Questions For a Local New Jersey Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officers - Not just the dog catcher anymore! I adopted Rosie and Star from The Denville Animal Shelter. Star passed away in 2023. We miss her so much. My little fighter. On the WDHA Rock N' Ruff Roundtable, we aim to cover topics that interest our pet-loving listeners. Pet Rescue, pet friendly, and careers that help the animal community. This time, I wanted to salute one of Morris County's awesome community leaders and give some helpful information to inspire future leaders. Over the years, I have learned so much from local Animal Control Officers who have helped me in the development of the WDHA Rock N' Ruff program. While I wanted to do a community outreach program when I returned to WDHA in 2010 to help our shelter groups, working with local ACOs on proper protocol, animal behaviors and vetting of many of the initiatives we do has been so enlightening and mandatory for being successful with Rock N' Ruff. One of the first I met was Meredith Petrillo from Denville who also runs the Denville Animal Shelter and the Friends of The Denville Animal Shelter Facebook page. What Does An Animal Control Officer Do? Aside from calls about issues locally in the area, ACOs also enforce local and state ordinances, work on cruelty investigations, work with the courts, provide testimony on cases, and everything involving cases and situations in their local jurisdiction. It's a tough BUT very rewarding job for those who want to better the lives of animals and their community. Rosie loves visiting Meredith at the Denville Animal Shelter- her first real home! Today, I'm speaking with Meredith Petrillo regarding her job responsibilities, requirements for the position, and more. I first met Meredith many years ago, when she kindly offered to help me at WDHA after hearing that I was going to do our first adoption event in our parking lot in 2011. Having her help us enabled us to put on a safe, productive event and ensure that I/we would have the education to forge ahead with a successful path as a radio station that wanted to help the rescue community. I have learned so much from her, adopted two dogs from her shelter, and admire her no-nonsense style, compassionate demeanor, and vast experience. Meredith also runs the Denville Animal Shelter, and it is her job to care for all of the animals (dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, etc) that reside at the shelter before they find their forever homes. It's a BIG yet awesome job. I adopted my dog Rosie from Meredith as an 8-week-old pup and adopted my late dog Star from the Denville Animal Shelter as an adult dog. Meredith is wonderful to work with AND is committed to finding the animals in her care fantastic homes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRh3NlRXJoQ ACO Meredith Petrillo gives us info on being an Animal Control Officer and the steps to take if you are interested in a career as an ACO. Thanks, Meredith for hanging with me! for more LOCAL pet-related stories and content click the links below! More Local Pet Content Adopt Itty Bitty on Rock N' Ruff  The Boonton Coffee Shop Helping Animal Rescue   Rosie's Amazing Rescue From A Hoarding Situation 5 Pet-Friendly Laces That ROCK In NJ Opt To Adopt!