Careers In Animal Shelters

Dr. Angela Hines, DVM B.S. Biology, Truman State University

Kirksville, Missouri Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, College of

Veterinary Medicine-University of Missouri Columbia

How Does One Decide to Choose a Career at a Animal Shelter?

Started my career in private practice to corporate practice.

Career change working for a humane society.

Transition phase working at a animal control facility.

Detroit Animal Control The Detroit Animal Control Center

was built in 1925.

Detroit Animal Control Located in southwest Detroit at 3511 W. Jefferson.

Just past the Ambassador Bridge to Canada. Cross streets are W. Fort Street and 24th street.

Detroit Animal Control Center provides the following services: Captures and cares for the City’s stray and

unwanted animals Enforces animal related ordinances Identifies and licenses as many dogs as possible Provides adoption of spayed and neutered animals

to suitable homes Provides vaccinations of animals to the public Educates the public regarding responsible pet

ownership

Staff (33 positions)

1 Administrator 4 Supervisors 1 Dog Pound Assistant 3 Investigators 17 Animal Control

Officers 1 Veterinarian 1 Veterinary

Technician

1 Senior Typist 3 Typists 1 Building Attendant

Administrator Job Functions

Prepare and monitor budget Develop and implement policies and

procedures Monitor and develop ordinance

amendments Manage the operation of animal care, pet

licensing, enforcement, and veterinary clinic

Develop new programs/submit proposals

Administrator Job Functions (con’t)

Prepare monthly reports Respond to citizen complaints-verbal & written Supervise and assist direct reports Design and revise Animal Control computerized

reports and website Recruit, interview, and hire of new employees Meetings with Neighborhood City Halls, Police

department, Mayor’s Office, and Post Office

Veterinarian- Job Functions

Performs vaccinations of animals Examines and evaluates condition of animals prior to

adoption Conducts rabies observation for animals in

quarantine Plans, schedules, and review activities of veterinary

technician Assists in performing lab tests and treatment of

animals Performs surgical services Visual exam of all animals for disease or illness

Ordinances Enforced (Common)

Leash law Dog License Dogs that have bitten a person must be

quarantined for rabies observation Unlawful to harbor a vicious dog Unlawful to keep wild or farm animals Unlawful for loud or habitual barking

Main Lobby

Veterinary Clinic

“Bo Bo”-The Ho Bo!.

Adoptions

Kennels-Strays and Quarantine

Cat Room

QUARANTINE/CONFISCATE

Dog was confiscated for mauling and biting a child in the face. It is held in quarantine a minimum of 10 days for rabies observation.

quarantine

Dog Fighting

Work with Detroit Police dog fighting task force

Refer suspected fighting to Detroit Police and the Michigan Humane Society

Fight Victim

Detroit Animal Control This pair of sheep

were captured walking down the street in southwest Detroit.

A farm animal that was confiscated from citizens front porch.

More Farm Animals