How to resolve AdBlock issue? LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed a new Animal Care and Control director.
The board came out of a closed session shortly after 2:45 p.m. to vote for the hire of Rachel Smith.
Vice Chair Jessica Pyska moved to approve Smith’s hire, effective Feb. 9, with Supervisor Bruno Sabatier offering the second. The board’s vote was unanimous.
Pyska’s motion stated that Smith will start at step two of the salary scale. The county of Lake’s Human Resources website shows the job’s overall pay scale ranges from $92,952 to $112,980 annually.
The resolution establishing salaries and benefits for management unit employees, in effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029, shows that the second step starts at $8,133 a month, or $97,596 annually.
“I am looking forward to leading Lake County’s Animal Care and Control team and collaborating with County stakeholders to promote a more humane world for animals,” said Smith. “Listening to and supporting the needs of the community will be critical. Through these efforts, we will improve the health, safety, and welfare of both pets and those who care for them.”
Smith brings nearly a decade of experience in the animal welfare field, along with an academic background that includes a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology, the county reported.
She is certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, is a nationally certified animal control officer and holds multiple professional certifications, according to the county’s announcement.
Her LinkedIn page shows certifications involving investigation, forensics and animal welfare.
It also showed past positions in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Denver and Boulder, Colorado, and El Dorado County.
“She has extensive experience conducting complex animal welfare related investigations and is a nationally recognized speaker on animal welfare investigations,” the county said.
She hosted the Animal Welfare Investigations Project podcast and served as chair of the Animal Welfare Investigation Board.
Smith also is a former affiliated member of the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences, an organization “founded to advocate for the advancement and excellence in investigations involving crimes against animals,” according to its website.
Efforts to fill the position
The county has attempted to fill the Animal Care and Control director’s position since last year after losing two directors in just over a year’s time.
Jonathan Armas was director from March 2019 to until the summer of 2024. In June of that year, County Administrative Officer Susan Parker was appointed interim Animal Care and Control director.
In October 2024, Gregory Wilkins — who came from Texas, with animal control experience in six states — was appointed to the job following a nationwide search. He continued in the job until June of last year.
Since July 1, the Animal Care and Control director position has been held on an interim basis by Assistant County Administrative Officer Stephen Carter Jr.
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