Transport & Intake Assistant

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.  

Job Summary

The Transport & Intake Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of animals into and out of the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA). This position provides safe, efficient, and compassionate animal transportation, supporting both scheduled and urgent movement of animals to and from partner shelters, rescues and veterinary providers. The Transport & Intake Assistant ensures proper low-stress handling, accurate intake processes, and meticulous recordkeeping that upholds HRA standards and legal requirements. In addition to animal transport, this role supports HRA’s broader operational needs by transporting donations, pet food, supplies, equipment, and other essential items from community partners. The Transport & Intake Assistant maintains an organized schedule of transport needs and can prioritize requests from internal and external partners.  

Working closely with the Pet Support and Transport Manager, this role helps maintain an efficient, organized, and humane system for all incoming and outgoing animals. The Transport & Intake Assistant also supports partner-facing communication, assists with loading/unloading, contributes to timely population movement, and upholds a high level of safety, professionalism, and animal welfare at every stage of transport. 

REQUIRED: Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and the ability to pass all required HRA driving exams while maintaining transport safety compliance.

The Role: What You’ll Do

Transport Program 

• Safely transport animals safely to and from veterinary partners, partner shelters, transport organizations, adoption events, and HRA campuses.
• Monitor animals throughout transport and respond appropriately to behavioral or medical concerns.
• Adhere to all HRA standard operating procedures for the safe loading, unloading, and handling of animals.
• Clean and disinfect transport vehicles, crates, and carriers after use to maintain sanitation and disease-prevention standards.
• Ensure all transport documentation accompanies animals.
• Assist with all supply pickups and deliveries.
• Track transport schedules and coordinate with the Pet Support & Transport Manager & Director of Pet Support.
• Regularly conduct vehicle inspections and promptly report maintenance needs.
• Meet incoming transports to unload incoming animals and make sure they are set up with needed items and have appropriate identification and stages in Petpoint

Administrative & Intake Support 

• Complete credit card reconciliations and accurately manage transport-related expenses.
• Send notifications regarding incoming transport to relevant departments.
• Create pre-intakes and enter accurate record animal information in PetPoint.
• Prepare kennel spaces, signage, and ensure animals are assigned spaces before arrival.
• Assist with unloading and processing incoming transport animals, ensuring safe handling and smooth intake procedures.

Adoption & Customer Care Support 

• Provide excellent customer service to adopters, visitors, and the public, ensuring a welcoming and supportive experience as needed
• Support adoption flow by facilitating meet-and-greets, guiding visitors through the adoption process, and assisting with general customer service operations.
• Perform administrative tasks including data entry, updating records, and responding to inquiries

About You: Skills & Qualifications

• Commitment to HRA’s mission and values.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record required.
• Ability to pass all required HRA driving exams and maintain compliance with transport safety protocols.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in animal handling, customer service, transport, or shelter work preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PetPoint preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays as need

Where You'll Work: Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

• Ability to lift 50lbs unassisted and 50+ lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to work with multiple animal species.
• Daily physical activity including bending, lifting, standing, and carrying.
• Exposure to chemicals, noise, odors, and varying temperatures.
• May be exposed to fractious animals or emotionally challenging situations.

Benefits Overview: Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

At the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable  
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs  
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future  
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges  
• Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses  
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth  
• Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs  
• Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings  

Ready to Make an Impact?  

Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, skills, and commitment will directly save lives and strengthen communities. 

The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request. 

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing. 

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.