Adoptions & Animal Welfare Advocate

Humane Animal Rescue; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Humane Animal Rescue is seeking an Animal Welfare Counselor to guide the public through adoptions and admissions with empathy and animal-behavior knowledge. You’ll assess temperament, match households to pets, and advocate for animals in our care within a supportive team.

You will also handle admissions, process fees, support off-site events, and maintain accurate animal records while upholding our Open-Door philosophy and mission.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer care, admin or service industry is a plus.
• Experience working with animals in shelter, rescue, veterinary, or related setting is a plus.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate animal records and perform data entry.
• Comfort handling animals and working in a shelter environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth adoption consultations using knowledge of animal behavior to match households with pets.
• Coordinate admissions appointments and provide resources to keep pets in homes when possible.
• Serve as a contact for the public via phone, email, and in-person for adoptions and admissions.
• Engage with the public with empathy and professionalism to reflect HARP values.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of each animal's history, temperament, and placement recommendations.
• Communicate updates on animals and contribute to team-based decisions about placement and care.
• Keep animal files accurate and complete after each admission or adoption.
• Process adoption fees and donations following procedures.
• Partner with Marketing/Events to coordinate off-site adoption events and outreach.
• Utilize Fear Free handling techniques.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Animal behavior knowledge

Decision making

Organizational skills

Data entry

Tools

Shelter management software

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Humane Animal Rescue is seeking an Animal Welfare Counselor to guide the public through adoptions and admissions with empathy and animal-behavior knowledge. You’ll assess temperament, match households to pets, and advocate for animals in our care within a supportive team.

You will also handle admissions, process fees, support off-site events, and maintain accurate animal records while upholding our Open-Door philosophy and mission.