The responsibilities of Animal Control extend far beyond managing stray animals. The team is comprised of Supervisor Tammy Austin, a veteran of 14 years, and Officer Jacob Guerrero, who has quickly become a valuable asset since joining the team. Together, they patrol the community, respond to citizen complaints, enforce city ordinances, and provide daily care for the animals at the shelter. Their work often involves entering potentially dangerous situations to handle aggressive, ill, or injured animals, ensuring the safety of the public while providing humane care.
A primary mission for the department is educating the public on responsible pet ownership. Supervisor Tammy Austin believes this is key to solving many of the issues they face. “A large part of our job is about educating citizens on proper care for their animals,” Austin explains. “For example, some people are not aware that a dog needs a rabies shot every year." She emphasizes that their goal is to be a resource for the community, stating, “We’re here to help. If citizens have an animal complaint, they should give us a call. We'll take care of it to the best of our ability or send them in the direction they need.”
The work is not without its emotional rewards. Officer Jacob Guerrero finds fulfillment in seeing the positive transformation of the animals that come into their care. “It’s interesting; sometimes the really shy dogs can come out of their shell once they get here to our shelter,” Guerrero shares. “They start getting used to us feeding them and it seems like they are thinking, ‘Well, people maybe aren’t so bad.’”
The sheer volume of animals they handle is staggering, with hundreds coming through their doors each year. To manage this, the department works closely with invaluable partners like Hope for Paws and other rescue organizations near and far, who help find foster and forever homes for the animals. This partnership is essential to their success. The team’s strong internal bond is just as crucial. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner,” Austin says of Guerrero, highlighting the teamwork that allows them to face the daily challenges of the job safely.
The work of Animal Control is a testament to compassion in action. They are the voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves and a vital service for the safety and health of the entire city.
Join SWARK.Today as we salute the team at Hope Animal Control for their unwavering dedication and service. Their names are as follows:
- Tammy Austin - Animal Control Supervisor
- Jacob Guerrero - Animal Control Officer
Stay tuned for our next SWARK Service Spotlight to learn more about the invaluable public servants who make our communities better every day.
