Tiffany Peterson’s office mates aren’t like most others.

As she sits down at her desk to begin a day of work at the Berrien County Animal Control, she will invariably find Penelope, the office cat, dozing on her paperwork. Throughout the day, a conversation with a co-worker or a phone call to a local newspaper might be punctuated by the sounds kittens and dogs eager for some attention. 

But the daily surroundings for the newest Berrien County animal control director are not a far cry from a childhood steeped in helping animals in need.

Growing up in Muskegon, Peterson spent her childhood days coasting across the countryside on her bike with her neighborhood friend, Heidi. The two scoured the area for lost or hurt animals or even insects and called their operation “H and T of Care.” Whether a butterfly with an injured wing to squirrels and stray dogs, Peterson felt called to help them.

That calling continued into her adult years.

Peterson’s passion for animals big and small combined with years of experience in the field and in law enforcement made her an ideal candidate for the role as animal director.

In early October, the Berrien County commissioners selected her for the job. Peterson will be taking the place of Val Grimes, who retired after serving the department for 20 years. 

As animal control director, Peterson will oversee six officers and help to protect both citizens and animals alike across Berrien County. Additionally, she will help to oversee the animal shelter, which has occupancy for more than 100 animals.

“There is a lot that goes into running an animal shelter,” Peterson said. “You have to know a little bit of everything.”

Peterson served the Muskegon Animal Control department for about eight years. In Muskegon, the department did not have a director, though Peterson said she did everything a director would do, just without the title. While she said the job opened up a lot of doors for her career wise, Peterson said she was looking for a county that would allow the opportunity for growth. Peterson said she found the Berrien County position would allow her the challenges she was looking for in the role. 

In the less than a month that she has served as director, Peterson said the environment is markedly better than the one she left. From the office assistants to the officers on the ground, Peterson said one of the best things about her job so far, besides working with animals has been the incredible teamwork demonstrated by the Berrien County Animal Control Department.

“My employees are great. Everybody knows what they are doing and it is very organized,” Peterson said. “They are doing great things here. I am very impressed with this department.”

She said among many things, she specifically liked Animal Controls efforts to raise funds to spay and neuter animals, as well as the department’s certification to work with wildlife, therefore saving citizens a ton of money if they need a rogue wild animal to be removed.

Peterson’s additional accolades include police academy certification. She also served as a road officer for five years, a court support officer and has worked for both police and fire departments.

As she settles into the new role, Peterson said she hopes to modernize the office environment by obtaining the new equipment. She also said she hopes to improve the relationship with animal rescue workers and educate the public about the animal shelter.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the shelter euthanizes a lot of animals that are forced to take refuge at the facility. Peterson said animals are only euthanized if it has been court mandated, which can occur if an animal is dangerous to the public. The animal might also be euthanized has if they have been injured in a way that would severely compromise their quality of life. There is also no hold time for animals at the shelter.

Peterson encouraged those searching for a furry friend to visit the shelter and pick out a pet for adoption. Peterson said they have many cats and dogs, including four kittens who were recently found abandoned by their mom, looking for a home.

“Come on in and look,” Peterson said.

With the chance to work with some of her favorite co-workers, four-footed and two-footed alike, Peterson is eager for the opportunity to serve the Berrien County community and its animals.

“I love animals,” Peterson said. “The poor things, they do not have a voice and they can’t defend themselves so that is our purpose. You have to have the right people here to do the right thing for them.”