Our New Animal Warden Knows Dogs

This week I had an opportunity to sit down with our new animal warden, Shannon McMillon, and if you have pets at home you might want to get to know him too.

Officer McMillon is a community service officer and recently began working part-time for the . His duties will include enforcing the at the Morton Grove Village Board meeting.

Where are you from?

McMillon: "I live north of Morton Grove with my wife, one child and one on the way. We also have two German Shepherd dogs, the younger is a puppy, a Corgi/Beagle mix and one cat."

So you really understand families and their pets?

McMillon: "Yes!"

What was your previous job?

McMillon: "I trained police dogs for 12 years at TOPS Kennel in Grayslake. I trained the dogs and then worked with police officers from various suburbs, Niles, Skokie and others. I would also do the follow-up training work with them as well."

How did you end up in Morton Grove?

McMillon:"I answered an open job opportunity listed by the Morton Grove Police Department for a part-time animal warden. With my experience training dogs and working with police departments, it was a perfect fit."

What kind of public animal education will your position be responsible for?

McMillon: "For a start, I will be at the July 27th Vaccination and Microchip Day at the Civic Center. (Editor's note: Check out the attached PDF on it) Cook County residents can bring their pets in for rabies vaccinations and microchipping. This is through the Cook Country Rabies Control."

There is a new ordinance that includes your job duties; what are some things residents should know about?

McMillon: "With the new ordinance, starting July 1 it will be $10 for a fixed pet with a microchip and $25 for an unfixed pet or one that does not have a microchip. Those prices are per year."

The new ordinance covers a lot of what you will be doing with domestic animals; what will you be handling as far as wildlife?

McMillon: "Currently the same rules will apply, if wildlife is on private property the home owner must deal with it or hire a private company.

If the wildlife is on public property and causing a danger, the police will deal with the animal to the best of their ability.

They do not handle skunks and contract out to a private company if needed. These policies are currently being reviewed, we will get back to your readers about that. "

Was that in your contract, no skunks?

McMillon: (Laughter).

If you would like to meet Officer Shannon McMillon he will be at the Civic Center on July 27 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Bring your leashed pet and proof of residency for rabies vaccinations and mircrochips.