“If I can work with the community to do what they need to do, without needing to seize animals or take an enforcement action, that’s a success.” Officer Ignaszewski says, standing in one of the offices at the Animal Care Center. “Whether it’s encouraging the community member to finish a fencing project so their dog doesn’t run at large, or taking an action without me writing them a ticket, that’s a successful day.”

Officer Ignaszewski is one of the nine Environmental Services Officers, dedicated to animal-related calls for service. Those nine join 30 civilian employees who work at the Animal Care Center.  

From investigating cases of mistreatment to assisting community members looking to add a pet to their lives and educating about proper care and treatment, Environmental Services Officers and civilian shelter staff at the Animal Care Center work hand in hand.

These dedicated employees will tell you no two days are the same. 

“My day starts with checking on the cat colonies in the County at boat landings and recreation centers.” Officer Ignaszewski says. “After that, we handle the calls that fall into our laps that day.”

Environmental Services Officers spend their days spread out across Horry County, responding to calls for service. Calls can vary, from educating community members about proper care and treatment under Horry County Ordinances to picking up pets that may be nuisances, strays, or otherwise need help. 

In March 2025, Environmental Services Officers had 1,053 animal-related calls for service. 

Meanwhile, civilian staff are caring for pets at the ACC, providing resources to community members in need, and facilitating adoption events.

“My day consists of cleaning and feeding dogs in the morning, then enrichment and socialization.” Kennel attendant Harleigh Gray says. 

“When I was in the kennels, I walked dogs, cleaned kennels, and helped the officers who brought in dogs.” Administrative Assistant Jalyn Watson says. “The officers would bring in dogs, I’d take them off the truck, and help them through the intake process. Now in the front office, I answer questions from the community through emails and phone calls.”

While their days look different on each side, officers and shelter staff work together on animal-related investigations.

“We have had civilian shelter staff members join us on calls where we’ve had to pick up multiple pets. We’re out in the mud, catching these dogs that run away from us. We’re sweaty, tired, but you finish the task.” Officer Ignaszewski says.

“The officers help us understand the situation the animals come from, and why they may act or behave the way they do,” Jalyn says. “We work together to try to make the animal’s intake as peaceful as possible.” 

However, that’s not the only time staff see the camaraderie.

“We work together at adoption events and events where the ACC was invited to participate, like car shows. I walked a few of the dogs at an event last year, trying to help get them adopted.” Officer Ignaszewski says.

“The officers help us as much as they can.” Kennel Attendant Brianna Richardson says. “We have a great relationship with them.” 

“It’s very rewarding to be able to work with the officers to help stop animal mistreatment and cruelty in our community,” Harleigh says. 

“Our staff is phenomenal; they all love animals and take a lot of pride in their work. I can't say enough about the creativity that they bring each day to do more with less.” Lt. Crystal Buckingham, Executive Director of the Animal Care Center, says. 

Both sworn and civilian staff recognize that to be successful in the mission of the Animal Care Center, it takes teamwork, often in the face of adversity and negativity.

“Our jobs aren’t all rainbows and butterflies. We don’t get to play with puppies all day.” Jalyn says. “We often see the reality and impact of animals being mistreated or given up on.”

“Animal care can be a very stressful environment to work in, there is a lot of emotion involved for both our community members and our staff. When the community, our officers, and our animal care staff work in harmony to identify and resolve our day-to-day challenges regarding animal welfare, it's a win for us." Lt. Buckingham says. 

Each year, the second full week in April is designated as National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week.

This week recognizes the hardworking men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting the welfare of helpless animals and pets rescued from injury, disease and mistreatment; as well as those who educate about and enforce animal laws, and educate the community on proper care and treatment of pets and animals. The Horry County Animal Care Center works to provide excellent care and humane treatment for all animals while maintaining a clean and healthy environment and promoting and providing healthy adoptions.