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Ever wonder what modern animal control actually looks like when it’s done with care, skill and community in mind? We sit down with Raymore Animal Control Officer Caleb Waller to explore the real work behind the badge: reuniting lost pets through accurate microchips, preventing bites with simple habits and building a safer city through education and consistent enforcement. No scare tactics here—just practical steps any owner can take to keep pets healthy and neighbors safe.

Caleb breaks down how microchips truly function and the one thing that most often delays reunions: outdated phone numbers. We dig into the health and behavior reasons for early spay and neuter, how leash laws protect even “perfectly trained” dogs from unpredictable moments and why supervision beats the “it won’t happen to me” mindset. You’ll also hear dog bite prevention tips you can use today, from not reaching through fences to keeping vaccines current so a bite quarantine can happen at home instead of the shelter.

Pulling back the curtain on operations, Caleb shares Animal Control's 92% live release rate and the partnerships with rescues, vets and wildlife rehabilitators that make small facilities effective. We talk about unusual calls—yes, roaming peacocks—alongside feel-good wins like the itty bitty schnauzer who bounced back and found a home. Caleb’s work with the Missouri Animal Control Association highlights how ongoing training in wildlife handling, legal standards and humane practices elevates service across the state.

If you care about pet safety, responsible ownership and how a city turns compassion into policy, this conversation is for you. Check out resources at Raymore.com/animalcontrol and follow Facebook.com/RaymoreAnimalControl for updates and adoptable pets. If this episode helped you learn something new, subscribe, share it with a pet-loving friend, and leave us a quick review—what tip will you put into practice first?

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