Joint Animal Services Director Sarah Hock elected to NACA executive committee 

Sarah Hock, Executive Director of Joint Animal Services in Lacey, was elected as Secretary of the Executive Committee of the National Animal Care & Control Association for 2025-26 term. 

The new role follows her second consecutive term on the committee and extends her responsibilities from local agency oversight in Thurston County to participation in national policy on animal welfare and safety. 

The City of Lacey issued a statement on Oct. 23, noting her continuing leadership “reflects her dedication to animal welfare, locally and nationally.”

The city regars her position as a mark of professional trust earned through years of public service in animal care and protection.

The National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) functions as a nationwide body for animal care professionals and control officers in the United States. It upholds uniform instruction and credentialing programs that equip agencies to prevent cruelty, neglect and threats to community safety involving animals. 

The city's statement recognized Hock’s capacity to bridge local practices with national programs under her new position. 

It noted her “expertise, professionalism, and leadership” as qualities that have strengthened the region’s animal welfare system and enhanced its national standing in humane enforcement. 

Joint Animal Services issued its own statement on Oct. 24 announcing that Hock had been chosen as Secretary of the Executive Committee.  

“Sarah joins an incredible team of leaders from across the country who are dedicated to advancing the professionalism, safety, and compassion of animal care and control,” the agency said.