Beyond Labels: We Are All Animal People

“I’m definitely a dog person.”
“Oh no, I don’t like dogs, I’m a cat person.”

These are common phrases we hear when discussing pets with friends. For some, the label is an identity thing, as if our pets are how we see ourselves and want others to see us. Others may be non-binary, happy to have both dogs and cats in their lives. And then, of course, you’ve got the bird people, the turtle folks, the tarantula aficionados, and more. But, as with most aspects of life, we’ll all be better off if we look beyond the labels. 

In my time serving on the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission, I’ve seen and heard issues regarding all sorts of domestic and wild animals. While my family has never shared our home with a cat, my role as a commissioner demands that I keep up with the needs of our feline neighbors. For example, I’ve learned that feral cats do not always need our assistance, but sometimes human intervention is necessary to help the cats survive and thrive on their own. In San Francisco, volunteers often trap and neuter feral cats, returning them to their colonies where they can live undisturbed. These colonies are monitored by devoted volunteers and, because of that knowledge and commitment, these animals can stay in their wild homes, safe and happy.

Another animal I’ve learned much about is the coyote. In the early 2000s, coyotes first began to appear - or, more accurately, reappear - in the city, especially in the Presidio. Since that time, Bay Area residents have collectively marvelled, feared, or demonized these once native animals, with many concerns and questions making their way to our commission (Will coyotes eat small children? No.  Are they a danger to my domestic cat? Maybe). At times, we’ve asked presenters from Project Coyote to speak at our meetings to help the public learn how to safely interact with these wild creatures. Although I may not be ready to call myself a full-fledged coyote person, learning more about these canine cousins has helped me understand and appreciate them - to know how to protect myself, my pets, and the coyotes themselves when we are lucky enough to see them around town.

Since childhood, I’ve been blessed to have been adopted by several dogs. As such, I might consider myself an expert on domestic canines. But even when discussing this most familiar animal, I am always surprised to learn new things about these creatures. 

Our city is lucky to have an army of dog-loving volunteers and professionals. When representatives from San Francisco Animal Care and Control share new information about their programs with the commission, I am always struck by their deep knowledge and dedication. Of course, I knew that dogs need us to look out for them, but I hadn’t considered the importance of emergency supplies for my mutt in case of fire or earthquake. Now, thanks to our city’s commitment to disaster preparedness, I keep a stash of dog food, an extra leash, and even booties for delicate paws in case streets are strewn with dangerous debris safely packed in my emergency kit.

These days, it often seems we are forced to choose a side, to declare our allegiance to one group or another. Blue or (gasp!) red, canine or feline. But to serve the people and animals in San Francisco, the members of the Animal Control and Welfare Commission must be willing to hear and learn about issues that may be unfamiliar or that may not impact us directly. The commissioners hold monthly public meetings in order to advocate for animals but also to educate ourselves and our fellow humans.

To live in the Bay Area is to appreciate the wonder of our everyday natural environment. To  engage with our city’s many different communities, commissioners must be willing to listen and learn about a vast range of issues that affect both human and animal residents. 

If there is an animal-related issue that the Animal Control and Welfare Commission has not yet considered, we invite you to participate in one of our monthly meetings. We welcome all dog people, cat people, coyote people, rat people, pigeon people, and all lovers of our Bay Area creatures. 

We haven’t yet heard someone declare, “I am a skunk person.” But who knows? Maybe you’ll be the first. And rest assured, we’ll welcome you, too. 

The San Francisco Commission on Animal Control and Welfare meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Details at https://sfgov.org/animals