Name: Andrew Tetley

Position: Medical Administrative Specialist

What were you doing before joining the ARL: Before I joined the ARL in 2018, I was getting my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Lehigh University. Before I joined the staff as a member of the adoptions team, I was also a volunteer dog walker here at the ARL.  

Do you have any pets at home: I have three cats: Guinness, a 12-year-old brown and white male who loves everyone, Suvi, a 12-year-old torbie female who’s lukewarm on me, and Spooky, an 8-year-old fluff ball who only cares about treats.  

Is there a particular animal or adoption story that still sticks with you today: We had a dog who was here for probably about a year, Little Mama. She was very sweet and affectionate once she got to know you, but she did not like meeting new people in the shelter at all. As a member of the placement team, it was frustrating seeing her growl and bark at every potential adopter, so I wasn’t hopeful she would ever find her forever home.  

One day a couple came in asking about adopting her; I went through her history, background, and personality. They were still interested even after she growled at them during their first meeting. For the next couple months they came at least once every week, starting with tossing cut-up hot dogs in her general direction, building trust until Little Mama was comfortable enough to take treats directly from their hands, and eventually she let them pet her. They brought their dogs to meet her too, and Little Mama took to them as well.  

I have never met potential adopters so patient and understanding of a dog’s needs. It was exactly the home that she needed, and I’m so glad they were willing to see through her big tough exterior to the sweet little lovebug she is. They bring her in from time to time for visits and she’s doing great.  

What inspired you to move into a medical-focused role in animal welfare: I worked in the placement department for 6 years, with three of those as the team lead. I met so many wonderful people and helped thousands of animals find their forever homes during that time. There was an opening in the medical department, and I saw it as an exciting opportunity to try something new but still contribute to the ARL’s mission.  

How do you help ensure that our medical operations run smoothly and reflect the ARL’s values and mission: I coordinate the administrative aspects of our medical center. That consists of scheduling appointments, facilitating vaccine offsite clinics, and just being a welcoming face to anyone who walks through our doors. We hope to be able to help provide a variety of affordable medical care options for the animals in our community.  

What do you enjoy most about working alongside the medical team: I love everyone I work with in this department. I’ve learned so much in the year I’ve worked here. We have such a brilliant and talented team here; I’m honored to work alongside them.  

What does animal welfare mean to you personally: Animal welfare is such an incredible industry. Of course, the emotional bond we form with these animals is wonderful, but it’s so rewarding to see the impact we have on people as well. Animals enrich our lives in such a unique way, and I’m happy that I get to help with that.  

Final words of wisdom: I’ve got two quotes:  

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” -Neale Donald Walsch 

“Help control the pet population, have your pets spayed and neutered” -Bob Barker