Kane County animal shelter seeks replacement worker

The Kane County Animal Control Department is on track to getting the OK to hire a replacement kennel assistant, despite a hiring freeze. The public health committee approved the measure Tuesday, and the finance committee did so Monday.

The department's animal shelter normally employs two kennel assistants and two other workers. One kennel assistant quit earlier this year, one is quitting this week, and the two others, including the kennel manager, are on medical leave. The work has been done by temporary workers and by paying overtime to animal control officers who normally do field work such as investigating animal complaints.

The county board, which must approve the hiring, could vote on it Aug. 11.

Public services committee member Bonnie Kunkel suggested asking local colleges for volunteers from veterinary studies programs. The department's director said there are plans to do so, but even those people need specialized training to handle the animals safely. The shelter does have volunteers do administrative tasks and some housekeeping, such as laundry and cleaning food bowls.