Animal Control

Article by Seth Pind, Patshanss Morris, and Lameana Nottingham

Published in Spring of 2023

Animal Control & How You Can Help

Have you ever wondered about what the animal shelter is like when you aren’t around? An Animal Control supervisor gave us intel about her history in Hopewell’s Animal Shelter and answered questions about her career. In addition, we also learned about common misconceptions in this field of work and how Hopewell citizens can help the animal shelter and themselves. Animal Control Officers have greatly misunderstood careers at which most don’t think to look twice, but if you take a deeper look into their careers you may find many things that interest you.

Overtaking her previous supervisor, Stella (last name unknown) after her retirement, Amanda Hoak has been Hopewell Animal Control’s supervisor since 2009. She has over 18 years in the field of Animal Control. Hoak graduated from Hopewell High School in the year 2000. When she joined Hopewell Animal Control all that was required was a GED or diploma, then a 3-week course (provided by the city of Hopewell). Officers can be hired as young as 18, anyone under 21 cannot carry a firearm but this doesn’t affect their wages. The starting salary for A.C.O. in Hopewell is around 38k, getting a raise annually. Hoak initially joined Animal Control in order to be a step closer to her goal of becoming a police officer, about which she later changed her mind. 

While talking to Hoak, anyone would notice her personality coming off as very kind and caring, definitely characteristics of people you’d like to see in her field of work. In Hopewell specifically, the officers also run the entire shelter, being fully staffed with only 3-5 staff members. Anyone could imagine this only adds to the list of responsibilities the staff must hold. Hoak continued her career at the shelter after her initial year due to a change of mind, saying she felt as if she was “speaking for the voiceless.” 

Hoak explained there are various misconceptions about her work, including animals they take in. For example, they do not just take dogs and cats into their care. If an animal is in complete distress, they will take it in and care for it, including uncommon animals such as snakes, chickens, and even guinea pigs. Many think that the animals they take in are put down, and though true, they only do so if said animals are far gone enough that they cannot be or won’t accept the help that is given to them. They help people too, not just pets and wildlife. The shelter supports and gives the community animal food, beds, and dog houses so they may rest easy if they are in financial distress. Hoak said that animals that were taken in are mostly dogs, having thirty-six of them (maybe less now) and that “some animals need people, but some people don’t need them.”

Though the A.C.O. work hard, they could use an extra hand or two. Hopewell citizens can help by volunteering for them, donating money, animal food, beds, et cetera, and even adopting an animal from a shelter can help Hoak and her comrades. While volunteering, you may help by doing many things that could be as basic as walking dogs or socializing with cats. You may be asked to bathe animals if they are dirty or clean their droppings and change litter boxes to keep the shelter safe and healthy for the animals in the environment. Another way to support them is donating, which is very helpful for the staff and animals there. You can donate new beds, toys, and many other items for the animals. You can donate (unexpired) dry and wet food, clean towels, and newspapers for the animals there.

Adoption is a complicated process for new owners, but staff have no problem helping you with any issues you're having regarding the process, aftercare, and everything your new pet may need. When getting a pet, you must take into consideration that they require your assistance for mainly everything, and also require a lot of your time and attention. Adopting from the shelter is a riveting way to prevent the crowding of shelters and overpopulation, plus it can make you and your family feel happy, even in times of depression.