Celebrating Excellence in Animal Care and Control
The National Animal Care & Control Association understands that the work done by animal care and control professionals across the country is physically and emotionally demanding and requires individuals of the strongest character. We have been recognizing individuals, agencies, organizations, and state associations for more than 25 years on the national level for their service within the animal care and control field. In the world of animal care and control, exceptional individuals, agencies, and state associations stand as beacons of hope, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our industry. Every year, the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) shines a spotlight on these remarkable heroes through its annual awards program. As we wrap up 2026, our 47th year, it is our great pleasure to introduce you to the inspiring winners who have been honored for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Animal Control Officer of the Year:
Alex Harbaugh
Deputy, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department (Tennessee)
NACA is proud to highlight Deputy Alex Harbaugh as the winner for Animal Control Officer of the Year. Deputy Alex Harbaugh has redefined what animal control can look like in a community. From the moment he stepped into the role, Alex chose not to simply maintain the status quo. He raised the bar. He became the first officer in his division to actively pursue and achieve NACA certifications, continuously seeking out additional training and even enrolling in college courses to strengthen his impact in the field. Alex has helped rebuild the Jefferson County Animal Control Division, restoring structure, professionalism, and credibility. His leadership has not only strengthened operations but has also regained the trust of the community, a feat that cannot be overstated. He leads by example, mentoring new officers and setting a standard that others are now following, including recruiting and guiding a new officer through the same training path he carved.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition as NACA Animal Control Officer of the Year 2026. I want to recognize the deputies and officers I work with every day. Your role in serving this community is critical, and the assistance you provide when needed is appreciated. I respect the work you do.
I am grateful for the leadership and support from those above me at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office who trust me to carry out this responsibility and give me the ability to serve my community the way it deserves.
I am also proud to have created the Safe & Sound Paws Initiative. The initiative is dedicated to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of animals in our community by providing durable shelter, essential resources, and educational support to pet owners. Through collaboration with animal control, local organizations, and community members, it works to create a safer environment for pets and their families, fostering a community where every animal has a warm, secure place to call home.
To animal control officers across the country, this recognition speaks to the work we all know too well. This job is not easy. It is often unseen, emotionally demanding, and requires a level of dedication that cannot be explained unless you have lived it. The work you do matters, and it makes a difference every single day.
I am proud to be part of this profession and thankful for the opportunity to be a voice for the voiceless.”
“This work has never been about one person. It’s about the animals in our care and the people who show up for them every day. Municipal shelters operate at the intersection of public safety, community need, and animal welfare, and real progress comes from transparency, positive partnerships, and meeting people where they are. I’m proud to be part of that work.”
Animal Shelter Professional of the Year: Armando Tejeda
Chicago Animal Care and Control (Illinois)
NACA is proud to highlight Armando Tejeda for Shelter Professional of the year. Armando has redefined what it means for a municipal shelter to serve its community. During his time at Chicago Animal Care and Control, he has worked to position the shelter as a public service agency rooted in transparency, accountability, and proactive support. By consistently sharing and contextualizing data on intake, outcomes, and operations, Armando has built trust with city leadership, media, and the public, reinforcing his belief that meaningful progress in animal welfare begins with clarity.
His leadership is marked by innovative, community-driven initiatives that address challenges before they reach the shelter doors. From launching No Empty Bowls, a pet food distribution effort that helped hundreds of families keep their pets during a time of economic strain, to creating CACC Sound Sessions, which brings live music into the shelter to enrich the lives of animals and engage local youth, Armando has demonstrated that impactful change does not require large budgets, but thoughtful vision.
Inaugural Rookie of the Year Award:
Thomas Young-Bayer
ACO, Juneau Animal Rescue (Alaska)
NACA is proud to highlight Thomas Young-Bayer for Rookie of the year. Officer Thomas Young-Bayer has demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience during one of the most challenging operational periods in Juneau Animal Control’s recent history. Joining the department amid staffing shortages and leadership transitions, he quickly became a stabilizing force, consistently stepping forward to cover extended shifts, respond to emergency callouts, and support daily operations. His professionalism and reliability under pressure have been critical in maintaining continuity of service for both the community and the animals in his care.
Beyond his core responsibilities, Officer Young-Bayer has distinguished himself through strong interagency collaboration and forward-thinking leadership. He has worked closely with local first responders, emergency management teams, and organizations such as the Red Cross to strengthen coordinated response efforts. His contributions during major emergencies, including the Juneau Flood of 2025 and avalanche evacuations in 2026, highlight his commitment to public safety and teamwork. Known for his compassion, professionalism, and dedication to continuous improvement, Officer Young-Bayer exemplifies the highest standards of animal control service and is highly deserving of this recognition.
“I feel truly honored to receive this award. My coworkers at Juneau Animal Rescue and the wonderful animals and families of our community continuously inspire me to better serve Southeast Alaska. Every day I encounter new situations that provide me opportunities to assist others, promote animal welfare, and protect public health and safety. I am continuously challenged in this impactful field to learn and to grow, and I am so fortunate to be working with a stellar and dynamic team and to have the love and support of my family. I owe a special mention to my wife, Skylar; only through her tireless efforts helping to get animals safely adopted out from overcrowded shelters, did I discover the possibility of a career in Animal Care/Control & Protection. I haven’t looked back since.”
Bill Lehman Memorial Award:
Kevin Burton-Crow
Detective, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (Washington)
This award is given to an individual not directly employed in the animal care and control field, but who has shown an exceptional awareness of animal care and control-related matters, which merits distinction. The recipient will be recognized as a “friend” of animal care and control, for contributions and outstanding action that has helped further the positive image of animal care and control professionals through local, state, or national animal control associations.
