Gender Analysis of the Department of Animal Care and Control

Presented at the May 28, 2014 meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women

Director Rebecca Katz of the Animal Care & Control Department and Captain Denise BonGiovanni responded to the gender analysis questions.

Director Katz explained that the Safe Pets program provides free shelter for pets of violence survivors. The program benefits women survivors of domestic violence who may be concerned about the safety of their pets.

Captain BonGiovanni discussed the top 3 classifications of female and male employees, and information on the age and ethnicity of these employees. The four highest positions occupied by women are Director, Deputy Director (currently vacant), Manager, and Veterinarian: two employees are white and over 50 years of age, and one is under 50 years of age. The three highest positions occupied by men are Animal Care supervisor, Assistant Animal Care Supervisor, and Assistant Field Services Supervisor: two employees are over 50 years of age, one is white, one is Filipino, and one is African American under 50 years old.

Commissioner Soo asked about child abuse intervention training of staff. Director Katz stated that there is a definite link between animal abuse and family violence. Her staff members are mandated to report abuse, including family violence.

Commissioner Gamez asked about comments that have marginalized the work of the department. Director Katz expressed that her staff are underpaid for the level of work demanded on the job. The agency functions both as a public protection agency and a health and human services agency. She explained that officers have the same training as probation officers and have the power of arrest and detention.

Director Katz stated that there are not good numbers that capture the number of pets in San Francisco. Discussion focused on new regulations governing dog walkers, many of whom are women. Dog licenses are mandatory, yet only about 15%-17% are licensed.

Commissioners expressed interest in working on the wage disparity issue.

Discussion focused on the barriers that women might face in applying for a position at the Fire Department and the cultural change that needs to occur in order to be more welcoming of non-traditional firefighters. Commissioners pointed out that positions in the Fire Department are well-paid and come with significant benefits, and women should be encouraged to apply.

Chief Hayes-White discussed the progress the department has made in including transgender firefighters. Also, for the first time, the Fire Department is now seeing a wave of women retirees who have 25 years of service.

However, of the 48 members of the academy class starting in January 2014, 7 were women, but only 2 have remained in the class due to a variety of reasons (e.g. family caregiving responsibilities, lack of interest). Commissioners urged the Chief to continue to pursue inclusive staffing policies.