What month has more animal awareness events than April? Not only is it Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, but there are also many other pet health and well-being awareness activities going on as well. Pet first aid awareness, heartworm and Lyme disease prevention, dog bite prevention, pet ID awareness…to name just a few.

But this week gives us all a chance to thank the hard-working animal care and control professionals in our communities for the dedicated work they do (in often difficult conditions) to help pets in need. National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week is an opportunity to recognize the people who save the lives of trapped and injured animals, and rescue abused and neglected pets in sad living situations.

Be sure to say “thank you” the next time you see an animal control officer trying to catch a runaway dog streaking through your neighborhood! You can check out the website of the National Animal Care & Control Association to learn more about what these professionals do in your town.

Images via the NACA Facebook page.