Meet Justin Palazzo-Orr: Passion and purpose at HPHH

Justin Palazzo-Orr is one of the OG members of the Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) crew, having worked with us for over 8 years. Before working at HPHH, he worked at the RSPCA Animal Care Campus Wacol and operated his own dog training and behaviour advice business.

Justin grew up in Townsville. He has always loved dogs and has been involved in theatre for many years; Justin is a Fight Director. In a ‘small world’ event, he has been involved in the same production as our deputy CEO, Kellie Ireland – who also happens to be from Townsville!

When Justin commenced with HPHH, he helped develop and deliver our Intensive Program, designed for Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans, first responders and injured workers living with trauma. Since then, his role has transformed. His current role of Partnerships Training Specialist sees him represent HPHH at events and transferring his wealth of knowledge to others in our communities.

Reflecting on why he decided to join HPHH, Justin says he ‘couldn’t turn down the opportunity’.

“I’ve had some major life events relating to the effect of military service on friends and family,” Justin says.

Given his musical theatre experience and deep connection to HPHH, Justin is understandably very comfortable in front of a camera. He has represented HPHH in radio and TV interviews, videos for the HPHH app and more. His charisma and passion for helping rescue animals and people come through the screen – he is truly larger than life!

In his time at HPHH, Justin says there have been many memorable moments, mostly relating to the connections between our participants and the rescue animals.

Justin has a way of making people feel comfortable and safe in his presence. When asked what his favourite animal is, he says ‘humans’ - not the usual answer to this question.

“We have such great potential for creating positive change in the world for all the other creates that we share this planet with,” Justin says.

He is a complete natural when it comes to dogs. One particular example of this took place at RSPCA Wacol a few years ago.

There was a dog on the loose around the campus; multiple staff were trying to safely secure it. Justin and Jess (our Head of Marketing and Communications) happened to stumble upon the scene as it unfolded. Jess recounted the experience and said Justin sprang into action straight away. He crouched down low, inching his way towards the dog with a leash hidden behind his back. When he got close enough, he managed to calm and leash the dog in a swift motion.

Justin says if he turned into an animal today, he imagines he would be ‘some kind of mountain dog like a Bernese or Estrella’. If he could pick an animal to become, it would be a peregrine falcon.

When he’s not at HPHH, you can find Justin jumping on his trampoline with his children or riding his motorbike. He’s also known to adopt animals from the RSPCA; for example, he once adopted several quails.

Justin supports Richmond FC, and he loves coffee (a lot). He’s also a vegetarian and spicy food addict – he will put chilli on just about anything.

He has a kind and welcoming heart, and his passion for helping others is truly special. Anyone who has the pleasure of knowing him, loves him – humans and animals alike. We are so grateful to have Justin as an integral part of our team. He is a total superstar!

To listen to Justin discuss HPHH launching in Darwin, check out the radio interview he did with MIX 1049 Mornings with Katie Woolf here.