Kelly Higbee's days at Duluth Animal Control are filled with checklists that cover feeding, medication, and managing bathroom breaks for animals, but no day is routine. Higbee has made house calls about peacocks, iguanas, and - one time - a crocodile (yes, in Duluth.)
In addition to having more than a few wild stories of odd animal sightings, Higbee is a proponent of prospective pet owners doing their homework. Though the pandemic proved to be a boon for pet adoption, two years later, the influx of animals brought to shelters shot way up; a situation which Higbee pins on a lack of awareness for the attention and care that many pets require.
When asked about what current pet owners can do to help, her answer was something that many have heard before. "Keep your animals on a leash." Even the best-behaved animals can be altered by new environments and the sudden freedom of being off-leash.
For more information, or if you are looking to adopt, visit the links below.
PJ's Rescue
Animal Allies
Douglas County Humane Society
Lake County Humane Society
Duluth Animal Control
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
