MUSCATINE, Iowa–Since December of 2021, Courtney Patel has served as Muscatine’s animal control officer. Her first time serving in this capacity, Patel has ambitions to positively engage with the Muscatine community to keep both its animal and human residents safe.
Always an animal lover, Patel jumped at the opportunity to serve as Muscatine’s animal control officer. “Getting to spend my day working with and protecting animals was something I had a passion for,” she said. “Getting to live that, daily, is a dream come true.” To prepare for the role, she completed the National Animal Care and Control Association’s level two animal control certification.
For Patel, each day on the job looks a little different, as animal control officers handle many different situations. In addition to reuniting lost pets with their families, investigating reports of animal neglect, and responding to animal bite and aggression calls, Patel also works to educate the public about the importance of vaccinations and about city pet regulations.
In her new role as animal control officer, Patel hopes to better inform Muscatine residents about vaccinating and registering their pets with the city in an effort to bring more people into compliance with city code. “It’s important for the health and safety of our community members,” she emphasized.
Patel would also like to encourage more communication between the community and animal control to ensure everyone that their concerns will get take care of and to work together on other issues, such as reducing the number of stray and feral animals. “I always want the public to know I hear their concerns and that I’m here to address them,” she assured.
Over the last several months, Patel has already started putting her goals into action by working with the Muscatine Humane Society and It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources to hold several vaccination and licensing clinics. She shared: “I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of our community members and their beloved pets. Getting a chance to get these animals that haven’t ever been vaccinated taken care of and being sure they receive microchips to ensure their safe return has been truly heartwarming.”
