About the role
Description
Status:
Part-Time / Full-Time
FLSA Classification:
Non-Exempt
Location:
On-site (Pittsburgh, PA)
Schedule:
Requires availability for evenings, weekends, and select holidays/events
Starting Pay Range:
$15
Who We Are
For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set – and raised – the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year.
Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives — simply put, because it’s what we do.
At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.
Position Summary
The Placement Counselor plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends’ mission by connecting animals with the right people through thoughtful, compassionate matchmaking. This position works closely with adopters, fosters, volunteers, and team members to ensure every animal is placed into a safe, appropriate, and loving home.
As one of the most public-facing roles in Lifesaving Operations, the Placement Counselor delivers an exceptional, low-barrier experience that builds trust, educates the community, and strengthens the human-animal bond.
Key Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
Provide high-quality, individualized matchmaking for adopters and foster families
Facilitate safe, positive introductions between animals and people (and resident pets, when applicable)
Educate adopters and foster caregivers on animal history, behavior, medical needs, and ongoing support resources
Support the placement process from initial inquiry through follow-up
Promote adoptable animals through conversations, events, and written bios
Participate in adoption promotions, outreach events, and community engagement opportunities
Assist in foster placement coordination, including education, onboarding, and ongoing support
Handle animals of varying species, sizes, and temperaments safely and humanely
Operational & Administrative Duties
Respond to calls, emails, and inquiries; schedule appointments and maintain documentation
Support reporting, recordkeeping, and adoption paperwork
Maintain familiarity with all adoptable and foster animals
Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment
Team & Organizational Support
Collaborate across departments to ensure positive outcomes for animals and people
Engage and support volunteers within the department
Participate in training, team meetings, and organizational initiatives
Represent Animal Friends professionally with the public and media, as needed
Other Duties
Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs
What We Offer
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (for eligible employees)
Paid time off, holidays, and birthday pay
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Employee Assistance Program
Continuing education and professional development opportunities
Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
A mission-driven team and meaningful work that makes a real impact
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. Do you have a passion for animal welfare? Are you a good communicator with a sincere desire to help animals find their forever homes? Then, we may have a job for you. Animal Friends is seeking part-time placement counselors to help find loving homes for dogs, cats, and rabbits in need.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age
Experience:
Customer service, public-facing, or client support experience required
Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage sensitive or high-stress situations with professionalism and empathy
- Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Availability: Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events
Comfortable working with dogs, cats, rabbits, and animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and needs
Ability to safely handle animals and complete required training within 60 days of hire
Reliable transportation required; valid driver’s license preferred
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in animal care, sheltering, or welfare environments
Knowledge of animal behavior and basic health concepts
Experience supporting foster or adoption programs
Experience in community engagement, events, or social media promotion
Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands
This position:
Requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds (frequent lifting up to 35 pounds)
Involves exposure to animals, noise, cleaning agents, and indoor/outdoor environments
May involve emotionally challenging situations related to animal welfare
Requires appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.