From reuniting lost pets with their families to rescuing injured wildlife, Wellesley Animal Control Officer Jenny Smith has a job that looks different every day. As the town’s sole Animal Control Officer, Smith responds to everything from loose dogs and missing cats to coyotes, turkeys, and wildlife in distress. We asked Officer Smith to share some practical advice every local family should know—from keeping pets safe year-round and teaching kids how to interact with animals to peacefully coexisting with the wildlife that also calls Wellesley home.
1. What are the most common reasons families contact Animal Control, and how can residents help prevent those situations?
Residents often call Animal Control about wildlife on their property. One of the biggest things to remember is that wildlife was here first, and we need to find ways to coexist.
There are several simple steps residents can take to make their property less inviting to wildlife. Secure trash bins so animals can’t easily access them, fence off vegetable and flower gardens, and consider incorporating plants that wildlife tend to avoid. It’s also helpful to install fencing around and underneath sheds and other structures to prevent wild animals from moving in and making a home there.
2. If a family finds a lost pet—or loses one of their own—what are the first steps they should take, and how can Animal Control help reunite pets with their owners?
If you find a lost pet, the best thing to do is contact the police department or Animal Control. We may already have a report from the pet’s owner and can help reunite them quickly.
Making sure your pet wears a collar with current identification tags and has a registered, up-to-date microchip can make a huge difference. Without identification, it can be much more difficult for us to locate the owner.
If your own pet goes missing, contact the police department or Animal Control right away with a full description of the pet and the area where it was last seen. That way, if someone calls with a sighting—or if we’re checking the area—we’ll know who the pet belongs to.
3. What are some of the biggest seasonal safety concerns for pets in Massachusetts?
Summer heat is always a concern. Leaving a dog in a hot car, even for five minutes, can be life-threatening. I also recommend checking the pavement before taking your dog for a walk. We may not feel the heat through our shoes, but hot pavement can quickly burn a dog’s paw pads.
Both summer and winter temperatures can be dangerous when pets are left outside for too long. Different breeds tolerate temperatures differently. A husky may be perfectly happy lying in the cold and snow but struggle in summer heat, while another dog may enjoy sunbathing but become cold quickly when left outside in the winter.
I also recommend checking your yard before letting your dog outside. You never know what wildlife may be there—a bunny, fox, raccoon, or another animal. Checking first helps protect both your pet and the wildlife.
Dogs should not be left outside unattended. Small dogs can be vulnerable to predators, while larger dogs can get into fights with wildlife. Dogs can also dig under fences and escape without their owners realizing it.
The same precautions apply to cats. While many cats love being outdoors, birds of prey, larger wildlife, and cars can all pose serious hazards to household pets.
4. Many children love interacting with animals. What are your top tips for teaching kids how to safely approach dogs, wildlife, and unfamiliar animals?
Children—and adults—should always ask the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog. Never disturb an animal that is eating, sleeping, or caring for its babies.
If an unfamiliar dog runs toward a child, teach them to stand still with their hands at their sides. If you find a loose dog with no owner nearby and the dog appears uneasy, frightened, or is growling, it’s best to leave it alone, keep an eye on it from a safe distance, and contact the police department or Animal Control for assistance.
Wildlife should always be left alone and should never be handled unless you have been instructed to do so by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
5. What’s one thing you wish every family in Wellesley knew about the role of an Animal Control Officer?
I would love for families to know that the role of an Animal Control Officer goes far beyond catching loose dogs.
Our work includes wildlife rescue, humane education, and community safety. We secure stray pets, reunite lost dogs and cats with their families, and help shelter vulnerable animals. We also assist residents with sick, injured, or nuisance wildlife and help enforce town leash laws and park regulations.
Ultimately, our job is about helping keep both the two-legged and four-legged members of our community safe.
A Rescue Officer Smith Will Never Forget
One of my favorite memories began with an unfortunate situation: a hawk was struck by a truck on Route 9. I was able to capture the injured hawk and transport it to Tufts Wildlife Clinic in Grafton for medical treatment.
Normally, I don’t know what happens to the animals after I bring them in. I generally don’t ask—I just hope for the best.
Several weeks later, Tufts Wildlife contacted me and asked if I wanted to release the hawk back in the area where it had been found.
Watching that hawk fly out of the carrier, across a field, and back into its natural habitat was one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. It’s a feeling I’ll never be able to fully explain, and a reminder that even on the hardest days, there is a reason we, as Animal Control Officers, keep doing this work.
