In the face of a growing overcrowding crisis in Central Valley shelters, Hanford Animal Control Officer Crystal Gonzalez is going above and beyond to give local animals a second chance at the lives they deserve.
“My passion for animals began in childhood, and it continues to drive the work I do both professionally and personally,” Crystal said.
Outside of her official duties, Crystal spends her time walking, socializing, and fostering animals, especially those who are fearful or under-socialized. She has transported numerous dogs and cats to rescue partners in the Bay Area, where they’ve found safety, care, and forever homes.
One of those animals is Vinny, a pit bull with a torn ear who learned to trust again thanks to Crystal’s care and patience. Sage, a fearful shepherd who was dumped at a park, eventually became Crystal’s best friend. Both Vinny and Sage have since been adopted by wonderful families and are now thriving with children and other pets. And then there’s Charlie, a misunderstood escape artist who now spends his days hiking and swimming with his foster family.
Crystal’s important and often thankless work on and off the clock serves as a reminder that animal shelters cannot solve this crisis alone. Community support is essential. She says that means spaying and neutering pets, making informed decisions before adopting, and understanding the responsibility that comes with pet ownership.
“No breed is immune,” she said. “Any dog can end up in a shelter.”
Crystal isn’t just enforcing ordinances—she’s advocating for those who can’t speak for themselves.
“Together, through compassion and accountability, we can create a safer and more humane community for all animals and work toward lowering euthanasia rates,” Crystal added.
Let’s honor her work by doing our part!
- Spay and neuter
- Adopt responsibly
- Support your local shelter
Thank you, Crystal, for all the work you do for our furry friends in Hanford!