Follows cleaning, feeding, and watering protocols to maintain the health of all animals.
  • Ensures every dog in our care is walked every four hours at a minimum. Keep boards and kennel cards updated in real-time.
  • Adheres to isolation and quarantine protocols when handling new or contagious animals.
  • Keeps the facility clean, safe, organized, sanitary, and presentable at all times.
  • Abides by intake protocols and procedures when processing new dogs.
  • Administers oral, topical, and injected medications to animals.
  • Assists medical staff with restraint, exams, and treatments.
  • Assists adoptions and foster staff with meet-and-greets, supply preparation, and pick-ups/drop-offs.
  • Ensures supplies are organized and properly stocked. Monitor all inventory and inform the Animal Care Manager of any needed supplies for animals, staff or volunteers.

QUALITIES

  • Must be a dog lover and possess some knowledge of basic dog behavior and needs. Must be willing to get hands dirty, be flexible, and reliable.
  • Must enjoy public speaking and communicating with a diverse group of volunteers.
  • Must have excellent customer service experience, proven attention to detail, and good organizational and time management skills.
  • Must be a team player and have a positive attitude. Personable, professional, upbeat and energetic.
  • Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a diverse community in a professional, pleasant, respectful manner and use good judgment.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ideally, one year of professional experience working with dogs in a kennel environment.
  • Must be able to sit at a desk in front of a computer for several hours. Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs to help move kennel crates, dog food, and other supplies.
  • Must have proficiency with computers, including Word, Excel, Slack, and Google Docs—the ability to learn new technology quickly.
  • Must have a current and valid TN Driver’s License.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

BENEFITS

  • Opportunity to join a fantastic team at an incredibly rewarding rescue organization
  • Connections to Wags and Walks network of partners
  • Competitive pay with time off (full-time only)
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and eligible dependents (full-time only)
  • Holiday pay (full-time only)
  • 401K