Column: Animal control officers are pros who help pets, public be safe

After more than a decade in animal welfare, I’ve learned that animal control is still one of the most misunderstood parts of our work.

Many still picture a “dog catcher.” But this outdated idea doesn’t reflect the reality of today’s job.

Our animal control officers are out in the field every day. They are responding to calls, checking on animals, talking with pet owners and sometimes stepping into situations that are difficult for both people and animals. They’re part first responder, part investigator, part problem-solver.

It’s also a profession that requires extensive training. In California, animal control officers are required to complete training certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and they operate with limited peace officer authority when enforcing animal-related laws.

With Animal Control Appreciation Week coming up April 12-18, I’ve been thinking a lot about the people who do this vital work. One of them is our new field services captain, Jerry Mai, whom I’d like to introduce you to.

Jerry was born and raised in San Jose, where he developed a strong sense of community and an early desire to help others. Like many of us, his connection to animals started at home, with a Yorkie named Handsome and a guinea pig named Bryce. His childhood pets helped him understand what it means to care for animals and the responsibility that comes with it.

His path into animal welfare work wasn’t direct. He began his career in logistics and supply chain management, where he built leadership experience — but eventually found himself wanting more meaningful, community-focused work.

At the same time, he volunteered with the Human Rights Campaign and advocated for LGBTQ+ equality. That experience pushed him to look for something more connected to service.

In 2016, he took a chance and applied to the Peninsula Humane Society. He didn’t have much professional animal-related experience, but they saw his potential. That opportunity changed the direction of his career.

Jerry went on to grow in the field and later joined Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control as a corporal in the Major Case Unit. There, he worked on complex investigations involving severe animal abuse and neglect, including large-scale cockfighting cases. He was also part of emergency response efforts, helping with evacuations during last year’s massive wildfires.

Jerry shares, “What motivates me most is the impact this work has on both people and animals. Animal control is often misunderstood, but it plays a critical role in public safety, education and community service.”

On any given day, our officers might reunite a lost pet with its family. And later that day, they could be advocating for an animal that has been abused and cannot speak for itself.

Throughout his career, Jerry has been committed to elevating the profession by emphasizing training, professionalism and a community-first approach. And since he joined our organization last year, he’s enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside a team that shares those values.

As he looks to the future, Jerry’s goal is to continue strengthening the relationship between animal control and the communities we serve. He aims to help people better understand the scope of what we do, while building trust and transparency.

Jerry believes that “Ultimately, our work is about creating safer communities, supporting pet owners and ensuring animals are treated with the care and respect they deserve.”

I couldn’t agree more. I’m grateful to our animal control officers, who build a more humane community every day.

To learn more about our animal control services, visit pasadenahumane.org

Pasadena Humane provides animal care and control services for Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.

 

Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on April 10, 2026.