Last week was Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week and this week was Animal Cruelty Awareness Week. A lot of things about these weeks can go hand in hand and compliment each other. As opposed to just sharing some facts and statistics we decided to reach out to our Melrose Animal Control Officer, Coral. We asked her some simple, yet complex, questions about her job and some advice to share with pet owners. We sincerely appreciate her taking the time answer our questions so we can bring them to you!  Our Q&A is as follows:

Q – What made you want to become an animal control officer?

A – I have been working in the animal fields  as a groomer, farm hand, pet store manager, veterinary technician for the past 30 years and I have a criminal justice degree. I decided to combine the two and started taking courses on my own with the National Animal control association to train in the Animal Control Field. After a few years of looking for a position in this field I applied for the Melrose Animal Control position and have been happily here ever since.

 

 

Q – What is your favorite part of your job?

A – Happy Endings!!!!  In my line of work there is a lot of sad situations I deal with daily, so when we have a happy outcome it make my job worth it.

 

Q – What is your best piece of advice to pet owners in regards to their animals safety?

A – This Is a difficult one to explain but I will try….Never underestimate people, children and animals when it comes to your pet. Every encounter with your pet is different, could be the same person but different environment. You are the only person that can keep your pet safe and others safe from your pet. Any child, person, or pet can become uncomfortable and change the way he/she reacts to a situation. The friendliest of animals can react in an aggressive/protective way for an unknown reason, Fright ,fear ,or excitement. A child or an adult can do something to an animal that makes he/she react in such a way he/she never has. Encounter every situation with a bit of caution until you feel the situation is safe and then continue to monitor for changes.  

 

Q – What do you wish people knew/understood more about the Animal Control Department?

A – 70% of my job is educating the community, the other 30% is reuniting families with lost pets, and helping injured animals the best way I can. As much as I would love to help more with wildlife state laws protect those little guys and we have to learn to live together even when they want to chase us down the street and peck our tires……