Samuel Cintron III, senior specialist, national shelter support

Samuel Cintron III has been a passionate advocate for animal welfare for the past ten years. He began his career in 2014 with his dog training business, Dogs Best Friend NJ, after earning his certification from Hanlons K-9 in Toms River, NJ. For over three years, he helped countless dogs and their owners.

In 2021, Samuel transitioned to animal control, earning his ACO Certification, and working at Saint Hubert’s Animal Welfare. He later joined Associated Humane Societies in Newark, where he was promoted to Animal Control Supervisor. His efforts in community engagement and education were recognized in 2023 when he was named Animal Control Officer of the Year by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA).

In 2024, Samuel and his family moved to Georgia, where he briefly worked for Fulton County Animal Services. He now resides in Douglas County with his wife, Greissy, their two sons, Dallas and Levi, two rescued dogs, and a turtle.

One of Samuel’s favorite quotes is by Roger A. Caras: “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” In his spare time, he enjoys digital art, training his dogs, and spending quality time with his family.