ACO Cares Earns National Achievement Award
Posted By SLCo Animal Services
September 30, 2020
Salt Lake County, UT – The Animal Control Officer (ACO) Cares Program has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is pleased to grant Salt Lake County a 2020 Achievement Award for its program titled “ACO Cares Program” in the category of Human Services. Salt Lake County Animal Services operates a much-valued program wherein Animal Control Officers can identify patrons in our community that are in the most need of special services and opt to provide veterinary assistance when appropriate. The Officers carry special cards that they can distribute to residents who need spay and neuter services and the residents can then work with our Clinic to schedule these services. The ACO Cares Program has become one of many tools Animal Control Officers use to help serve the public. Since implementing the program in 2018, nearly 400 animals have received surgeries via this opportunity.
“Salt Lake County Animal Services is constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of the pets and people served within the jurisdiction. Ultimately, their programming and educational opportunities have helped change the image of a municipal shelter both in our area, and across the country,” says Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson.
NACo President Mary Ann Borgeson said, “We are seeing firsthand now more than ever that counties work tirelessly to support our residents. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.
Salt Lake County Animal Services is located at 511 W 3900 S, SLC. Hours of operation are Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM. Due to Covid-19, all services are done by appointment. For additional information call 385-468-7387, email animal@slco.org, visit AdoptUtahPets.org.
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About Salt Lake County Animal Services: Salt Lake County Animal Services adopted a No-Kill philosophy in 2010. Our mission is to provide comprehensive service and care to the animals and citizens we serve in the Salt Lake County Municipal Services District and the cities of Bluffdale, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, and Salt Lake.
About Naco: The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org