Christina Avila | Building Animal Control Around Communication
Christina Avila | Building Animal Control Around Communication
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Christina Avila, Animal Control Services Supervisor for the City of Perris, joins the Top Dog Podcast to talk about her unconventional path into animal welfare, the lessons that shaped her leadership style, and why engagement can sometimes accomplish more than enforcement.
Christina originally studied animal science before life took her through jobs at the DMV and an auto auction. She eventually landed a kennel technician position, became an animal control officer six months later, and discovered a career where she could combine her love of animals with her ability to connect with people.
Her first experience as an animal control officer also taught her what kind of approach she wanted to take. Rather than focusing solely on citations and enforcement, Christina emphasized talking with people, understanding their circumstances, and finding practical ways to resolve cases. She eventually left the field to spend more time with her children, but returned to animal welfare and has now spent more than ten years with her current organization.
A major theme throughout the conversation is empathy. Christina describes learning to step back, reflect, and understand the circumstances behind the people she encounters. She believes animal welfare professionals need to consider factors such as housing instability, substance abuse, financial circumstances, and other challenges rather than treating every pet owner the same.
“I just don’t think we gave people the benefit of the doubt.”
Christina also talks about the importance of providing resources instead of simply telling people what they need to do. Her approach is rooted in asking what can be done to help people keep their animals whenever possible.
“How can we as long as we portray that we’re not judging you. And what can we do for you? What resources can we provide?”
Her experience has also changed the way she thinks about leadership. Christina credits her current leadership team with giving her autonomy and helping her become more empathetic, while she has developed a management style centered on communication, explaining the reasons behind decisions, and trying to understand what her coworkers need.
“Take the chances. Communicate more.”
“I just don’t say do it because I said so.”
For Christina, the journey into animal welfare has been anything but straightforward. Her story is a reminder that careers can take unexpected turns and that the experiences we gain along the way can shape how we serve others.
“Don’t be so discouraged in where your path is leading you like you are here for a reason.”
When asked what she hopes her legacy will be, Christina doesn’t focus on a particular title or accomplishment. Instead, she hopes that something she shared will help someone else and that people will remember her positively.
“One little piece that I’m out there just a smidgen, just a little bit.”
If you’re passionate about helping animals, join the Doobert community where volunteers, fosters, transporters, and organizations work together to save lives every day. Visit Doobert.com to get involved.
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Do you know any Top Dogs we should interview? We’re always looking for amazing people in animal welfare to feature on the podcast. Send us an email at tdp@doobert.com.
