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.
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The Office Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the Wags & Walks Nashville Adoption Center and helps ensure a welcoming, organized, and professional environment for staff, adopters, fosters, volunteers, and visitors.
This role serves as a primary point of contact at the front desk while supporting administrative functions, on-site volunteer needs, retail operations, facility coordination, and general center logistics. The ideal candidate is friendly, highly organized, proactive, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, people- and dog-centered environment.
Department: Office
Reports to: Volunteer & Events Program Manager
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Nashville, TN
Compensation: $20-24/hr, commensurate with experience
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as a primary point of contact for visitors, adopters, fosters, volunteers, and community members entering the Adoption Center.
Greet guests, answer phones, monitor general email inquiries, and direct questions to the appropriate team members.
Maintain a welcoming, professional, and organized front desk and lobby environment.
Help manage visitor flow during open hours, events, and other high-traffic periods.
Provide general information about Wags & Walks programs, policies, and processes.
Administrative & Operational Support
Support daily administrative needs, including mail, data entry, calendars, scheduling, printing, filing, and general office organization.
Receive and coordinate shipments, deliveries, and incoming supplies.
Track office and facility-related expenditures and maintain documentation for recurring service agreements.
Assist with organization-wide and Nashville-specific administrative projects as assigned.
Support clear cross-departmental communication and help ensure established center policies and procedures are followed.
Facility Coordination
Help maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked public and staff areas between professional cleanings.
Monitor office, kitchen, retail, and general facility supplies and coordinate restocking as needed.
Communicate routine facility maintenance and repair needs and coordinate with approved vendors.
Assist with daily facility logistics to help ensure the Adoption Center remains safe, functional, and presentable.
Identify operational or facility concerns and communicate them promptly to the appropriate staff.
Retail & Merchandising
Maintain an organized and inviting retail area, including product displays, pricing, and restocking.
Track merchandise inventory and assist with inventory counts, reporting, and reorders.
Maintain accurate product information and inventory within Shopify.
Support merchandise selection, seasonal updates, and other retail initiatives.
On-Site Volunteer Support
Welcome volunteers arriving for scheduled shifts and help orient them to current center needs.
Assign or communicate appropriate on-site tasks based on established volunteer roles and priorities.
Provide day-of guidance and help ensure volunteers understand center expectations and procedures.
Communicate volunteer needs, concerns, or opportunities to the appropriate Volunteer & Events team members.
Help create a positive, organized, and supportive experience for volunteers working at the Adoption Center.
QUALITIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Friendly, professional, and confident when interacting with the public.
Highly organized, dependable, and detail-oriented.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proactive and willing to identify needs and take appropriate action.
Able to prioritize and shift between tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Collaborative and comfortable working across multiple departments.
Passionate about animal rescue and community-focused work.
Comfortable working around dogs of all breeds, sizes, temperaments, and backgrounds.
Able to maintain professionalism and sound judgment in challenging or high-traffic situations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
2+ years of experience in office coordination, customer service, administrative support, or a related role.
Retail, inventory, or merchandising experience strongly preferred.
Experience working with volunteers or within a nonprofit environment is a plus.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Slack, Microsoft Word and Excel; Shopify experience preferred or willingness to learn.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and comfortably perform the active, hands-on responsibilities of an Adoption Center environment.
Valid Tennessee Driver’s License.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends as needed.
Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
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The Adoption Counselor supports prospective adopters throughout the adoption process, from application review and interviews through meet-and-greets, placement, and post-adoption support. This role is responsible for building relationships with applicants, gathering and evaluating information, and helping make thoughtful matches that support both the dog and adopter.
The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator who combines strong customer service with sound judgment and discernment. This position requires organization, follow-through, attention to detail, and the ability to balance a positive adopter experience with Wags & Walks’ adoption standards and the individual needs of each dog.
Department: Adoption
Reports to: Director of Program Operations
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Nashville, TN
Compensation: $20-24/hr, commensurate with experience
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Adoption Counseling & Placement
Review and process adoption applications thoroughly and efficiently.
Conduct adoption interviews using open-ended questions to understand an applicant’s household, lifestyle, experience, expectations, and preferences.
Build rapport with applicants while gathering the information needed to make thoughtful and appropriate placement decisions.
Maintain current knowledge of available dogs, including known medical, behavioral, and placement considerations.
Educate applicants on dog ownership, transition expectations, decompression, training, medical needs, and other relevant adoption resources.
Coordinate and facilitate meet-and-greets, introductions, and adoptions.
Use sound judgment and discernment when evaluating potential matches and escalate concerns or complex applications when appropriate.
Safely handle dogs of varying sizes, energy levels, and backgrounds throughout the adoption process.
Applicant Experience & Communication
Provide timely, professional, and compassionate communication by phone, email, and in person.
Maintain consistent follow-up with active applicants and ensure that communication remains organized and up to date.
Help applicants identify dogs that may be a strong fit while setting realistic expectations around individual dogs and the adoption process.
Navigate difficult conversations, declined matches, and other sensitive situations professionally and respectfully.
Build relationships with adopters that support long-term engagement with the Wags & Walks community.
