In this session, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection research team will present the findings of a recent study conducted with the National Animal Care and Control Association on animal control, field services and humane law enforcement officers' perspectives on community engagement. The definitions of community engagement varied greatly across this national sample of U.S. officers; however, most officers agreed that strategies such as de-escalation, relationship-building, providing assistance or information, allowing time for compliance and engaging in enforcement/seizure as a last resort were among the most effective community engagement strategies. Several barriers to incorporating “community engagement” strategies in the work of animal control and field services professionals were also identified, including: stigma or misconceptions about the role of animal control and field services in the community (e.g., the “dogcatcher” being seen as police/law enforcement); obtaining and maintaining buy-in from leadership; funding or staffing limitations; challenges related to developing and maintaining partnerships with other community-based organizations; the need to add, change or remove local laws or organizational policies; public health concerns related to COVID-19; and the need for training and mental health support for officers. These findings and implications for future work will be discussed.