Building Connections and Community:
A Day with Northern Nevada’s
Animal Control Officers
In a significant step toward community-centered animal care and control, the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) recently hosted a one-day event in Reno, Nevada, bringing together animal control officers from the Northern Nevada region. Funded by a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund, this gathering focused on empowering officers with the skills, tools, and connections needed to foster stronger relationships through their role within the community.
The event provided officers with a unique space to network, learn from each other, and gain practical skills they could apply immediately. Topics centered around personal growth, community engagement and included sessions on communication techniques and innovative approaches to establishing deeper trust with the communities they serve. Officers learned strategies designed to help them communicate effectively with community members, resolve conflicts, and create partnerships that support animal welfare.
Participants didn’t just leave with new knowledge—they left with tangible tools to help implement what they learned. For example, officers were given supplies for practical community tasks like fence mending, reinforcing the idea that animal control work often involves helping residents directly care for their pets and property. Additionally, communication tools provided at the event were crafted to help officers better navigate conversations and build positive interactions with the people they serve.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared purpose. Officers from different departments connected over their common goals and challenges, forming a network that will help them support each other beyond the event.
Reflecting on the day’s impact, one participant shared, “This event reminded me of why I do this work. It’s not just about animals—it’s about the people and communities we support.”
With thanks to Maddie’s Fund, this 4th grant-funded community focused service event is part of our broader shared mission to enhance community relationships and elevate the animal care profession. By investing in community engagement, NACA and Maddie’s Fund are helping animal control officers build stronger, more compassionate connections with the communities they serve.
This event represents just one example of how NACA is working to create lasting change through community-focused initiatives—and we look forward to more opportunities to bring officers together, inspire new approaches, and foster community partnerships that truly make a difference. #ThankstoMaddie
