Animal Welfare Counselor

HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE OF PITTSBURGH•Pittsburgh, PA

10d•$15 - $17

About The Position

The Animal Welfare Counselor plays a central role in HARP’s lifesaving mission by guiding members of the public through adoption and admissions processes with expertise, empathy, and an understanding of animal behavior. The role assesses animals’ temperaments and needs alongside potential adopters’ lifestyles and expectations, making informed pathway decisions to support successful, lasting matches between people and pets. The counselor advocates for animals in HARP’s care and community members visiting the shelter, balancing compassionate public engagement with sound judgment. The position works primarily in an animal shelter environment and requires daily handling of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other species. The employee may be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; the work environment is usually moderately noisy. The position requires working out of HARP’s North Shore and/or East End locations and may involve off-site adoption events.

Requirements

Exceptional interpersonal and public communication skills, including the ability to build rapport and guide difficult conversations with empathy and confidence.
Knowledge of animal behavior, body language, and common behavioral concerns in dogs and cats.
Ability to make sound decisions about animal pathways and adoption matches, weighing behavioral, logistical, and welfare considerations.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced shelter environment.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate animal records, perform data entry for reporting, and use shelter management software.
Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with adopters, community members, and staff across departments.
Working knowledge of MS Word and Excel and general computer proficiency.
Ability to maintain confidential information with discretion.
Ability to read, see, hear, and speak.
Ability to bend, stoop, squat, climb, and walk during work.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to use a computer with keyboard, telephone or handheld mobile device for extended periods, and office machinery as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a customer care, administrative, or service-industry position.
Experience working or volunteering with animals.
Experience working with animals in a shelter, rescue, veterinary, or related setting; volunteer experience is valued.
Experience in community-facing roles requiring relationship-building, conflict resolution, or public education; customer service or case management backgrounds are relevant.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-depth adoption consultations, using knowledge of animal behavior, breed characteristics, and species-specific needs to guide adopters toward suitable matches.
Coordinate and conduct admissions appointments and provide alternatives-to-admission resources when appropriate.
Serve as a compassionate point of contact by phone, email, and in person, answering questions about adoptions, admissions, and HARP services and connecting people with resources or departments.
Engage with members of the public with empathy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
Maintain thorough knowledge of each animal’s behavioral history, temperament, medical background, handling requirements, and placement recommendations.
Communicate behavioral observations, medical concerns, and adoption-related updates to support collaborative decisions about animal placement and care.
Ensure animal files are accurate and complete following each admission or adoption.
Process adoption fees and donations accurately in accordance with financial procedures for opening and closing daily transactions.
Partner with Marketing/Events staff to coordinate off-site adoption events, including selecting suitable animals, supporting logistics, transporting animals and equipment, and conducting adoption conversations.
Use Fear Free techniques when handling animals.
Keep public areas clean, sanitary, and comfortable, and report issues to the manager immediately.
Maintain positive relationships with co-workers, managers, directors, clients, and stakeholders.
Uphold Humane Animal Rescue’s mission and understand and support its Open-Door Philosophy.
Perform other duties as assigned.