Shelter Operations Manager Celebrates 30 Years at Hinsdale Humane Society

Submitted by the Hinsdale Humane Society. Photo: Jennifer Vlazny.

For the past few weeks, well-wishers have been congratulating Jennifer Vlazny, Shelter Operations Manager at Hinsdale HumaneSociety (HHS), on her 30th Anniversary at the shelter.

She was recognized for her dedication at an HHS Board Meeting on August 8 (her actual anniversary) and on August 16, during the shelter’s annual Pet Blessing and Brick commemoration in the Carla E. Fisher Memorial Garden.

“I am fortunate to have found a career that I love where I can use my passion for animals to help those in need,” said Vlazny. “As with any job, 30 years is a milestone, and not typical in animal care and shelter work which can be very demanding. There is accountability 365 days a year, and you always need to be ready for any possible animal-related situation. My commitment to caring for homeless animals until they are adopted overshadows the daily challenges”.

Vlazny always wanted to work with animals and attended farrier school prior to beginning her HHS career as a part-time animal care technician and adoption counselor in 1985. She quickly became Assistant Shelter Manager and for the past 27 years, has been Operations Manger. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily shelter operations, from establishing kennel cleaning protocol and conducting animal temperament assessments, to arranging HHS foster care for animals in need, and making adoption decisions.

Throughout her 30 year tenure, Vlazny has seen an evolution in shelter animal care, from changes at HHS such as removing the ban on accepting Pit Bulls, and expanding the foster care program, to providing medical care for sick animals, implementing the “No Fee” Feline adoption program and establishing the pre-release spay/neuter program.

Vlazny is most gratified through her work with transport groups that rescue and bring animals from high-kill, overcrowded shelters and animal control facilities in southern Illinois and Missouri. She has been able to transfer many wonderful, adoptable animals to HHS, saving their lives in the process. “I am very proud of this program and our ability to provide a second chance for these high-risk animals to find loving, forever homes,” said Vlazny.

Animal shelter work continues to evolve in terms of medical issue, treatments, and shelter policies and protocols, and Vlazny stays on top of it all with continuing education.

Vlazny’s genuine concern for animals and their well-being extends beyond HHS. Her house is home to two dogs, two cats, a lovebird, a hedgehog, and a guinea pig. Completing her animal kingdom are Vlazny’s two horses, that reside in a nearby stable. She has a special fondness for her horses, citing the unique bond, trust, and partnership that develops between a horse and its owner/rider. For Vlazny, animals are an integral part of both her personal and professional life.