A Lifetime Dedication to Animal Welfare

Jennifer Diaz, program coordinator for Cruelty and Court Cases at Orange County Animal Services, has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for animals, and this commitment has earned her the Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award recognizes individuals who have spent a minimum of 20 years making consistent contributions to improving animal welfare, animal protection and advancing the profession of animal control within the State of Florida.

“It’s a huge honor to receive this award for a job I absolutely love,” said Diaz, who began her journey with OCAS in 2004 as an Animal Services Officer.

This role required Diaz to have extensive knowledge of regulations to ensure animal safety and well-being, and it provided her with a great opportunity to learn more about domestic animals.

“I saw a chance to turn my passion into a career,” she affirmed.

Diaz is the only OCAS employee to have worked in all four key shelter programs: enforcement, communications, clinic and kennels. After her start in enforcement, she transitioned to the communications team, assisting with live release programs and ensuring a positive customer experience in the adoption and reclaim lobby.

She then transitioned to the clinic, where she prepped animals for spay and neuter surgeries, conducted diagnostic tests, assisted with procedures and triaged emergency cases.

Her final transition before becoming a program coordinator was to the kennels, where she worked as a Shelter Operations Supervisor, overseeing a team of officers and animal care assistants who handled the intakes and day-to-day care of the shelter pets.

“I saw there was so much to learn in each program, and I wanted to be as well rounded as possible,” she said. “Those experiences gave me the tools to succeed in my current role.”

Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services, nominated Diaz for the award.

“Jennifer has an unparalleled level of knowledge, proudly performs her job to the best of her ability, and fights tirelessly for the animals in our care,” Summers said.

Every day, Diaz works to make a difference for animals and pet owners alike. She hopes her efforts leave a lasting impact on the Orange County community and the field of animal welfare.

“I just want people to know I fought hard every day to seek justice, health and safety for all animals,” said Diaz.

For more on programs, services, rescue and heartworm sponsorship, go to Orange County Animal Services.