Shelter Behavior Consulting
On-Site & Remote Services.
More Adoptions. Less Burnout. Better Shelter Behavior.
Hands-on training, program audits, and custom behavior systems for municipal and nonprofit animal shelters — built by Laurie Lawless, a shelter behavior consultant who's done the work from the inside.
Trusted by
Shelters Across the United States
Blending On-Site Expertise with Ongoing Remote Guidance
Every shelter is unique, and lasting change takes more than a one-time visit. Laurie's approach blends hands-on, on-site consulting — real-time coaching, behavior plan refinement, and getting a true feel for your shelter's culture with ongoing remote support like virtual check-ins, case consults, and team trainings that help your staff build confidence and consistency long after the visit ends. It's a hybrid model built for sustainability: you're not just hiring a consultant, you're investing in a partner who helps your team carry the work forward.
In-Person Services
On-site training, audits, and playgroup implementation delivered at your facility, working directly with your staff and dogs.
Remote Services
Webinars, virtual coaching, and remote follow-up support for shelters that need flexible assistance.
Ready to talk through what your shelter needs?
REMOTE
Customized Team Webinars
Live, virtual training sessions built around your shelter's specific behavior challenges — not generic content.
Delivered live to your full team or leadership group
Topics tailored to your shelter's current pain points (reactivity, playgroups, intake decisions, etc.)
Recording provided for future staff onboarding
Projects and Services Offered
IN-PERSON
On-Site Behavior Program Audits & Pathway Planning
Laurie evaluates your shelter's current behavior program, workflows, and pathway decisions, then delivers a practical roadmap to improve outcomes.
Full walkthrough of intake-to-outcome processes
Written assessment with prioritized recommendations
Pathway planning framework your team can sustain without ongoing outside help
IN-PERSON
On-Site Shelter Team Training (Handling, Training & Enrichment)
Hands-on training for staff and volunteers in low-stress handling, behavior modification basics, and enrichment strategies.
Classroom instruction plus hands-on practice with your dogs
Customized to your shelter's population and facility
Builds staff confidence and consistency, not just one-off knowledge
IN-PERSON OR REMOTE
Custom Projects
Every shelter is different. If your challenge doesn't fit neatly into another category, Laurie will scope a custom engagement around your specific goals.
Examples: leadership coaching, cruelty-case program support, multi-site consulting
Scoped after a discovery call
IN-PERSON
On-Site Shelter Playgroup Training & Program Implementation
Laurie's signature service — building a structured, welfare-focused playgroup program from the ground up or strengthening an existing one.
Staff and volunteer role training
Space and safety protocol design
Live coaching during real playgroups
Ready to talk through what your shelter needs?
Work with Laurie
How it works
Schedule a Get Unstuck Call ($195 fee) or fill out Shelter Interest form (free)
Laurie proposes a scope (on-site, remote, or blended)
Engagement delivered on-site and/or remotely
Follow-up support to sustain the work
SUCCESS STORY
Working with Laurie Lawless has been an incredibly valuable experience for the NiSHA team.
“Working with Laurie Lawless has been an incredibly valuable experience for the NiSHA team. Her guidance has helped our staff develop a deeper understanding of dog behavior and handling within a shelter environment. Through her training, our team has gained practical tools, new skills, and the confidence to better support the individual needs of each dog in our care. This knowledge not only strengthens our staff but also enhances the lives and well-being of the animals who come through our shelter doors."
Allison Levy
Programs Manager
Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals
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Yes. Services include customized team webinars, remote coaching, and follow-up support delivered virtually, in addition to on-site work.
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An on-site audit includes a full evaluation of your shelter's behavior program, intake-to-outcome pathways, and daily workflows, followed by a written report with prioritized, practical recommendations.
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Most on-site playgroup implementations are scoped individually based on shelter size and current program maturity; timelines are determined during the discovery call.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Laurie Lawless has worked with municipal and nonprofit shelters across North America, delivering on-site consulting, training, and leadership coaching.
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Shelters with needs outside standard service categories can schedule a Get Unstuck Call ($195 fee) or fill a Shelter Interest Form (Free) to scope a custom engagement.