Pros
- Lots of opportunities for advancement, especially if you are a self-starter! - A small team means little red tape to work around. Ideas can become reality fairly quickly, barring money problems. - Kind, diverse, and dedicated volunteers are always welcoming to new staff. Many have stayed loyal through major changes and staffing shifts. - As a coordinator/manager, the small team makes it easy to collaborate and communicate quickly with several departments. - The organization is constantly seeking to improve itself. - Open adoptions with transparent information. - Few to no (depending on season/population) limitations on the age or breed of animals transferred in. There is a strong dedication to helping the animals in the local community, whatever the demographic. - A focus on helping public partner shelters instead of divisive "no-kill" and "kill" language. - The newest Adoption Center management is talented, open and helpful. They advocate for their team and provide great leadership. - Overall communication has improved and the divide between administrative and animal care/adoptions goals has lessened.
Cons
- High staff turnover in the Adoption Center. - Frequent re-structuring of the Adoption Center. Positions are created, eliminated or re-titled and it can be confusing for volunteers, the public and staff. - Informal and infrequent staff training left many feeling lost or being unable to handle difficult adoptions or animals. While confident, experienced self-educators can do well, new or inexperienced staff can be left feeling unsupported. - Though they've been resourceful in the space they have, there are limitations on the use of space for both animals and humans.