Complete required post-adoption communication and connect adopters with appropriate resources when additional support is needed.
Program Operations & Documentation
Maintain accurate and timely applicant, adoption, and dog records in Shelter Manager and other internal systems.
Ensure adoption contracts, payments, microchip information, and required documentation are completed accurately.
Communicate adoption plans, holds, meet-and-greets, and dog availability clearly across Programs teams.
Collaborate closely with Foster, Animal Care, Medical, Behavior, Intake, and other staff to gather information and support placement decisions.
Maintain confidentiality and follow organizational policies when handling applicant and adopter information.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, adoption events, and other program activities as needed.
Skills & Attributes
Strong relationship-building, communication, and customer service skills.
Sound judgment and discernment when evaluating information and making placement recommendations.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple applicants and dogs simultaneously.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume rescue environment.
Proactive and able to take ownership of applications and follow them through completion.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Able to slow down when needed, ask thoughtful questions, and avoid making assumptions or rushed decisions.
Professional and composed when navigating challenging conversations or competing priorities.
Collaborative and able to communicate effectively across departments.
Open to coaching, feedback, and continued professional development.
Knowledge of dog behavior, handling, and basic animal care preferred.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; college education preferred.
Previous experience in animal welfare, customer service, hospitality, sales, or another people-facing role preferred.
Experience working with dogs in a rescue, shelter, veterinary, training, or similar environment preferred.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Slack, and database or shelter management systems; ability to learn new technology quickly.
Ability to safely handle and lift up to 50 lbs and work directly with large or energetic dogs.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and adoption events as needed.
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The Volunteer Coordinator will oversee all aspects of Wags & Walks' volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, engagement, and retention. This role is responsible for building a strong, reliable volunteer community that supports daily operations and advances our lifesaving mission. The ideal candidate is passionate, highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Department: Development
Reports to: Volunteer and Events Program Manager
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Compensation: $20-24/hr, commensurate with experience
Location: Nashville, TN
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteer Program Coordination
Serve as the primary lead for Wags & Walks' volunteer program, ensuring volunteers have a positive, organized, and meaningful experience from first inquiry through ongoing engagement.
Manage volunteer and intern recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, scheduling, and day-to-day communication.
Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer inquiries and maintain timely, professional communication with prospective and active volunteers.
Maintain volunteer recruitment platforms, including Better Impact, Google Groups, and other outreach channels to support volunteer growth.
Coordinate volunteer coverage across adoptions, daily operations, transports, events, and special projects by partnering closely with all departments.
Schedule and facilitate volunteer orientations and trainings, ensuring volunteers understand organizational policies, procedures, and expectations.
Build strong relationships with volunteers through consistent communication, recognition, and stewardship to encourage long-term engagement and retention.
Coordinate volunteer support for community events, adoption events, and organizational initiatives, serving as the on-site volunteer lead when needed.
Maintain accurate volunteer records, schedules, training completion, and volunteer hours within volunteer management systems.
Identify opportunities to improve volunteer processes, communication, and overall volunteer experience, bringing recommendations to leadership.
Support volunteer appreciation efforts, including recognition programs, appreciation events, milestone acknowledgments, and volunteer communications.
Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven volunteer culture that reflects the values of Wags & Walks.
Volunteer Communications & Engagement
Maintain regular communication with volunteers through newsletters, social media groups, email, and other communication channels.
Promote volunteer opportunities to support recruitment and engagement.
Partner with the Marketing team to celebrate volunteer stories and highlight volunteer impact when appropriate.
Program Reporting & Adminstrative Support
Track volunteer metrics including recruitment, onboarding, active volunteers, volunteer hours, retention, and event participation.
Prepare regular volunteer reports and updates for leadership.
Assist with volunteer program planning and implementation, supporting organizational goals and departmental priorities.
Ensure volunteer policies, procedures, waivers, and documentation remain current and consistently followed.
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
QUALIFICATIONS
College Degree preferred
Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed
Experience with nonprofits, volunteer coordination, or community engagement 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 available to work Tuesday - Saturday
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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
Follow cleaning, feeding, and watering protocols to maintain the health of all animals.
Ensure every dog in our care is walked every four hours at a minimum.
Keep boards and kennel cards updated in real-time.
Adhere to isolation and quarantine protocols when handling new or contagious animals.
Keep the facility clean, safe, organized, sanitary, and presentable at all times.
Abide by intake protocols and procedures when processing new dogs.
Administer oral, topical, and injected medications to animals.
Assist medical staff with restraint, exams, and treatments.
Assist adoptions and foster staff with meet-and-greets, supply preparation, and pick-ups/drop-offs.
Ensure 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 be 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.
Compensation: $18-21/hr, commensurate with experience
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The Veterinarian will provide clinical care for Wags & Walks rescue dogs and eligible community-owned animals while serving as the senior clinical authority for veterinary decisions and medical protocols.
This role works in close partnership with the Medical Director and reports jointly to the Medical Director and Executive Director.
The Veterinarian is responsible for veterinary judgment, clinical standards, treatment decisions, medical protocols requiring DVM oversight, population-health guidance, and applicable responsibilities tied to veterinary licensure.