NACA is proud to highlight Kevin Burton-Crow for the Bill Lehman Award. Detective Kevin Burton-Crow of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office exemplifies what true partnership between law enforcement and animal services should look like. From the outset, Kevin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting Joint Animal Services (JAS), helping to bridge gaps that have historically existed between agencies. Through his professionalism, initiative, and respect for the role of animal control officers, he has elevated collaboration and ensured that animal welfare cases receive the attention and seriousness they deserve.
Kevin’s impact is most evident in the field, where his expertise and dedication have led to successful outcomes in complex cruelty investigations, including large-scale cases involving hundreds of animals. He has taken the initiative to pursue specialized training in animal crime investigations, provided ongoing guidance to JAS officers, and consistently stepped forward to assist when others could not. Beyond enforcement, Kevin has served as both an advocate and educator, supporting policy continuity, speaking publicly in defense of animal services, and volunteering his time to train both officers and community members. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to both public safety and animal welfare make him a standout candidate for the Bill Lehman Memorial Award.
“I am humbled and grateful to be recognized by NACA with the 2026 Bill Lehman Award. I have always believed that animal welfare reflects a community’s character, and I have been lucky enough to work alongside people who raise that standard every single day. Together, law enforcement, animal care and control professionals, and our diligent community members will keep building on the work that makes this recognition meaningful. I am proud to be a part of this work.”
Diane Lane Memorial Award: June Thomas
President of the Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters (CART) (Arkansas)
This award is for outstanding volunteer service. The nominee selected to win this award is not directly employed in the animal care and control field but serves in a volunteer capacity within the animal care and control field or other animal welfare-related activities. Those nominated will have demonstrated exceptional dedication or performed outstanding work far beyond the volunteer position’s requirements.
NACA is proud to highlight June Thomas for the Diane Lane Award. As President of the Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters (CART), June has become a driving force behind lifesaving collaboration across Arkansas and beyond. Through her leadership, CART brings together animal control agencies, shelters, and rescue organizations to coordinate the safe and efficient transport of animals to partner organizations throughout the United States. June works tirelessly to secure grant funding, build strong partnerships, and manage the complex logistics required to move animals from areas of need to areas of opportunity.
Her impact is both measurable and deeply felt. Since joining CART, partner agencies have seen hundreds of animals given a second chance, with more than 1,100 animals transported in 2025 alone. June’s ability to balance relationship-building with operational precision ensures that each transport runs smoothly, while her consistent communication keeps teams aligned and supported. Known for
her positivity and unwavering dedication, June not only leads the organization but uplifts those around her, making her an essential force behind CART’s success and a truly deserving candidate for this recognition.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected by the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) to receive this prestigious award. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the hard work and dedication of many individuals who support the mission of Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters (CART). I am especially thankful for our 10 Coalition Members—rescues and shelters, each operating their own transport program—whose collaboration and dedication have been instrumental in our accomplishments. Together, through our collective efforts, we successfully transported 2,399 animals out of Arkansas in 2025. This achievement showcases the power of partnership and our shared commitment to animal welfare.”
Outstanding Animal Care and Control Award: Mission Viejo Animal Services (California)
NACA is proud to highlight Mission Viejo Animal Services for Agency of the Year. Mission Viejo Animal Services has grown over the past 30 years into a model municipal agency recognized for professionalism, innovation, and compassionate public service. Serving Mission Viejo and four additional contract cities, the department delivers comprehensive animal care and control through an integrated approach that includes field services, investigations, wildlife management, veterinary care, and community engagement. With approximately 14,000 service calls annually and consistently strong response times, the agency balances public safety with humane, education-driven outcomes, earning the trust of the communities it serves.
Beyond daily operations, Mission Viejo Animal Services stands out for its leadership in wildlife coexistence, disaster response, and lifesaving programs. From its dedicated wildlife officer and rehabilitation efforts to large-scale emergency response and mutual aid support, the department plays a critical role both locally and statewide. Inside the shelter, a highly skilled team and dedicated volunteers provide exceptional care, enrichment, and adoption services, supported by innovative programs that expand capacity and strengthen community connections.
“Mission Viejo Animal Services is honored to receive the 2026 Agency of the Year Award from NACA! This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism, and compassion demonstrated daily by our entire team, Field Services, Animal Care, Customer Relations, and our incredible volunteer network.
Our officers and staff take great pride in protecting animals and our community through compassionate care, proactive service, and meaningful human-animal connections. From lifesaving field responses and thorough investigations to maintaining a clean, welcoming shelter and reuniting lost pets with their families, our work is rooted in service, accountability, and community trust.
We are committed to using innovation and collaboration to ensure that every animal, domestic and wild, receives the highest standard of care. As a full-service municipal agency and a state and federally permitted wildlife rehabilitation center, we respond to a wide range of needs, including emergency incidents, cruelty investigations, wildlife conflict mitigation, and community education. Our proactive approach, quick response times, and strong partnerships with law enforcement, veterinary professionals, and nonprofit organizations allow us to deliver comprehensive and effective services.
Beyond our daily operations, we are dedicated to advancing the professionalism of the animal services field. Through the implementation of best practices, investment in ongoing training, adoption of emerging technologies, and development of standardized policies and procedures, we strive to elevate the role of animal services as a critical component of public safety. We actively contribute to the broader profession by participating in statewide emergency management efforts, sharing innovative programs, and fostering a culture of leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement within our organization.
This award also recognizes the strength of our community. With the support of nearly 180 dedicated volunteers, programs like HOWL (Helping Out Wildlife Locally), and partnerships that enhance veterinary care and enrichment, we are able to expand our impact far beyond traditional animal services.
We are grateful to NACA for this recognition and remain committed to advancing the profession, strengthening community trust, and continuing to serve the residents and animals of our community with excellence, integrity, and compassion.”
