After cutting ties with PAWS, Crestview gets new Animal Control Service leader, employees

Special to the Northwest Florida Daily News/USA TODAY NETWORK
·2 min read

CRESTVIEW — With over 150 calls taken, the city's Animal Control Service is full steam ahead with Officer Kathryn Healey at the helm.

Healey has been serving Okaloosa County and the surrounding areas for five years and is helping Crestview improve animal control service in the city.

"It has always been a dream of mine to change the lives of animals," Healey said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to help build Crestview’s new Animal Services division and look forward to the positive impact we will have in our community, not just for the animals but our citizens as well.”

Crestview's new Animal Control Service is headed by Officer Kathryn Healey.
Crestview's new Animal Control Service is headed by Officer Kathryn Healey.

Background on new Animal Control: City of Crestview severs ties with PAWS, will create independent animal control division

Related: PAWS Executive Director Tracey Williams has resigned after 18 months

In the two months following the decision not to renew services with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, the city has had nine employees complete the Florida Animal Control Association's Animal Control Certification Course. That makes a total of 10 employees, including Healey, certified to perform animal control duties for Crestview.

Some of those certified include police officers, code enforcement officers, the police chief, and even City Manager Tim Bolduc.

Crestview's Animal Control Service Officer Kathryn Healey carries an animal. She has worked for the city for five years.
Crestview's Animal Control Service Officer Kathryn Healey carries an animal. She has worked for the city for five years.

By the middle of April, the city will have two animal control facilities in use, a newly remodeled space at 715 N. Ferdon Blvd. in Crestview and the Laurel Hill facility previously used by PAWS.

Officer Kathryn Healey, who leads Crestview's new Animal Control Service, catches a snake. The new department has had 10 employees certified in animal control since the city's contract with Panhandle Animal Welfare Society ended.
Officer Kathryn Healey, who leads Crestview's new Animal Control Service, catches a snake. The new department has had 10 employees certified in animal control since the city's contract with Panhandle Animal Welfare Society ended.

"When we started this process in January, we knew there would be some challenges," Bolduc said. "With the expertise that Healey brings, combined with the updated facilities, we are equipped to provide a level of service consistent with our mission, and it's only going to improve from here."

The city is accepting food, bedding, and toys for dogs and cats. The Crestview Police Department at 201 Stillwell Blvd. is the drop-off point for donations.

For a complete list and link to the Animal Services Amazon Wish List, visit www.cityofcrestview.org.

Those interested in volunteering can email Healey at healeyk@cityofcrestview.org.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Officer Kathryn Healey selected head of Crestview Animal Control