Karen Zantow, Director of IHS Animal Care and Control
The Idaho Humane Society (IHS) announced today the appointment of a new Director of Animal Care and Control. Karen Zantow will oversee the enforcement of animal welfare laws including cruelty and neglect investigation, animal impoundment, and lost and found pet operations for most of Ada County. The former supervisor, Morris McCall, a 29-year-veteran of the organization, has transitioned to overseeing the facilities and overall physical plant operations of the IHS’s two shelters and veterinary hospitals.
Zantow comes to IHS from Spokane, Washington where she was employed as an adjunct professor teaching courses in Criminal Justice. Zantow holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and served as a police officer for 21 years. In the last five years of her police career, she held the position of Criminal Investigation Division Commander for the City of Pooler Police Department in Georgia. Zantow has received advanced training and certifications in police work including forensics, crime scene processing, child abuse and sexual abuse investigations, staff supervision, and interrogation. Prior to her career in law enforcement, Zantow served in the U.S. Air Force as an explosive ordinance disposal technician and team training officer.
IHS C.E.O., Jeff Rosenthal, DVM, stated that the organization is extremely happy to have Zantow overseeing animal welfare enforcement:
“Officer Zantow brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization which will be an invaluable resource in our work to ensure that those committing crimes against animals are held accountable. She is also fully committed to our responsibility to protect our community from animals that constitute a danger through the consistent enforcement of our animal ordinances and statutes.”
Zantow relayed, “As a 21 year-veteran of the police force, I’ve seen firsthand how animals can be neglected and cruelly abused. I am excited to work with our team and the community to educate, engage, and advocate for animals, not only in the Treasure Valley but all across Idaho.”
In addition to this change in leadership, IHS also announced the promotion of Kelly Hawk to the position of Animal Care and Control Supervisor. Hawk has served as an animal control officer for IHS since March of 2018 and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Prior to her employment at IHS, Hawk had 30 years of experience with various State and Federal Agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Parks Service. Within these agencies, she held a variety of positions including Community Protection Specialist, Biologist, Fire Engine Operator, and Fire Code Enforcement Officer. In her new role at IHS, Officer Hawk will serve as second in command under Director Zantow.
In September, the Idaho Humane Society will be relocating their adoptions, community veterinary services, and humane education programs to a new facility at 1300 Bird Street, Boise, accessible from Overland Road. The IHS Animal Care and Control Division will remain at the current Dorman Street facility where impounded and relinquished animals will continue to be admitted and cared for until they are reunited with owners or transfer to the new facility for adoption.