Video Length: 44:30
What role does Animal Control play in community lifesaving? Marc Peralta leads a discussion with a panel of expert animal protection change-makers. Hear how animal protection units around the country are thinking about what's next for animal protection.
This presentation was recorded at the 2020 American Pets Alive conference.
As the Senior Director of National No-Kill Advancement, Marc brings together Best Friends' newest initiatives and aligns all things related to developing the knowledge and capabilities of individuals and organizations involved in lifesaving in order to empower them to achieve no-kill in their own backyard. These initiatives include shelter outreach, mentorship, staff-embedding programs, community cat programs, no-kill leadership training, and emergency response training and operations.
Marc is the former Executive Director for Best Friend Animal Society's Los Angeles organization, where he directed program operations. Marc also served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer as well as interim CEO at the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA). In addition to his duties at the Pennsylvania SPCA, Marc also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia. Prior to the PSPCA, Marc worked in animal care manager roles at the Nevada Humane Society in Reno, NV and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs, CO.
Audra started her career in Animal Care and Control by volunteering. After going on a ride-a-long with an Animal Control Officer, she felt Animal care and Control was her calling. Starting as an Animal Control Officer in 2011, Audra moved up the chain quickly becoming an FTO then a Field Supervisor. In 2015 she was tasked with the job of Interim Director and was appointed officially 5 months later. In the past 5 years as Director, Audra and her team has brought the live release rate up from 82% to a 94% and has become more involved with community engagement and helping keep pets in their homes. In 2019 the shelter was able to help over 500 animals stay in their homes through better pet care, building dog houses, micro chipping, vaccines, and free spay/neuter.
Most recently, April served as the Engagement Manager at Austin Animal Center. Prior to that, Animal Protection Supervisor with the Field Services Unit based at the Austin Animal Center for over 10 years. She played an integral role in helping the Animal Services Office become the nation's largest no-kill open-intake animal shelter by developing community policies and programs that promote lifesaving and connect community members with the resources needed to keep their pets safe and healthy. The Field Services Unit serves over 1 million residents in the Austin and Travis County area through response to over 30,000 calls for service, emergency response, neighborhood canvassing and outreach events. April was also an instructor for Maddie's® Lifesaving Academy.
Most recently, April served as the Engagement Manager at Austin Animal Center. Prior to that, Animal Protection Supervisor with the Field Services Unit based at the Austin Animal Center for over 10 years. She played an integral role in helping the Animal Services Office become the nation's largest no-kill open-intake animal shelter by developing community policies and programs that promote lifesaving and connect community members with the resources needed to keep their pets safe and healthy. The Field Services Unit serves over 1 million residents in the Austin and Travis County area through response to over 30,000 calls for service, emergency response, neighborhood canvassing and outreach events. April was also an instructor for Maddie's® Lifesaving Academy.
Christina serves as the Animal Protection Manager for Pima County in Tucson, Arizona. Christina oversees 19 Animal Protection Officers; receiving 20,000 calls for service, which covers over 9,000 square miles. Prior to her work in Pima County, Christina was a Field Training Officer for Austin Animal Protection for five years.