Orange County Government Animal Services PIO
Email: Bryant.Almeida@ocfl.net

Orange County Government Health Services PIO
Email: Zachary.Downes@ocfl.net

Orange County Animal Services Named “Outstanding Agency of the Year”

Selected by peers for top award in Florida.

Orange County, FL – Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) has received the “Outstanding Agency of the Year” award from the Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association. With 70 member agencies, FAPAA advances the animal welfare field and oversees the certification of Animal Control Officers and other necessary courses. This award was announced on February 24, 2024, during FAPAA’s annual training conference

OCAS bested Pasco County Animal Services and Brevard Sheriff’s Office Animal Services for the top award. The nomination highlighted the shelter’s cruelty investigations and mitigation programs, community action team, spay and neuter program, the Pneumovirus outbreak response, and outreach and education initiatives. During the 2023 fiscal year, the shelter achieved a 90% overall live release rate and accepted more than 14,000 pets. Notably, OCAS was chosen by peer shelter members of FAPAA.

“The FAPAA awards banquet serves to recognize excellence in this field, as determined by agencies that do the hard work that we do,” Orange County Animal Services Manager Diane Summers said. “It is monumental for us to have this recognition by those who understand the animal welfare field best.”

FAPAA member agencies also recognized two key Orange County Government Animal Services staff members and a community volunteer for the awards: Program Coordinator Jacqueline Caraballo for “Animal Control Officer of the Year,” Specialist Supervisor Monica Martinez for “Supervisor of the Year,” and Isabella Venezio for “Volunteer of the Year.”

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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