Animal services officers help people, too
No two days are ever the same. Not all of us can say that about our jobs, but animal services officers certainly can.
In Marin, animal services officers, known as animal control officers in many communities, provide a wide array of services to both animals and people. In the span of one day, a Marin Humane animal services officer might interview a dog bite victim in Stinson Beach, inspect a grooming business in
San Rafael, rescue a squirrel stuck in a fireplace in Kentfield or return a dog to its worried guardian in Mill Valley.
Animal services officers rescue wildlife, investigate cases of cruelty and neglect, free dogs left in hot cars, enforce laws related to animals, ensure rabies control and bring lost pets to safety. Their work is often physically demanding and requires a gentle touch — with people, as well as animals.
“While the work directly involves animals, there's almost always a person connected to that animal,” says Cindy Machado, director of animal services at Marin Humane. “Because of that, it's important we're able to deal effectively and compassionately with people, while at the same time looking out for the animal's welfare, and, of course, public safety.”
For decades, the County of Marin has contracted with Marin Humane for animal services. Nine animal services officers work 24/7 to respond to calls from the public. Officers are trained in investigation techniques, safe animal handling, local ordinances and much more.
In the spring, animal services officers are kept busy helping baby wildlife. If wildlife is injured and our officers believe they can be rehabilitated, they will transport the animal to our friends at WildCare, which has the expertise to care for these special critters.
In the summer and into fall, animal services officers are frequently called to respond to reports of dogs left in hot cars. Officers respond immediately to these calls and if the animal is in distress, the animal will be removed from the vehicle and given care.
Enforcement of both county and state animal cruelty laws is a high priority. Some of the animals that come to Marin Humane are victims of cruelty and neglect. Our officers work closely with law enforcement and the District Attorney's office to ensure that egregious cases are prosecuted.
Many times, our officers provide education to well-meaning but misguided guardians. Teaching proper leash control, how to secure a yard, and explaining the importance of a clean and safe environment for pets is not something every guardian is aware of.
Animal services officers are also “mandated reporters” of child and elder abuse. There are documented links between violence against animals and violence against other vulnerable groups, so our officers serve as another group of eyes and ears to ensure safety in the community.
Probably least known is the important role animal services officers play in Marin County's disaster plan. Emergency supplies, ranging from portable kennels to boats and animal trailers, are warehoused at Marin Humane, and our officers receive ongoing rapid response training.
This week is National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week but we're grateful for their dedication to animals — and people — all year round.
Lisa Bloch is the marketing and communications director at Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Go to marinhumane.org, find us on social media @ marinhumane or email lbloch@marinhumane. org.