05/30/2026
As we close the month of May and recognize , the purpose of this post is to highlight the incredible individuals who make up our Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC) team. Animal welfare is a profession that demands compassion, resilience, and strength, and our staff exemplifies those qualities every single day.
Over the last six months, I’ve had the true honor and privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated people I have ever met while serving in my Interim role as we searched for our second Department Assistant Director. These are individuals whom I continue to admire day in and day out; not just because of the work they do, but because of the heart, passion, and commitment they bring to that work every single day.
After nearly 25 years with our beloved department, I can honestly say that the work never stops...but neither does the purpose behind it. Animal welfare is challenging, emotional, exhausting, and at times thankless. Yet it is also deeply meaningful and rewarding.
Our staff continues to show up every day despite the stigma, criticism, heavy workloads, and emotional toll that often accompany this profession. I will always advocate for our team because I know firsthand the caliber of people they are. Behind every call for service, every rescue, every adoption, every late night, every long drive, and every difficult situation are human beings who genuinely care and are doing their absolute best to make a positive difference in our community.
Animal welfare is not simply an "Animal Control issue"...it is a community issue. Our team works tirelessly not only to protect public safety, but also to provide compassion, medical care, and hope to every animal that comes through our doors, while striving each day to help them find loving forever homes.
To our Brownsville community, please know that BARCC is made up of truly amazing people working behind the scenes. People who care deeply. People who hurt when animals hurt. People who celebrate every adoption, every reunion, and every success story. People who often carry the emotional weight of this work home with them because this is far more than just a job...it is a calling.
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, I want to remind everyone that our staff is human. They experience the highs and lows of this profession alongside the animals and residents they serve. Their dedication often comes with emotional challenges that are not always visible, yet they continue showing up because they genuinely care.
To our BARCC team: thank you. We see you. We appreciate you. We support you. Your compassion, professionalism, and commitment to serving both people and animals make Brownsville a better place every day.
I could not be more proud of this team and the standard they continue to set for animal welfare in our community. ❤️ **Missing a few members in our photo 📷 today after our mental health walk.**
- Roberto Garcia - Assistant Director City of Brownsville - Department of Health, Wellness, and Animal Services
