South Lake Tahoe shelter participating in National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week

National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week is April 7 through 13, 2019, a time to recognize the many contributions of Animal Services officers, shelter and office staff, and volunteers in El Dorado County.

“Working and volunteering in the animal services field requires a strong passion for helping animals and serving others,” said Henry Brzezinski, Chief of El Dorado County Animal Services. “The work can sometimes be difficult, but we love what we do. We are very grateful for our dedicated staff and volunteers!”

According to Brzezinski, the work of Animal Services happens 24-hours a day, seven days per week, and regardless of weather conditions. Animal Services Officers respond to day-to-day animal care and control needs, and may also be called out at any time, including in the middle of the night, to respond to emergency situations.

“Our officers actively respond to emergencies, such as wildfires or floods,” said Brzezinski. “We work side-by-side with other emergency responders to ensure that animals stay safe, and to reunite lost and frightened animals with their owners. Animal Services regularly coordinates with community partners such as local fire agencies, search and rescue teams, the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, and animal welfare groups, and provides mutual aid to other agencies.”

Animal Services also responds to situations where domestic animals may be neglected, abused, or starving; and situations where a dog or wild rabid animal may have bitten someone. “In each situation, our first concern is for the safety of residents and the animals,” said Brzezinski. “We strive to educate and partner with residents on animal care and control activities whenever possible.”

In addition to field services and emergency services, Animal Services also operates two animal shelters in the County; one on the West Slope and one in South Lake Tahoe. Animal Services takes in abandoned and stray dogs, cats, livestock and other domestic animals, reunites lost pets with their owners, and arranges for the adoption of unwanted animals to loving homes. Animal Services support staff provide care for all of the animals located at each of the County animal shelters every day and coordinate adoptions. A team of community volunteers assists shelter staff with tasks such as fostering kittens, walking dogs at the shelter, helping with laundry or cleaning, taking photos of adoptable pets so that the photos can be posted online and found by potential adopters, and more.

“In a smaller, rural county like El Dorado, we are very fortunate to have the wonderful staff and volunteers that we have, as well as our partnerships with other agencies,” said Brzezinski. “I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of these individuals who work alongside us every day to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the animals in our county.”

El Dorado County Animal Services’ two facilities are located at 6435 Capitol Avenue in Diamond Springs and at 1120 Shakori Drive in South Lake Tahoe. The shelters are open Monday through Saturday; closed on major holidays. For information about Animal Services, including specific program information, a shelter wish list and volunteer opportunities, call (530) 621-5795 on the west slope or (530) 573-7925 in South Lake Tahoe, or visit www.edcgov.us/animalservices.

- El Dorado County Health & Human Services Agency