Officer Melissa Prettyman has worked with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services since 2011. After receiving over 400 hours of training, she graduated from the department’s 31st Animal Control Officer Academy. Melissa has completed numerous hours of investigative training and has earned certificates for “Interview and Interrogation” courses from the San Diego Police Department.

Melissa has logged over 700 hours investigating Dangerous Dog and Public Nuisance reports, which has led to the declaration and regulation of more than thirty dogs. After four years as a Patrol Officer, Melissa promoted to Field Training Officer (FTO), where she maintains an important role in training the department’s new recruits.

During her time as an Animal Control Officer, Melissa received the “Humane Hero” award from the San Diego Humane Society and also received the “Life Saving Citation” award from the San Diego Fire Department.