Cearra Barker was recently named Gloucester County’s newest Animal Control Officer. She joins a team of four other full‐time employees in the department and many passionate volunteers, a release stated.

Barker has worked to improve the lives of animals for the last 10 years. From dog training, to grooming, to acting as the director of operations for a dog daycare facility, she’s done it all.

“I loved it, but I wasn’t feeling as fulfilled as I should have been,” Barker said. “I got into Animal Control because I figured I could actually make a difference; really be hands‐on with the animals that we’re looking to help.”

From taking care of the dogs at the Animal Control Shelter, to running calls in the community, that’s exactly what Barker does now. She moved to Gloucester in late July, and she said she’s already fallen in love with the people and animals here.

“You never know what you’re going to see,” she said. “I’ve met the most sincere, compassionate, caring people, and i...