Animal Services

About Us

Group of animals

Animal Services provides the community with field coverage seven days per week. The division is currently staffed with one supervisor, one customer services specialist, and three field officers. Animal Service Officers patrol the streets within City limits for loose or stray animals, as well as provide education and enforcement of all City ordinances and State laws as they pertain to animal control. Officers investigate calls from citizens on reported abuse or neglect of animals. The division is also responsible for investigating reports of animal bites, dangerous and vicious animals, and barking complaints. The City currently contracts with the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). The SSPCA offers pet adoptions, low cost spay and neuter programs, low cost vaccination and microchip clinics, and dog behavioral classes.

Mission Statement

Animal Services is committed to the delivery of effective, courteous, and responsive animal services to the residents of our community. Animal Services promotes citizen safety, responsible pet ownership, and education in the reduction of animal overpopulation. This mission is accomplished through education, investigation, intervention, and enforcement.

Meet the Staff
  • Maureen Null
  • Justine Lavalle
  • Mallory Johnson
  • Jerry Skibby
  • Michelle Ward
Animal Service Officers
About the Staff

Gerald Skibby

Officer Justine Lavalle

Animal Control Officer Justine Lavalle started working for Elk Grove Police Animal Control in February 2012, but she began her career with Elk Grove with several years of experience with animals. When Officer Lavalle was eighteen years old, she worked at Broadway Pet Hospital in Vallejo. While she was working there, she learned how to assist the vet with exams and surgeries. When she turned twenty years old she started working with Vallejo Animal Control. In Vallejo, she learned even more about animals and even how to run an animal shelter. After five years, Animal Control Officer Justine Lavalle left Vallejo and began working for the City of Elk Grove.

Her favorite part of her job is when she is able to take an animal out of a bad situation, like a case of abuse/neglect, and put it in a home where it can learn to be happy and be loved.

As a child, Officer Lavalle owned all kinds of pets, such as: dogs, cats, mice and lizards. Her favorite types of animals are large breed dogs such as St. Bernards and Mastiffs, as well as horses.

Currently, she owns 4 dogs. She has a seven year old St. Bernard named "Bernard," an eight month old Golden Retriever named "Marilyn," a two year old English bulldog named "Rodger" and a five year old Chihuahua named "Ollie."

When Officer Justine Lavalle is not working, she enjoys going to the dog park on warm sunny day with all of her dogs, playing softball and working on "old school" cars.

 


Gerald Skibby

Officer Michelle Ward

Officer Michelle Ward is probably the quietest Animal Service Officer in the group, but she has gained some of the most unique experiences with some of the most exotic animals. She worked for Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as an animal keeper. PAWS is a society dedicated to caring for abused or neglected performance animals. While with this organization, Michelle cared for monkeys, tigers, lions, bears, and cougars. Her favorite part of the job was hand feeding a lion named “Amanda” who could not eat off of the ground.

After working for PAWS, Michelle worked for the SSPCA, and Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation. Officer Ward has been working for the City of Elk Grove since 2005. She enjoys working with baby animals, and thinks baby goats are the cutest things.

Even though Michelle has worked with many of different types of wildlife, her favorite type of animals are reptiles. She stated, “I’m a fan of anything that slithers, hisses, or strikes. My favorite reptile is a Savannah Monitor because they love to sunbathe, go for walks, climb trees, go swimming, and sleep next to you.”

Michelle is a proud owner of two Pit Bulls named “Charlie” and “Sammy” and two cats named “Walon Jennings and “Mr. Wilson.” When she is not working with animals she is either watching football at the Brickhouse or searching for a new fishing spot.




Geral Skibby

Officer Gerald Skibby

Gerald Skibby, an Animal Service Officer for the City of Elk Grove, began his career with the City in March of 2008. Prior to his employment with the City, Officer Skibby worked for the Sacramento SPCA for 7 years. While working for the SSPCA, he developed the knowledge and skill to effectively read an animal’s behavior and body language. The ability to determine whether or not an animal is approachable has been deeply instilled in Officer Skibby and it serves him well while serving the City of Elk Grove.

When asked about his favorite part of his job, Officer Skibby stated it is, “removing neglected and unwanted animals from poor conditions and giving them a second chance to find a real home.” He went on to explain, “reuniting lost animals back with their owners is a great feeling.”

Officer Skibby’s life is surrounded by animals, at work and at home. He is a proud owner of 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 5 red ear sliders. His Boxer is named Jake the Snake, the American Staffordshire terrier is Charlie, the orange tabby is named Cheeto, and Maine Coon mix is named Jack. During Officer Skibby’s free time, he enjoys fishing, camping and watching football.  Officer Skibby has a great sense of humor and is always smiling. If you get the opportunity to meet him in person, go up and say hi. We promise he has passed his temperament test!