Loudoun County's Animal Control Division has been named the 2006 Outstanding Agency from the National Animal Control Association (NACA).

"The Department of Animal Care & Control is extremely honored to receive this award, and it is especially gratifying to be recognized by a national organization of animal control professionals," remarked Director Thomas Koenig. "This award validates our belief that Animal Control is more than just a law enforcement entity, and that innovative, proactive outreach programs are equally important to the community, and merit recognition."

According to Awards Committee Chair Debbie Dawson, the county's nomination "was considered along with those from other agencies from across the United States and selected as the agency that met the highest standards for an animal control agency."

NACA established the Outstanding Agency Award in 1989, and it is open to all member organizations. Per NACA, award selection is based on "effective training program[s] for personnel; outstanding/innovative public education programs; active community involvement; and average officer response time to calls for assistance."

In additional to the regular workload responding to requests for service, Loudoun County Animal Control was recognized for their active public presence and innovative programs. Animal Control hosted several training classes in 2006 to help further their own skills as well as those in other jurisdictions.

Additionally, they created a program to provide pet oxygen masks to all of Loudoun County's Fire & Rescue stations, and conducted 12 training sessions on their use for Fire & Rescue personnel.

Loudoun County Animal Control works to maintain an active public presence, and regularly attends community events and makes educational presentations. Loudoun County Animal Control has also been proactive in dealing with wildlife, hosting two Wildlife Forums for public safety officials to discuss ways to manage issues arising from increased contact between citizens and wildlife.