by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know, few people truly know and understand what the job of an Animal Control Officer entails beyond “dog catcher”. Our 24/7 ACOs respond to dogs running loose, all animals hit by cars; law enforcement requests for DWI arrests, accidents, human welfare checks and in the execution of warrants when animals are present; sick & injured pets and wildlife; the abandoned and orphaned; animals in distress i.e. ducklings in a drain; waterfowl in trouble with fishing lines; frozen lake rescues; house fires, evictions, emergency housing situations etc. ACOs handle reports of dog bites, town dog ordinance violations and complaints, conduct dog license enumeration, and assist other animal welfare organizations. It’s challenging, rewarding and can be emotionally draining.
Below is a well written observation about the Animal Control experiences posted on Facebook by the New Jersey Community Animal Shelter.
“Animal Control Officers don’t just respond to calls — they walk into neglect, cruelty, fear, poverty, addiction, mental illness, and sometimes violence. They go where others won’t go. They see things most people are fortunate enough to never witness.
They pick up animals who have been beaten, starved, dumped, or left to die.
They kneel in the dirt comforting a dog whose entire world has failed them.
They stand in driveways and living rooms where emotions run high and danger is real.
They absorb anger, grief, and heartbreak — and somehow still lead with compassion.
And then they get back in their trucks and go to the next call.
They don’t get headlines.
They don’t get recognition.
Many days, they don’t even get understanding.
What they do get are memories that don’t fade… the faces they couldn’t forget… the lives they fought for… and sometimes the losses they carry long after their shift ends.
My staff shows up anyway.
They show up tired.
They show up heartbroken.
They show up after seeing the worst humanity can offer — and still choose kindness.
They sacrifice holidays, family dinners, sleep, emotional peace, and sometimes their own sense of safety so that animals who have no voice will have someone willing to stand for them.
This job changes you!!!
It hardens you in some ways… but if you’re doing it right, it also breaks your heart a little every single day.
And still — they come back tomorrow.
Because to them, this isn’t just a job.
It’s a calling.
It’s service.
It’s love in its rawest, most selfless form.
To my Animal Control Officers: I see the weight you carry that the public never sees. I see the compassion you refuse to lose in a world that often makes it difficult to care. I see the strength it takes to keep going when the work hurts.
You are not “just” Animal Control.
You are protectors of the voiceless.
You are guardians in moments of crisis.
You are the difference between suffering and mercy.
Thank you for showing up — even when it costs you pieces of your heart.
You are appreciated.
You are respected.
You are the animals’ heroes… even when no one is watching.”
In recognition of National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.
Pet of the Week:
Adoption applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
