By Grace Allen

A Norfolk native and 2016 King Philip High School grad is Wrentham’s new animal control officer. Lexi Klenk has been on the job for less than three months, but her enthusiasm and love of animals suggests she is already a good fit for the role.

“I’ve always helped animals in need,” says Klenk, who also covers Plainville. “Now I’m working to establish the office, and it’s been super busy.”

Klenk says she prioritizes being responsive, visible, and engaged with the community--not hard to do when she already knows so many people and their pets in the tri-town area. While reuniting lost pets with their owners is a highly rewarding part of her job, Klenk values equally her role in rescuing abused or neglected animals, and those with behavioral issues. It’s her passion and what she considers her area of expertise; she estimates she has fostered over 100 dogs, plus cats and other animals, with a goal of saving them from euthanasia.

“Ever since I was 5 years old, I’ve wanted to help injured and problem animals,” she said. “It’s my go-to.”

Klenk, 26, has worked with Taunton’s animal shelter and has also been a dog trainer. Right after high school, she worked as a veterinary tech assistant at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Services in Walpole. This month she will participate in the state’s Animal Control Certification Academy for state accreditation.

The new ACO says her most unusual animal encounter has been a goat on the loose in town. “Mama” went AWOL last month for one and a half days, and even managed to cross busy Route 1, before being captured outside the Supercharged Entertainment complex.

“That was probably my craziest experience so far,” she said. “We’ve also had some loose horses, and pigs.” 

Klenk is currently working on a case in town that involves rehoming some 500 animals from a farm to better living conditions. She says she is grateful she can help those animals.

Animal control officers work hand-in-hand with wildlife rehabilitators. Klenk credits Norfolk-based rehabber Susan Siegel, a family friend, as a source of support in her new role. Siegel is the founder of Return2Wild, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned, ill, and injured wildlife.

“A lot of people think the animal control officer can handle wildlife, but legally we can’t unless the animal is visibly injured or aggressive,” Klenk explained. “I’m not allowed to relocate any wildlife unless it’s injured, so I’ll work with Susan or another rehabber. But people should call me first and I’ll make the judgement as to who can handle the situation.”

Klenk says the town has its share of bobcats and other elusive animals. There’s at least one bear in town, although she has not seen it yet. 

“Most people don’t think these animals are around, but they are,” she noted. “They usually mind their own business, but I do encourage people with small animals to keep an eye on their pets outdoors.”

Klenk says her new job doesn’t leave her with much free time, but any downtime she does have is spent with her own pets--four rescued pit bulls and one foster, as well as four cats.  She grew up with horses, so whenever she can she’ll get out and ride with a friend. She’ll also help other dog owners with training, and recently took in and then rehomed some bunnies.

“Basically, my life is all animals,” Klenk said, laughing.

The ACO says this job is a dream come true. Working with and helping animals is all she’s ever wanted to do since she was little. Now she has a title to go with it.

“This is what I love to do,” Klenk said. “I was already doing rescues and working with people and their animals. Now I’m glad I can officially be the person that people call when they need help. I want to do this forever.”

Klenk is stationed with the Wrentham Police Department and can be reached on the non-emergency line: 508-384-2121.

Follow the new ACO on her Facebook page: Town of Wrentham & Plainville Animal Control.