New animal services coordinator hired

By Carrie A. Mizell

Gilchrist County Animal Services’ new coordinator Tanya Rippy says she’s always loved animals.
Why else would the 26-year-old woman who has one elementary age child and a three-month-old baby at home also have four dogs to care for.
A Trenton native, Rippy is just getting settled in her new position, but is already enjoying having the opportunity to work in the county she calls home.
“I felt like the [animal services] program was in need of some repairing,” Rippy said. “I have the drive and experience with animals to offer some help.”
Prior to officially being named animal services coordinator for Gilchrist County last Tuesday, Rippy had worked as head vet tech at Alachua County Animal Services for seven years. While there, Rippy was in charge of surgery and anesthesia, while also handling vaccinations, exams, computer entry, x-rays and cruelty cases.
Rippy has big plans for Gilchrist County Animal Services. She would like to eventually see that the shelter becomes a no kill shelter by coordinating as many rescues and adoptions as she can. Rippy also hopes to raise funds to pay for medical expenses for the animals in the shelter, while also raising monies to buy food, treats and toys.
“I hope to educate our clients rather than just go out and write a citation,” Rippy said.
Gilchrist County Animal Services maintains office hours Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Rippy, animal services workers will be at the county’s animal shelter from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Saturday.
To reach Gilchrist County Animal Services, call 463-4084 during office hours, or call the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office after hours to report an emergency.