JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) — Being a humane officer in Pennsylvania isn’t necessarily what you may see on Animal Planet.

(Pictured: Debbie McAndrew and her daughters after her swearing-in ceremony at the Jefferson County Courthouse.)

ExploreClarion.com talked to Jefferson County Humane Officer Debbie McAndrew about her experience as a local humane officer over the last six years.

It all began when Willow Run Sanctuary & Adoptions posted on Facebook that the organization was seeking a humane officer, as Jefferson County had been without one for six years, according to McAndrew.

“I’ll admit, like a lot of people, I’d been watching a lot of ‘Animal Cop’ on Animal Planet, and thought it would be something really interesting,” McAndrew explained.

Once she began exploring the position, it became apparent to her that there was much more to the job than she anticipated.

“The commitment to the training is pretty big, and it’s only offered in May of each year,” she noted.

Becoming a humane officer also required that she become affiliated with an active 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission focused on animal welfare. Luckily, Willow Run Sanctuary is such an organization and was willing to work with her.

Since McAndrew took the position, the rules have changed again.

Currently, any applicant who seeks the position of a humane officer must also be approved by the county’s district attorney.

“That’s a positive thing, because the DA is my legal boss, so it only makes sense that they would have input on whether or not someone can be an officer in their county.”

After finishing her training, McAndrew took the time to be mentored under two acting humane officers — one in Pittsburgh for three days, and one in Clearfield for a week — to get more of an understanding of the position.

Initially, she was sworn in as a humane officer for Jefferson and Clarion Counties. Needless to say, she soon discovered that covering two counties was far more than a one-person job.

“I elected not to cover Clarion County anymore because I just can’t financially afford to do it,” she explained.

As Clarion County is still without its own humane officer, McAndrew also noted that she welcomes calls from law enforcement agencies in the Clarion County area that want her input on a situation.

“I wouldn’t be acting as an officer, but since I was sworn in, I can still offer input. I just can’t do it all.”

According to McAndrew, financial issues are one of the main problems for humane officers in Pennsylvania.

It is primarily a volunteer position unless a humane officer manages to find a very well-funded private shelter that focuses on animal welfare and can afford to pay the officer.

“I’m 100% volunteer. I don’t even get money for gas or supplies, with the exception of a fundraiser I did to raise money for paper and ink and things I need for really heavy humane cases.

“When I have a very serious case, I print off a lot of 8 x 10 color photos because there is no better way to show the judge an animal’s condition since we can’t bring the animal into court. I could do it cheaper by using smaller photos, but it just doesn’t deliver the punch you want to get.”

While McAndrew doesn’t get paid or get much financial support for the work she puts in, she added that she is fortunate that the Jefferson County County Commissioners have seen fit to cover her liability insurance (as a humane officer) in the county budget.

“Basically, that protects me, Willow Run, and the county if I should ever get sued for something, because it would be the county that would get sued, as well.”

The support of the shelter and the county are definitely helpful to her as a humane officer; however, between being a volunteer and trying to keep up with calls, there is a lot of work involved.

“I have to prioritize based on what I’m told is going on. Sometimes there are things I can hear just from a person’s voice when they explain what they saw or experienced that can help guide me on whether I need to go immediately or if it can wait.

“Emaciated animals will never wait, though. I will check on those cases as soon as I can, depending on what I’m told or photos I’ve been sent. They will never wait more than a day if I’m here in the county because some of these animals simply don’t have a day.”

According to McAndrew, public perception versus reality is another difficulty humane officers encounter.

“The tethering laws are more confusing than people realize. People think if a dog is tethered outside for more than 20 minutes in below-freezing weather, I can just seize the dog, but it isn’t that simple.

“There has to be more abuse going on for me to do that, by law.”

In many more serious cases, McAndrews works directly with the Jefferson County District Attorney, the sheriff’s department, the state police, and local municipal police.

“I am nothing without the DA’s support, and I can’t carry a gun, by regulation, so the sheriff’s department, the state police, and municipal police provide me back up, and I appreciate that. I don’t have to keep turning around looking for someone. I can concentrate on my job securing the animals, and the police watch my back, and that’s huge to me,” McAndrew noted.

“It’s all about working together, and that’s the only way we’re going to make it.”

The cases that do require a seizure of animals have their own difficulties. Beyond the initial seizure, the paperwork and the court hearings add to the equation.

“If an animal is removed, it has to be provided for immediately, for months before there is any chance of getting restitution through the court. The shelter has to have that funding upfront.

“And, even if the owner does have to pay restitution, they might end up making tiny incremental payments on a large amount, and it can take years for the shelter to receive the full restitution. All of the shelters with humane officers face that dilemma.”

McAndrew noted that Willow Run Sanctuary depends on the community to help support its mission to help animals.

Each year in August the shelter holds its “Woofstock” event, which raises money for everything from supplies for the animals to building improvements and vet bills.

This year’s Woofstock event will be held Saturday, August 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Barclay Square, Punxsutawney.

Proceeds from everything from the lunch — which is being provided by the Punxsutawney Country Club — to the bake sale will go directly to support Willow Run Sanctuary.

“I feel like once people know there is a true need, they are there. We try to only ask for what we need when we need it because I believe you can overload the public asking for donations. That’s why I really like the yearly fundraiser event. Then we only have to ask for more if something really horrific comes up.”

Although those horrific cases still happen, McAndrew is prepared to deal with them.

“I never give up on an animal that I believe needs my help,” McAndrew added.