MEET OUR MANAGER Ashley Woolnough
On May 17th , Arlington Animal Services welcomed our new Animal Services Manager Ashley Woolnough to the team . We are so excited to have her experience and excitement in the shelter as we all work towards our common goals . Get to know Ashley a little better with this fun Q & A !
Why did you wish to come to Arlington Animal Services ? To expand my skills and join a progressive animal services team to best serve the citizens in our community as well as work together to improve responsible pet ownership .
Why did you decide to work for open intake shelters and animal control ? I began working in municipal animal sheltering right out of college and really enjoy the work and impact we can make by collaboratively working with other shelters , cities , departments , organizations and our community . I enjoy helping our citizens find solutions for their animal related issues as well as improving animal culture . The impact we can make together is the driving force behind my passion .
What are your biggest inspirations ? The ever-changing animal industry . We are always working to improve what we are doing , how we are doing it , and how to best provide care and service for our pets and citizens .
What are your goals for the next year ? To resume outreach and educational programs , expand our foster and volunteer programs and to work with our field team in continuing to find proactive methods and solutions for our community . By working together , educating , and involving our community and surrounding areas , we will improve the lives of animals .
What do you love most about your job ? The opportunities that arise to collaborate in creating progressive and pawsitive change for animal sheltering and services .
What is your vision for AAS ? To bring our community together to improve the lives of animals and responsible pet ownership . No one person can do it all , it takes a village to be successful , and I hope that AAS can develop deep relationships with our community and local business owners to provide an incredible animal culture for Arlington .
What is your favorite story or memory while working for animal services ? There have been SEVERAL . There are ones that are off the wall crazy , like the time there was a seizure and my office ended up housing a monocled albino cobra until we could find a certified person to care for it . Another time was being able to help a citizen in need from a bad domestic situation . We were able to help her find resources that she needed , as well as set up temporary care for her two pets . There are so many different things that we do in animal services that are rewarding and you truly never know what each day will bring . I enjoy this career because it provides different opportunities each and every day .
What is your favorite animal ? My favorite animal is a tie between the Black Rhino and a Bonobo , their personalities and quirks are so endearing to me . I had the opportunity to do my internship with the Fort Worth Zoo and developed a love , specifically , with these two animals . Oddly enough , a zoo and an animal shelter have equal , but opposite goals . Zoos work to advance the survival of animals and ensure they will remain a part of our planet , working with conservation and Species Survival Plans , however , Animal Control works to address the pet over-population problem and educate the community in regards to responsible pet ownership . Although there are different priorities for the two industries , there is 100 % overlap on the level of care , concern and love the caretakers have for the animals in their care .
What advice can you give to the volunteers , networkers , and supporters of Arlington Animal Services ? Know that we are all working for the same goal . We are working to help animals in need , provide safety , love , and comfort for the abandoned and unwanted pets in Arlington , and are looking to give each and every adoptable pet a second chance . Let ’ s use our connections , our passions and our experience to work together , as a community , to improve the lives of animals .
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