New Animal Care and Control Director Announced
Lake County Welcomes Our New Animal Care and Control Director
The Lake County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gregory Wilkins as Animal Care and Control Director following a nationwide recruiting effort.
Gregory Wilkins’s appointment was retroactive to Monday, October 21, 2024. Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors Bruno Sabatier noted during the board meeting that “this important appointment provides our Animal Care and Control department the foundation to move forward in serving our communities.”
Gregory Wilkins has served in a variety of animal care-focused capacities across six states, working his way from Veterinary and Kennel Technician roles to high responsibility shelter and program management positions. He most recently served as Shelter Manager for Dallas (TX) Animal Shelters where he led the major metropolitan city government’s Animal Care and Behavior efforts while supervising a team of 45 employees. His experience also includes serving in Florida as Shelter Manager for Escambia County and as Shelter Operation Manager of Hillsborough County, and also as Manager of Lifesaving Programs for Best Friends Animal Society in Northwest Arkansas.
Over the last seven years, Wilkins held progressively responsible assignments, building a wealth of knowledge and experience that supported his goal to lead an animal welfare organization. Supervisor Sabatier shares the board’s confidence that “Gregory Wilkins has the skills and experience to effectively manage the full breadth of Animal Care and Control’s services, including our veterinary clinic. His strong passion for animal welfare is well demonstrated, and we look forward to his leadership in the department. We are very pleased Director Wilkins has chosen Lake County to continue his career.”
Wilkins thanked the Lake County Board of Supervisors, ending with “the Board of Supervisors’ trust means a lot. Lake County is a beautiful place, and it has already become clear to me that the residents care deeply about the well-being of their animals. I am really excited to get to know everyone and to help build on the strengths that are already here in Lake County’s communities. I am very happy to be here!” To watch the announcement, click here.
As Director, Wilkins is excited to work on long-term strategies to find more homes for pets in the shelter and support the community, keeping families and pets together whenever possible, and helping residents and their pets live their best lives!