IRVINE, CA (August 12, 2015):  After a nationwide recruitment, the City of Irvine has appointed J. Kevin Hertell manager of the Irvine Animal Care Center. Hertell comes to the City with more than 30 years of experience working with animals. Since 2010, Hertell served as the Executive Director of the Second Chance Center for Animals in Flagstaff, Arizona. There, he oversaw a staff of 20 and a volunteer corps of 125.

Hertell is well-positioned to helm the Animal Care Center thanks to extensive organizational know-how that complements his extensive experience with animals. Hertell holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation and management and a master’s in biology with an emphasis on animal behavior. Other previous roles include positions with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Wildlife Center.

Hertell will take his post at the Irvine Animal Care Center on September 2.

The Irvine Animal Care Center provides sheltering, care and enrichment for homeless, neglected, abused or unwanted animals. Services include pet licensing for Irvine residents, pet adoptions and events. Among the programs provided is the Extended Care Program, which allows animals that haven’t been adopted in the first 45 days to continue to be housed at the center until they find their forever homes. In addition, the Third Chance Program for Pets transfers animals from overcrowded Southern California shelters, where they may have limited chances for adoption, and brings them to the center for a chance at finding permanent homes. The center, located at 6443 Oak Canyon in Irvine, is open weekdays from noon to 7 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 949-724-7740 or visit cityofirvine.org/animal-care-center.