As an organization that actually provides a wide range of services and support for animals in the area, ‘Genesee County Animal Control’ didn’t really accurately capture the scope of the work the organization and its volunteers do on a daily basis.
That’s why, on March 18, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution officially changing the name of Genesee County Animal Control to Genesee County Animal Care (GCAC), effective immediately.
The name change is already official on the organization’s active Facebook page and other digital assets, and updates to signage and other public-facing materials will happen over time. The name change, which has been championed by leadership and employees in the organization for years, is intended to better represent the department’s core purpose, values, and day-to-day work as a no-kill shelter.
Enforcing the applicable animal laws remains an important responsibility of the department, but the larger mission is centered on the care, protection, and placement of animals in need. That includes everything from reuniting lost pets with their owners to facilitating adoptions into forever homes. The organization’s work is rooted in compassion and service.
“In our field, the word ‘control’ can carry a stigma that doesn’t reflect who we are or the work we do every day,” said Jay Parker, director of Genesee County Animal Care, in a news release. “As a no-kill shelter, our focus is on compassion, care, and positive outcomes for animals and the people who love them. The new name better communicates our mission and the values that guide our team.”
Genesee County Animal Care provides a wide range of services for residents, including enforcement of Michigan dog licensing requirements, adoption services, trap-neuter-return programming, and assistance for residents seeking help with animals. GCAC also works closely with volunteers and nonprofit partners to secure outside support for food, enrichment, spay/neuter services, and medications, strengthening services while helping contain costs. The practices of adopting the term “Animal Care” has become common in similar facilities nationwide, as it more clearly expresses a mission beyond enforcement and inclusive of services like sheltering, treatment, reunification, and adoption.
“This is not a rebranding as much as it is a recognition of the compassionate, community-centered work this GCAC performs every day,” said Board Chariman Dale K. Weighill in a news release. “They play a vital role in protecting animals, supporting residents, and promoting healthy, safe, and livable communities across our county.”
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