Suffolk Animal Care maintains a shelter to protect, house, feed, and (only if necessary) euthanize the stray, injured, abused, or unwanted animals within the City of Suffolk. Adoptions and redemption of stray animals, as well as lost and found pet files are handled through the facility. Through educational programs, Suffolk Animal Care stresses the importance of humane care, rabies vaccinations, and spaying or neutering to prevent unwanted pet populations, as well as citizen awareness of State and City laws pertaining to domestic animals. Suffolk Animal Control is also responsible for the investigation of all incidents and the enforcement of State and City laws regarding domestic animals within the City's jurisdictional boundaries, providing assistance and information to the complainants and animal owners. Suffolk Animal Control is staffed with a Chief Animal Control Officer and five additional Animal Control Officers. These officers investigate complaints of animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect and enforce the City and State animal control laws. The Unit is available to respond to emergencies involving animals 24 hours a day.