Spotlight on Animal Heroes:
Kelly Devall, Director Saratoga County Animal Shelter
Saratoga — mostly known for horses and the high life – is fortunate to have a top notch county animal shelter that serves the community’s animals. Kelly DeVall began work in the newly-built shelter in 2010 as a contract Veterinary Technician, was hired full time in 2014, became the Deputy Director in 2015 and Director in 2023. Through her tenacity, the Saratoga County Animal Shelter has become a leading voice and advocate fighting cruelty cases.
The facility has housed all types of small animals and even a few scary tarantulas. Although there are no facilities for farm animals, they have taken in a couple of roosters and two potbellied pigs who were housed in dog quarters. During a recent cruelty case, various fowl were held in outdoor dog kennels until a foster group could pick them up.
Unfortunately, according to Kelly, the majority of the current dog population at the shelter is made up of cruelty cases. As she explained, “We always ask for a surrender of animals in these cases and sometimes get lucky, but when they aren’t surrendered, the animals pay the price. These court cases take forever, causing the animals to remain in the shelter for up to a year or longer. We take very good care of them, but shelters were built for temporary housing and are no replacement for a home. It is important to sever the ties between the animals and the court case itself as soon as possible.”
Kelly believes that though they are handling more cases, she doesn’t think cruelty is more prevalent, but that people are more aware and law enforcement is becoming educated and learning how to handle these cases. She said she believes hoarding cases are a result of people becoming overwhelmed and there is most likely a mental health component as well. Other cases result from ignorance, and sometimes injuries occur from bursts of anger.
One has to think about the correlation between animal cruelty and human violence. In Kelly’s own words, “If you can throw a dog out of a truck window for defecating on your truck seat, what would you do to your child or spouse. We have had cases where there was clear intent to cause the animal harm, but unfortunately the courts did not see it that way. We need stronger penalties in a lot of these cases. A misdemeanor is a slap on the wrist. It’s not enough.”
According to Kelly, space, staffing and money are continual problems. More medical staff is needed to provide the level of care required on a daily basis. Cruelty cases can incur much expense. She is grateful to Friends of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, a group that provides items for the animals at the shelter above and beyond the County budget. With cruelty cases, they aid the rescue groups and fosters who hold some of the animals while cases are pending.
Practicing Shelter Medicine is probably the most rewarding job ever, although at times it can take its toll. She sees more miracles happen in Shelter Medicine than she did in veterinary private practice. “Our small staff and volunteers have been a lifesaver to me and for the animals.”
When asked her proudest achievement, she replied it will be helping to form a cruelty/neglect task force in Saratoga County. “I have gotten to meet some incredible people over the past 15 years. I have formed a great working relationship with the Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit early in my employment with the Shelter and now the Shelter provides all of the basic medical care and referrals for the Unit. Additionally, the Unit has taken over the majority of responsibility for cruelty/ neglect cases. It’s a win-win for everyone. I feel very blessed.”
As most of us know, it’s difficult to be in a shelter and not want to take everyone home, but Kelly has managed to limit her animal family to two dogs, three cats and a parrot. Thus, even her time at home involves caregiving. She added, “I do find peace in the simple things. I love to garden and hope to do more when I retire, I enjoy seeing the sunrise every morning and watching the birds at the feeders on my deck while drinking coffee every Sunday morning.”
Kelly recently assisted NYSHA’s Animal Cruelty Response team with a case — for that and all she does, her community is truly blessed as well. Thank you, Kelly!
New York State Humane Association Humane Review, Vol.XLVI, Fall 2025.