Excelsior Springs – Animal Control Appreciation Week starts April 13th, and Excelsior Springs residents have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedicated officers who keep the city’s animal welfare—and by extension, public safety—in check.
This annual weeklong event helps illuminate the sometimes unknown work of animal control officers and gives the community an opportunity to give back to the people who serve with heart.
Animal control officers in Excelsior Springs are more than just enforcers of municipal codes; they are caregivers, counselors, and community advocates. Their day begins with routine patrols, responding to complaints ranging from barking dogs to wildlife in distress. However, as many residents come to learn, their work involves much more than simply issuing citations.
Melissa Davis, an animal control officer with the agency for more than 20 years, has a well-established motivation and philosophy for her duties. A year before she started in public service, her mother had passed away. She recalled the experience and how it motivated her, saying “I just got off the couch when I got this job, and it kind of gave me reason to get up every day and come to work, and it gave me purpose after I had suffered the loss of my mom.”
The personal passions of their team translate across barriers of humans and animals alike, although there are some misconceptions about their work. For many in the department, inspiration comes from a genuine love for animals.
Animal Control Appreciation Week is not only a time to thank the officers for their hard work but also an invitation for the community to get involved. The officers serve as mediators and caregivers, ensuring that animals are treated with respect and that conflicts between neighbors are resolved amicably.
Davis explained that handling a complaint often means engaging with a pet owner in a deeply personal moment. “When I knock on a door to discuss a complaint, it’s not just about the animal—it’s about listening to someone’s story and finding a solution together,” she noted.
Animal Control Appreciation Week also celebrates the creative ways these officers build bonds with the community. Officers have found methods to build trust and lasting animal partnerships with owners, such as sharing photos and stories of rescued animals on social media, which not only raises awareness but also helps in reuniting lost pets with their families.
“The more we share our work, the more support we get,” Davis commented. “It shows that our community cares.”
Animal control officers Melissa Davis and Melody Nutt shared that they act as matchmakers between future pets and owners. Matching characteristics like family life, energy levels, and even personalities helps to make sure animals are placed in forever homes.
To show their appreciation, residents of Excelsior Springs are encouraged to give back in ways that directly support the animal control team. Donations of pet treats, canned food, or even volunteer time can make a big difference. “These contributions help us care for the animals,” explained Davis.
They also offer free resources to pet owners in need of supplies. Any extra donated supplies, like leashes, food, and more, are on display in their front office and are free to pet owners who need them.
There is no better token of appreciation than empty kennels when animals are matched to good homes. Some pets even have their adoption fees sponsored, so there is no cost to adopters for those animals. There is an application process to ensure the safety of fee-free adoptions; please call animal control at (816) 630-0816 to learn more.
The week serves as a reminder that the safety and well-being of a community depend on the work of its public servants. An animal control officer’s job isn’t just about controlling animals; it’s about building a community where both pets and people can thrive.
As Animal Control Appreciation Week approaches, Excelsior Springs has an opportunity to show their gratitude. Through community outreach, donations, volunteer support, or even a heart on Facebook, residents are not only celebrating the hard work of their animal control officers but also supporting the bonds that make the city a caring and connected place. In recognizing their efforts, the community ensures that every creature—whether human or animal—receives the compassion and care it deserves.
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