ACO of the Year 2025

Massachusetts Animal Control Officer of the Year — 2025

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Rescue League of Boston are pleased to announce that nominations will soon be accepted for the annual Massachusetts Animal Control Officer (ACO) of the Year award.

The award was established to honor an animal control officer whose efforts in his/her local community throughout the year demonstrate:

• a dedicated, humane attitude toward the treatment and well-being of all animals;
• effective enforcement of pet responsibility laws;
• a commitment to public awareness and humane education programs;
• cooperative working relationships with other agencies, such as state and local government departments, other ACOs, and animal protection groups.

All officers in Massachusetts are required to undergo training through the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources. In order to receive this award, an ACO must be current on the state’s mandated training requirements through the Mass Animal Fund.

Nominations should be submitted in writing and may come from government officials, other officers, animal protection organizations, or private citizens.

Submissions should explain how the nominee has met the above criteria and should be sent to both:

Allison Blanck
Animal Rescue League of Boston
10 Anna’s Place
Dedham, MA 02026
ABlanck@arlboston.org

Kara Holmquist
MSPCA
350 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02130
KHolmquist@mspca.org

Nominations must be received by September 26, 2025.