New leadership at Animal Care and Control

Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods recently announced that Alexis Trzcinski of Dorchester has been promoted to Director of the Animal Care and Control division of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

Trzcinski has worked in the animal welfare field for over 24 years and began her career at the Animal Rescue League of Boston where she worked in direct animal care and pet adoptions. Prior to being appointed Director, Alexis began working for Boston Animal Care and Control in 2004 and served as the Division’s Assistant Director since 2015. 

In that role, she organized the expansion of the city’s low-cost animal wellness program, worked collaboratively with other humane law enforcement organizations, performed administrative hearings, and ensured that the Division continued to provide high level care for animals in the City’s animal care facility in Roslindale. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of animals, and build stronger relationships within the community,” Trzcinski said. “My passion is helping animals in need. Lucky for me, that is also the mission of this talented team.”

Trzcinski is committed to the promotion of humane education and community work through organized community events, and further expansion of the City’s wellness services.  A graduate of UMass Boston, she has lived in Boston most of her life and currently lives in Dorchester with her husband, twin sons, two cats, Bowser and Mack, and her dog, Otter.

Commissioner Woods also welcomed Dr. Emily Walz, MPH DACVPM, to the Animal Care and Control staff, the division’s first full-time staff veterinarian.  An experienced veterinarian who has worked to provide community-based veterinary care to animals in Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, and Massachusetts, Dr. Walz has also pursued specialized training in public health, community needs assessment, and preventive medicine.  

“Both Alexis and Emily bring proven knowledge and success to their roles. These appointments represent a huge win for the animals, the community, and the Department of Animal Care and Control,” said Commissioner Woods. “In Alexis, we are elevating a valued employee to a new level of leadership, and Emily will undoubtedly bring fresh ideas to our work.”

Emily recently moved to Boston and brings her experience in developing community programming to support the special bond between people and their pets.  She is excited to join the team at Boston Animal Care and Control to continue providing high quality care to the animals of Boston and is looking forward to connecting to her neighbors around the city.

Dr. Walz holds a BS from Swarthmore College, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University, a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.  She currently resides in Roslindale with her wife, their energetic toddler, two kitties named Pearl and Puma, and an incredibly patient pit bull mix named Elsa. 

“I’m honored and excited to be joining the dynamic team at Boston Animal Care and Control and supporting the welfare of animals across the city,” said Dr. Walz. “I can’t wait to see what this team will accomplish.”