Christian Gonzalez

Ending his career in 2007 as an Assistant Manager for Environmental Services at The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, NJ, which lasted 9 years and was his first job, Christian was ready for a change. That shift would prove to be life changing in so many ways. In 2007, Christian wanted to begin the next chapter of his life devoting himself to working with companion animals. Not exactly knowing what to do, he first started as a bather for Petsmart Grooming Salon. Educating himself on canine and feline breeds assisted in his journey to a better understanding of the needs of clients and companion animals alike. After a few years of learning and growing, he was promoted to work as a Pet Nurse at Banfield Pet Hospital in Turnersville, NJ. New to this world, his primary duties were triaging patients and assisting the veterinarian on duty. From here, Christian would journey through various channels to ascertain the experience necessary to forge ahead. Christian then started at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Cherry Hill NJ as a Veterinary Assistant (2010)

During this time, Christian had decided that he wanted to work as an Animal Control Officer for the State of New Jersey. While simultaneously working as a veterinary assistant, Christian went to Camden County College in Blackwood NJ to receive his license to become a Certified New Jersey Animal Control Officer. After graduating the course, in December 2012 Christian was officially hired as an Animal Control Officer for Willingboro, NJ. This would be a career that lasted 9 years. During his tenure there, in addition to his Animal Control duties, Christian quickly observed a need into finding ways to better educate the public as there were no resources for the community to expand their knowledge on the needs of domesticated animals. This also included the needs of wildlife conservation and protection in suburban neighborhoods. Christian created a community outreach program titled “PAWS to Safety” in Willingboro NJ for Burlington County NJ to engage the community on how to properly care for their companion animals and the importance of wildlife in their neighborhoods and safety protocols to keep wildlife and neighbors safe with humane education.

In a need to expand his knowledge further, Christian decided that it was time to move ahead and apply everything in his journey to a new career change. Christian officially left Animal Control and forged ahead to apply his skills and experience to a new position. He then applied for a position here with the Animal Welfare Association in April 2021. By chance, a new position was created within the organization as an Intake/Rehoming Specialist which assists clients to successfully rehome their pets by giving them tools and resources for placement and keeps companion animals out of shelters. Nanci Urban, our Senior Shelter Services Manager, knew that with Christian’s over 15 years of animal welfare and education that he’d fit perfect in this position. Christian was officially hired on April 14th, 2021. Advancing in the organization, starting July 1^st, 2022, Christian will now be our Community Pet Outreach Specialist. Within this role, he will be responsible for key important programs: Intake/Rehoming, Pet Food Pantry, and our new program the Pet Bereavement Program as a Pet Bereavement Counselor. In 2009, Christian became certified with this certification that he’s held since then. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walks, and console gaming. He lives with his husband Robert and their three cats: Ava, Arya, and Ada. Along with their dog, Timothy (Pictured with Christian) who is an AWA Alumni and was adopted on June 6, 2021.