CLAYTON – Animal Control Appreciation Week runs from April 13 to April 19, and the Town of Clayton is taking this opportunity to recognize the dedication and hard work of Animal Control Officer Patrick Kostka. Working under the Clayton Police Department, he plays an important role in protecting both animals and residents, contributing to a caring and secure community.
Officer Kostka has always been passionate about animal welfare, which led him to become an animal control officer. In this position, he advocates for animals who cannot speak for themselves, having a real, positive impact on their lives.
“I am grateful for the chance to protect animals and connect them with the people who care about them,” said Kostka. “It is fulfilling to know that my work has a direct impact on both the animals and the families of Clayton.”
A typical day for Officer Kostka involves a mix of office work and hands-on field duties. His day begins with filing reports, following up on cases, and coordinating with local veterinarians to obtain important medical records. He then responds to calls about a variety of animal-related issues, such as concerns with animal noise or wildlife interactions.
“Every day is different,” Kostka said. “One moment I could be responding to a complaint about a barking dog, and the next, I could be helping a family reunite with their lost pet. The variety is what keeps the job exciting.”
When not answering calls, Officer Kostka patrols parks and other public spaces, monitoring animal activity and preventing potential issues before they arise. His proactive approach contributes to the safety and well-being of both pets and residents in Clayton.
One of Officer Kostka’s most memorable experiences took place during his previous time working in Raleigh. He rescued a group of kittens from an animal hoarding situation, and one of those kittens, named Meeko, became a permanent member of his family.
“I rescued him when he was just a few weeks old,” Kostka said. “He had a severe respiratory infection, but after a lot of care, he recovered. Now, he’s my own cat, and seeing him healthy and happy is one of the most rewarding parts of this job.”
Having experienced the fulfillment of rescuing and caring for animals firsthand, Officer Kostka also shares helpful advice for those who find a stray or lost animal, guiding them on how to keep the pet safe until help arrives.
“If you find a stray pet, it is best to keep the animal in a fenced yard or bring it inside if possible,” Kostka said. “This helps prevent the animal from running into traffic or getting injured, and it allows me to respond more quickly.”
By quickly responding to situations involving lost or stray animals, Officer Kostka helps rescue and reunite pets with their families, contributing to the nationwide effort where animal control officers reunite hundreds of thousands of pets annually. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than three million animals enter U.S. shelters each year.
Whether responding to emergencies or providing ongoing care, Officer Kostka demonstrates the profound difference that one person can make in the lives of many animals and their families.
Patrick is what every animal control officer should be modeled after!!
Thank you for being there for the animals.
No excuse, report abuse
Considering how he loves to seperate without allowing owners to provide evidence of innocence I dont see any reason to celebrate this man.
Never showed up to help the kittens I called about. I got them before other wild animals did and luckily another person, who also saw them, gave them a loving home.