Dr. Christina Avila
Director
cavila@nacanet.org
Elected 2024 | Term Expires 2027
Dr. Christina Avila is a dedicated animal care professional with over 22 years of combined experience in veterinary technology and animal control. With a Doctorate in Business Administration, Dr. Avila merges extensive practical experience with robust leadership and strategic management skills to advocate for advanced animal welfare and community engagement. Having spent 5 years as a veterinary technician, Dr. Avila developed a deep understanding of animal health and care, which was further enhanced during her 17-year tenure as an Animal Control Officer and Supervisor. Currently overseeing a team of officers and office staff in a city with a population of 80,000, Dr. Avila has been instrumental in shaping effective animal control policies and programs that reflect the community’s needs.
Under Dr. Avila’s leadership, the animal control department has successfully implemented a six-kennel capacity shelter to hold pets for better return to home opportunities, a comprehensive community cat program, and proactive spay and neuter initiatives, all while providing free microchipping services to enhance pet identification and reunification efforts. Additionally, Dr. Avila has fostered a strong partnership with different stakeholders, reinforcing a collaborative approach to animal welfare within the region.
Dr. Avila is passionate about sharing knowledge and resources within the animal control community, advocating for best practices, and promoting innovative solutions to challenges faced by agencies nationwide. Committed to enhancing the quality of life for both animals and the communities they serve, Dr. Avila strives to influence policy changes, foster community partnerships, and advance education and training in animal care and control. Dr. Avila is an avid animal welfare advocate and enjoys participating in community outreach initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership and enhance public awareness of animal-related issues
Industry Experience
Veterinarian Medicine
Sheltering
Animal Control/Field Services
Leadership
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business
Masters in Business Administration
Doctorate in Business Administration
Certified Animal Control Officer (California)
Other Board Service
AAWA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
BIPOC in Animal Well-Being Collective