BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Emily Wood as the new Director of the County’s Animal Care and Adoption Division, and open admissions, state-of-the-art, “no kill” animal shelter. Each year, the shelter takes more than 13,000 dogs and cats, providing a full range of animal services while helping to reduce pet overpopulation through innovative programs and partnerships.

Wood comes to Broward County from Pasadena, California where she most recently served as the Director of Placement and Customer Care with the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. Previous positions include Admissions and Adoption Coordinator with Contra Coast County Animal Services from 2017 to 2018, and Client Care Manager with San Francisco SPCA from 2011-2017.

Through her experience, Wood brings her talent to Broward County in animal care programs and her focus will include building trust and communication with the Animal Care Community and developing a true, collaborative team effort (to include the Humane Society of Broward County, Rescue Groups, Fosters, Volunteers, elected officials, and community service partners) toward the betterment of Broward County’s pet population welfare. The County is in the process of using an executive search firm to hire a new Assistant Director to provide direct oversight of shelter operations and field services that specializes in Operations and whom will be responsible and accountable for ensuring the shelter is operated in a clean, safe and sanitary manner at all times.

Broward County Deputy Administrator, Monica Cepero commented, “The County undertook an extensive national search for the right talent, experience and passion needed for this position. We understand the importance of these services to the Broward community and the animals in our care. We look forward to, and are confident in, Ms. Wood’s ability to further the partnerships, initiatives, and outcomes we can all celebrate.” 

Wood remains active in the animal welfare community as a volunteer and educator. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkley where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Math and Physics and later completed a Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh. Wood holds “Fear Free” and “Low Stress Handling” Silver certifications.

Her tentative start date with Broward County's Animal Care and Adoption Division is January 25, 2021.

About Animal Care and Adoption
Animal Care provides shelter for homeless pets and helps reunite owners with their lost dog or cat. It offers spay/neuter services for pets and community cats, as well as neighborhood Rabies Clinics. The Agency also enforces animal laws to help support public safety and offers Volunteer and Foster opportunities to those interested in supporting pets in need. For more information about us, visit our website, like us on Facebook or call us at 954-359-1313 ext.9248.

December 9, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Lenny Vialpando
Environmental Protection and Growth Management
954-357-6677
lvialpando@broward.org