The Medical Director oversees day-to-day medical operations, workflow, scheduling, team coordination, and implementation of established medical protocols. The Executive Director retains organizational, budgetary, staffing, and strategic oversight.
The Veterinarian may also serve as the supervising veterinarian associated with the Nashville veterinary premises permit and applicable controlled-substance/DEA responsibilities. Organizational decisions regarding overall intake strategy, staffing, budgets, placement, and rescue operations remain with Wags & Walks leadership.
Department: Medical
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Location: Nashville, TN
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Care
Perform veterinary examinations and develop appropriate diagnostic and treatment plans.
Provide preventive care and manage acute and chronic medical conditions.
Perform spay/neuter procedures and common soft-tissue surgeries.
Evaluate surgical candidates and oversee anesthesia, pain management, and recovery.
Provide urgent stabilization when appropriate and determine when emergency or specialty referral is necessary.
Evaluate dental disease and perform or oversee appropriate dental care.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely medical records.
Intake & Shelter Medicine
Establish and oversee medical intake protocols in partnership with the Medical Director.
Provide direct veterinary examinations when clinically indicated or required.
Establish protocols for vaccination, parasite prevention, infectious-disease screening, and treatment.
Develop clear triage and escalation guidelines for staff.
Establish medical hold, isolation, and clearance criteria.
Population Health & Disease Prevention
Monitor the rescue population for infectious-disease trends and emerging concerns.
Establish quarantine, isolation, and biosecurity standards.
Lead the medical response to suspected outbreaks or exposure events.
Provide medical guidance regarding safe animal movement, housing, and placement during infectious-disease concerns.
Partner with the Medical Director, Executive Director, and Operations when population-health concerns may affect normal intake or housing decisions.
Review significant disease events and recommend improvements to protocols and procedures.
Medical Systems & Protocols
Develop, review, and maintain practical veterinary protocols and SOPs in collaboration with the Medical Director.
Establish clear guidelines for medication administration, medical escalation, surgery, anesthesia, infectious disease, foster care, and outside referral.
Create systems that allow trained staff to operate safely and consistently when the veterinarian is not directly involved.
Train and support veterinary and animal-care team members within appropriate scopes of responsibility.
Review medical workflows and identify opportunities to improve consistency, safety, and efficiency.
Resource Stewardship
Practice evidence-based and resource-conscious rescue medicine.
Recommend diagnostics and treatments based on clinical value, prognosis, welfare, and appropriate use of organizational resources.
Determine when cases can safely be managed in-house versus requiring outside referral.
Partner with the Medical Director and Executive Director regarding significant medical expenditures and medical-budget planning.
Help reduce unnecessary outside veterinary costs without compromising animal welfare.
Regulatory & Controlled-Substance Oversight
Depending on the final role structure, responsibilities may include:
Serving as supervising veterinarian for Wags & Walks Nashville's veterinary premises.
Maintaining required Tennessee veterinary licensure.
Obtaining and maintaining applicable DEA registration.
Overseeing controlled-substance storage, access, administration, inventory, and documentation.
Maintaining compliance with applicable state and federal veterinary regulations.
Cooperating with inspections, audits, and regulatory requirements.
If responsibility for the premises permit and/or applicable DEA registration is required for this position, willingness and legal eligibility to assume those responsibilities will be a condition of employment.
Collaboration & Leadership
Work closely and collaboratively with the Medical Director as the primary day-to-day medical operations partner.
Provide clear, timely, and practical veterinary guidance.
Collaborate closely with Medical, Intake, Operations, Foster, and Adoption teams.
Communicate significant medical and population-health concerns to the Medical Director and Executive Director.
Distinguish true medical urgency from issues that can safely be monitored or managed through established protocols.
Welcome thoughtful questions and differing perspectives.
Approach challenges with professionalism, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Help foster a culture of accountability, consistency, and collaboration rather than departmental silos.
Respect the distinction between veterinary clinical authority, day-to-day medical operations, and broader organizational decision-making.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
DVM or equivalent veterinary degree.
Active Tennessee veterinary license or eligibility to obtain one.
Strong small-animal clinical experience.
Ability to independently perform spay/neuter procedures.
Competency in common soft-tissue surgery.
Strong understanding of anesthesia, analgesia, and perioperative care.
Excellent clinical judgment and communication skills.
Strong medical-record documentation.
Willingness and eligibility to assume applicable regulatory responsibilities.
Preferred
3+ years of veterinary experience.
Shelter, rescue, or high-volume spay/neuter experience.
Population-health or infectious-disease experience.
Community veterinary medicine experience.
Experience developing veterinary SOPs.
Experience managing controlled substances or serving as supervising veterinarian for a veterinary premises.
USDA accreditation or willingness to obtain it.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal veterinarian is a strong clinician and thoughtful medical leader who is calm under pressure, low-ego, collaborative, and comfortable making clear decisions.
They understand that excellent rescue medicine means caring for the individual patient while also considering population health, prognosis, quality of life, organizational resources, and Wags & Walks' ability to sustainably save more dogs.