Abigail Simpson
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Led efforts to enhance animal welfare through partnerships with veterinary teams. Upheld Virginia state humane euthanasia certification for canines, felines, and various small mammals. Committed to continuous professional development in the evolving field of animal care.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Animal Shelter Manager
Virginia Beach SPCA
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2024 - Current
- DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Under the supervision of the Director of Shelter Operations and Medical Director, the Cattery Manager is responsible for creating a cattery environment that provides a high quality, compassionate and humane experience for animals; where staff are supported, properly trained, and encouraged to succeed; where the physical environment is clean, safe, and well organized; and where all visitors enjoy a warm and educational welcome. This position performs in accordance with the organization’s expectations for animal care, teamwork, and interpersonal relations, and actively contributes to improving service delivery, communication and consistency.
- PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: STAFF SUPERVISION:
- Build and lead an effective Cattery team guided by the VBSPCA Core Values
- Effectively manage VBSPCA Cattery volunteers
- Work with HR to review applications, interview applicants, and submit hiring recommendations.
- Create, implement, and monitor an effective training program for Cattery staff and volunteers.
- Ensure the completion of on-boarding and training of Cattery staff, to include continuing education as needed.
- Monitor Cattery staff performance providing feedback in a timely and appropriate manner following VBSPCA policy and procedures.
- Ensure relevant SOPs and protocols are followed in the Cattery.
- Supervise Cattery workflow.
- Oversee Cattery scheduling to best meet organizational needs.
- Process Cattery terminations and off-boarding as required.
- CATTERY AND SMALL ANIMAL OPERATIONS:
- Ensure felines and small animals in the care of the VBSPCA are afforded the 5 Freedoms: Freedom from Hunger and Thirst. Freedom from Discomfort. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior. Freedom from Fear and Distress.
- At the Virginia Beach SPCA (VBSPCA), we believe that human compassion is critical to the elimination of animal suffering. Through shelter operations and adoptions, income based public clinic services, educational programs, wildlife triage, and numerous animal welfare partnerships, the VBSPCA strives to create a more humane and responsible community.
- A strong, values-based team is the foundation of the VBSPCA, and all positions within the organization perform in accordance with our core values of community, collaboration, dedication, empathy, innovation, and joy. All associates adhere to the organization’s core behaviors that align with those values including, but not limited to, continued process improvement, personal accountability, the provision of quality customer service, and fostering an environment that supports diversity, inclusion, and equity. In addition, all VBSPCA associates practice a commitment to compassionate animal care and the VBSPCA’s shelter philosophy.
Lead Animal Care Technician
Virginia Beach SPCA
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Oversee Animal Care Technicians
- Ensure medical and safety protocols are followed strictly
- Ensure cleanliness and sanitation to reduce illness in the shelter
- All previous responsibility listed in “Animal Care Technician” position
Animal Care Technician
Virginia Beach SPCA
Virginia Beach, VA
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Maintain humane and sanitary conditions for animals, monitoring the health and progress of animals, providing a warm and welcoming environment for potential adopters and visitors, and developing respectful and congenial relationships with fellow employees. Primary responsibilities include:
- Ensure felines and small animals in the care of the VBSPCA are afforded the 5 freedoms.
- Performs timely, effective, properly executed cleaning protocols throughout the shelter.
- Ensures the shelter is clean, sanitary, and presentable by removing animal waste during open hours and clearing debris from walkways and the front lobby.
- Maintains overall orderliness of the building and grounds, reporting any concerns to the department manager.
- Implements the day-to-day care of the animals, including their health and mental well-being.
- Implements enrichment programs and behavior modification protocols as indicated by the department manager.
- Administers daily medications, flea prevention, microchips, and required vaccines to cats and small animals as permitted by the medical director or assistant medical director.
- Performs cat and small animal physical exams.
- Counseling individuals regarding adoptions, obedience training, and pet care.
- Promotes and maintains the humane care and treatment of animals at all times.
- Continues personal education regarding companion animal behavior and care.
- Fully participated in shelter efforts to offer all clients superior customer service.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the department manager.
Associate
Lidl
Norfolk, VA
08.2020 - 08.2022
- In charge of opening/closing procedures in the bakery.
- Ensure the shelves are fully stocked.
- Engage with customers and assist with any need they may have.
- Running a cash register.
- Excellent customer service and leadership skills!
Dietary Aide
Commonwealth Senior Living
Radford, VA
02.2018 - 06.2019
- Prepared cooking supplies, ingredients, and workstations during opening and closing procedures to maximize efficiency.
- Patiently and compassionately assisted patients requiring assistance eating meals.
- Distributed food to waitstaff quickly during busy peak periods to drive customer satisfaction.
- Maintained strict levels of cleanliness for tables, floors, and prep areas.
- Worked closely with residents to keep them happy and healthy.
Education
College Sophomore - Environmental Science
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA05.2024
High school diploma - General Studies
Radford High School
Radford, VA05.2019
Skills
Pet behavioral modification
Veterinary physical examination assistance
Pet care
Animal care technician experience
Small mammal care experience
Pet care volunteer experience
Leadership
Management
Animal welfare
Animal handling
Animal illness recognition
Animal restraint
Supervising
Animal shelter experience
Kennel Experience
Staff development
Conflict resolution
Medication administration
Mentorship
Empathy
Positive reinforcement training for pets
Veterinary assistant experience
Vaccination administration
Veterinary clinic experience
Team management
Certification
- Competency Certification for Animal Euthanasia
- May 2024 to Present
- Exp. October 2027
- Demonstrated competency in performing humane euthanasia on canines, felines, rabbits, and rats.
- Driver's License
Languages
English
Additional Information
- Authorized to work in the US for any employer
- Over 100 hours spent volunteering for the Virginia Beach SPCA
Timeline
Animal Shelter Manager
Virginia Beach SPCA
07.2024 - Current
Lead Animal Care Technician
Virginia Beach SPCA
07.2023 - 07.2024
Animal Care Technician
Virginia Beach SPCA
08.2022 - 07.2023
Associate
Lidl
08.2020 - 08.2022
Dietary Aide
Commonwealth Senior Living
02.2018 - 06.2019
High school diploma - General Studies
Radford High School
College Sophomore - Environmental Science
George Mason University