We recently spoke to Trish to hear more about her job as an Animal Management Officer for the City of Greater Geelong.
What does your job involve?
I collect animals that are lost or have strayed from their home including cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, ferrets, sheep, cows and rabbits. Then I do my best to return them to their rightful owner. I also collect surrendered animals from owners who are no longer able to look after them.
What attracted you to the job?
I was working in cattle yards for 10 years, then moved to Geelong. I enjoy working with animals and saw the job advertised, so applied. That was in 2004, 17 years ago.
What pets do you have?
I have one dog, a rottweiler named Suzie who I picked up as a stray puppy five years ago, two cats called Ling and Angus, and one husband!
What's the most unusual animal you've come across?
An alpaca in North Geelong. The owner had passed away and the animal was left in the backyard. Not your typical pet in a residential garden!
What's the best pet reunion story you have?
There are so many great stories. Reuniting any animal with their owner is a privilege. Everyone is excited to be reunited, and it's a wonderful part of my job.
What's the most heartbreaking animal situation you've seen?
I had to assist the police when a grieving pet would not leave their deceased owner. The dog was keeping guard of the body and not allowing anyone to go near it.
The team and I also helped when a large livestock truck containing chickens crashed and rolled in North Geelong. It was a horrible, emotional day where we removed many deceased and injured chickens from the road.
Best piece of advice for pet owners?
Make sure your City registration tag is on your pet at all times, and all microchip information is up-to date, with a second contact person listed. The sooner we can contact you, the sooner we can reunite you with your pet.
What percentage of pets are returned to their owners?
Of the 2,840 taken to Geelong Animal Welfare Service each year, roughly 25 per cent are reclaimed by their owner and 61 per cent are rehomed.
