Beachside Bonds: Building Humane Connections in the Field (Episode 279)

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Adam Blankenship, an Animal Control Officer in Virginia Beach, to talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of the job: community engagement and education.

Adam shares his passion for proactive outreach, building trust with the public, and empowering residents with the knowledge they need to better care for their animals. From classroom visits and neighborhood pop-ups to creative social media strategies, Adam highlights how ACOs can move beyond enforcement and become trusted allies in the community.

If you're looking for practical tips, success stories, and inspiration to bring more education and engagement into your role as an ACO, this episode is for you.