NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK
National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week is celebrated every second full week of April. The week is designed to thank you and show appreciation to all the animal control officers who are dedicated to helping pets and people in the community every day.
Animal control officers pick up stray animals and sometimes even DOA’s (Dead on Arrival). There is more to their job. Officers seek justice in cases of abused, neglected, and abandoned animals; they conduct humane investigations and bring in helpless animals. They protect animals from abusers and people from dangerous animals.
There are times when people have viewed animal control officers in a negative light. The view of the “dog catcher” who sneaks around trying to catch dogs out of their yard or wanting to take people’s animals. These misconceptions are detrimental to the officers when they are trying to work with the community to help protect them from dangerous animals and also protect their animals.
HOW TO OBSERVE #AnimalControlOfficerWeek
- If you see the local animal control officer this week, give him or her a thumbs up or a pat on the back.
- Pet owners, license and tag your pet. Your local animal control officer will be happy knowing regular vaccination protocols have been followed. The tag (or chip implant) will help the officer identify the animal and you, the owner.
- Follow on social media #AnimalControlAppreciationWeek, or #NACOAW.
- Follow on the Facebook page @nationalanimalcareassociation or visit their website at www.nacanet.org for more info.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK HISTORY
This appreciation week is endorsed by the National Animal Care & Control Association.