Hope Animal Control Officers Balance Compassion and Enforcement in Challenging Roles

For Tammy Austin and Jacob Guerro, animal control is more than a job—it’s a daily balancing act between compassion and enforcement. As officers with the City of Hope Animal Control, they face the emotional toll of rescuing abused, abandoned, and runaway pets while serving the needs of the community. Austin, a U.S. Army spouse with 17 years of experience in animal control, says the hardest part of her role is separating her personal love for animals from the professional demands of the job. “It’s difficult to understand how some people can treat pets as disposable property,” Austin said. “To me, they’re family.” Guerro, who joined the team in December 2024 and serves in the Air National Guard, works alongside Austin to manage the shelter and respond to calls. Both officers emphasized the strong partnership between Animal Control and the Hope Police Department. “The Hope Police Department is awesome,” Austin said. “They’re always there when we need them.” Police Chief Kimberly Tomlin echoed that sentiment, praising Austin and Guerro for their dedication and the care they bring to their work.

During a recent interview at the Hope Animal Shelter, the emotional highs and lows of the job were on full display. One family arrived to joyfully reclaim a lost pet, while another came to adopt a new furry family member. “Those moments are the perks of the job,” Austin said. “Seeing a pet reunited or finding a forever home makes it all worth it.” Austin also highlighted the ongoing challenges of pet overpopulation and the importance of responsible pet ownership. She praised local volunteer organizations like Hope for PAWS – Hope, Arkansas, which advocates for shelter dogs and supports fostering and adoption efforts. Additional support comes from NovaStar Rescue in Dover and Paws and Claws Rescue in Hot Springs—both of which provide foster care and placement services for animals in need. However, the Hope shelter is not a no-kill facility, making public support critical. “Every unclaimed dog is a life at risk,” Austin said. “If we see the problem and do nothing, we’re part of it.” She encourages the public to share adoptable pets on social media, donate supplies to the shelter, and contribute financially to local rescue groups, especially Hope for PAWS. “Even a like or a share can help save a life,” she added. For more information or to support local animal rescue efforts, visit the Hope Animal Shelter or connect with the organizations online.