Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week

WHEREAS, the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) advances the highest standards of professionalism in animal welfare and public safety through education, training, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, NACA has designated the second full week of April as Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week; and

WHEREAS, animal care and control professionals work tirelessly-often under challenging and hazardous conditions-to safeguard public safety while providing humane care and compassionate service to animals and citizens in need; and

WHEREAS, these officers play a critical role in protecting both animals and communities by responding to emergencies, enforcing animal-related laws, promoting responsible pet ownership, and rescuing animals from injury, disease, abuse, neglect, and starvation; and

WHEREAS, federal, state, and local officials across the nation take this opportunity to commend animal care and control professionals for their dedicated service;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 6-11, 2026, as ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and encourage all citizens to honor these professionals for their vital contributions.