Celebrating Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week & Honoring Those Who Protect Our Pets

At The Good Dog Spot, we believe that every pet deserves a safe, loving environment which is  why during the second full week of April every year we celebrate Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week. The National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) reminds us Animal Control Officers (ACOs) do more than just enforce laws, they’re first responders for animals in need, providing lifesaving care, rescuing the lost, preventing cruelty, and educating the public. Just like other public safety and law enforcement professionals, they deserve a moment in the spotlight for their dedication and sacrifices.

During this special time to honor the hardworking professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting animals in our communities we’d like to recognize the ACOs in our local community.

Shining a Light on Our Local Animal Control Officers

Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center (TJO), is a standout organization in our area dedicated to providing critical services such as pet rescue, adoption, and animal welfare advocacy. Their compassionate team works tirelessly to reunite lost pets with their families, find loving homes for animals in need, and educate the public on responsible pet ownership.

TJO is the largest regional animal control program in Massachusetts with five ACOs providing animal control services to Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke. These officers work tirelessly – responding to domestic animal-related calls seven days a week from 7am-10pm and to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.  That amounts to over 4,000 animal-related calls being responded to annually and temporary housing provisions for over 3,200 stray and abandoned animals each year.

At The Good Dog Spot, we deeply admire TJO’s commitment to animal welfare, and we encourage our community to show their support. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, there are many ways to thank the incredible people behind this mission.

How You Can Show Your Appreciation

Want to get involved? Here are a few ways you can support local animal control officers and shelters:

• Say thank you! A simple note of appreciation to Animal Control Officers can go a long way.
• Donate supplies. Many shelters, including TJO, need essentials like pet food, toys, and cleaning supplies.
• Support homeless animals. Donate to the Foundation for TJO Animals as they work to raise much needed funds to help local, homeless animals.
• Volunteer your time. Shelters always welcome extra hands for pet care, events, and administrative help.
•  Adopt, don’t shop. If you’re looking to expand your family, consider adopting from a shelter.

Speaking of… Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is coming up soon!

As we celebrate the heroes in animal care and control, let’s not forget Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30th. It’s a day centered on an important reminder of the many pets still waiting for their FURever homes. All adoptable animals are listed on TJO’s website adoption page. If adoption isn’t an option for you right now, you can still help by fostering or sharing adoptable pets on your social media.

We’re proud at The Good Dog Spot to be part of a pet-loving community that values the safety, happiness, and well-being of all animals. Thank you to all the animal care and control professionals who work tirelessly to protect and advocate for our pets. We appreciate you!

If you want to learn more about Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center? Visit their website at tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com, plus you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram

Pictured are three of the five Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center ACOs: ACO Rondinello, ACO Lazu, and ACO Lawson.