Animal Welfare Counselor

Description: **Summary** The Animal Welfare Counselor plays a central role in HARP’s lifesaving mission by guiding members of the public through the adoption process or the admissions process with expertise, empathy, and an understanding of animal behavior. This position requires an individual who can assess each animal’s temperament and needs, consider the lifestyle and expectations of potential adopters, and make informed pathway decisions that result in successful, lasting matches between people and pets. The Animal Welfare Counselor serves as a knowledgeable advocate for both the animals in our care and the community members who visit our shelter, balancing compassionate public engagement with sound, judgment. **Principal Responsibilities:** * Conduct in\-depth adoption consultations with members of the public, drawing on knowledge of animal behavior, breed characteristics, and species\-specific needs to guide adopters toward the best match for their household, lifestyle, and experience level. * Coordinate and conduct admissions appointments and provide resources for alternatives to admissions as appropriate, with the goal of keeping pets in their loving homes when possible. * Serve as a knowledgeable and compassionate point of contact for community members via phone, email, and in person, providing guidance on adoptions, admissions, and HARP services and connecting individuals with the appropriate resources or departments as needed. * Engage with all members of the public — in person, by phone, and electronically — with empathy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity, creating a welcoming environment that reflects HARP’s values and encourages community trust and participation. * Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of each animal in HARP’s care, including behavioral history, temperament, medical background, handling requirements, and placement recommendations, to ensure every adopter receives accurate, individualized guidance. * Communicate behavioral