Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week
April 10 to 16 is Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week!
The City of St. John’s Humane Services team play a vital role in the community, responding and providing services where no one else can. They have helped animals abandoned by the owners, provided comfort and love to neglected animals, been an empathetic ear to an overwhelmed pet owner, seen countless deserving animals start a new life in their furrever homes, and so much more.
It takes a truly special individual to work in Animal Care and Control, this week we take a moment to recognize all their hard work and personal sacrifice.
Image of a white and orange cat with her kittens.
Responsing to Calls 24/7
The City of St. John’s Humane Services team provides animal rescue for animals in distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. While also taking care of all the animals housed at the Animal Care Adoption Center, addressing resident animal control complaints, and providing community support for animals in need.
Protecting the Public
The Humane Services team responds to animal threats to public safety, such as dog bite incidents. They are also educated in infectious diseases, including those that can be transmitted from animals to people.
Protecting Animals
The City has two special constables, empowered under the provincial Animal Care and Control Act to investigate abuse and neglect reports. All our Animal Care and Control officers are educated in animal welfare, shelter standards of care and animal behavior.
Celebrating Adoption & Success
Meet Felix! When Felix arrived at Humane Services, he was hairless, scaley, and in pain. Despite this, he had a winning personality and wasn’t going to let his neglect and discomfort get him down.
He quickly won over the staff who took on his care. 
Image of a dog (Felix) with wet hair.
Over the next couple of months, Felix lived at the shelter receiving a daily cocktail of medications to treat his allergies and secondary infections, daily play sessions and snuggle time and twice weekly baths. Slowly but surely his condition improved, his fur grew back and Felix thrived. Finally after 3 months of constant care, Felix was adopted and is now the king in his new home!
Felix is just one of many happy endings made possible by the City of St. John’s Animal Care and Control officers.
Image of a dog (Felix) wearing a grey coat with a red leash.