Andrew Summa
K-9 Handler
Collinsville,VA
Summary
Dynamic K-9 Handler with a proven track record at Newark Humane Society, showcasing exceptional canine behavior understanding and critical thinking. Excelled in innovative training techniques and animal welfare, enhancing operational efficiency and team collaboration. Demonstrated adaptability and strong public relations skills, significantly improving animal and owner relations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
K-9 Handler
Newark Humane Society
04.1992 - 08.1994
- Followed safety protocols to minimize workplace accidents.
- Completed visual inspections of [work area and equipment] to check quality against standards.
- Maintained clean, neat, and hazard-free animal areas to protect individual health and wellbeing.
- Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
- Kept animals stimulated with variety of enrichment activities.
- Modified undesirable behaviors with use of successful and safe behavior modifications techniques.
- Observed animals during different activities to identify possible illnesses or injuries requiring care.
- Trained animals to respond to specific cues from both owners and handlers.
- Monitored animal health, attention and behavior during training sessions.
- Talked to or interacted with animals to increase familiarity with human voices or contact.
- Succeeded in training diverse animals with confident training techniques and trusting relationships.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to successfully train animals.
- Conferred with owners about methods for continuing training and reinforcing methods taught in classes.
- Collaborated with veterinarians, animal caretakers and other animal experts on how best to train animals.
- Instructed and supervised volunteers and staff on proper animal handling procedures.
- Created innovative ways to teach animals new behaviors and tricks.
Kennel Aid
Pennsylvania ASPCA
03.1991 - 04.1993
- Ensured animal safety with proper handling techniques and adherence to facility guidelines.
- Improved kennel cleanliness by maintaining a strict schedule of sanitation and disinfection procedures.
- Demonstrated compassion toward all animals in our care regardless of breed or background while treating them with respect and dignity.
- Cared for physical and psychological needs of animals with regular walks and playtime.
- Promoted a safe environment for both employees and animals by consistently following established workplace safety protocols.
- Maintained sanitary conditions for animals by cleaning living spaces and cages according to health code guidelines.
- Monitored and maintained food and water of boarded animals according to animal dietary health guidelines.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture by embracing teamwork, demonstrating flexibility in daily tasks, and supporting colleagues in their responsibilities.
- Maintained open lines of communication with pet owners through regular updates on their pets'' well-being during boarding stays.
- Expedited emergency situations by remaining calm under pressure, quickly assessing circumstances, and taking appropriate action as needed.
- Implemented effective record-keeping systems to track animals'' care progress and ensure efficient communication among team members.
- Increased client satisfaction by offering attentive customer service and addressing any concerns regarding their pets'' stay at the kennel.
- Reduced stress levels among boarding animals with consistent routines and calming enrichment activities.
- Promoted good hygiene in animals by seeing to grooming needs.
- Supported training efforts for new hires, sharing best practices for animal care and kennel maintenance tasks.
- Provided timely medical attention for animals through regular health checks and prompt communication with veterinary staff.
- Assisted in successful pet adoptions by creating detailed profiles highlighting each animal''s unique personality and needs.
- Enhanced the overall appearance of kennel facilities by performing regular maintenance tasks such as painting, minor repairs, and landscape upkeep.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to develop tailored care plans for animals with specific medical needs or behavioral challenges during their stay at the kennel facility.
- Cleaned and maintained kennel areas for optimized hygiene, including cages, runs and yards.
- Consulted with veterinarians to diagnose problems and administered prescribed treatments.
- Educated visitors and staff on proper animal care and handling.
- Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.
- Developed and implemented enrichment plans to keep animals healthy and stimulated.
- Washed, trimmed, and brushed animals to maintain good grooming standards.
- Monitored animals for signs of disease, illness, or injury and communicated concerns to owners.
- Documented animals' weight, size and condition in computer system for review by senior staff.
- Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
- Performed pet intake to gain necessary information concerning health, behaviors, potential allergies, and other details to provide complete records and methods of owner contact.
- Contributed to client retention by consistently providing outstanding customer service to both clients and pets.
- Performed basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases.
- Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
- Trained new staff on kennel maintenance, animal care and feeding protocols.
- Monitored animal behavior and completed examinations to identify illnesses, injuries, or potential diseases.
- Kept animals clean and free of contaminants to promote optimal health.
- Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice And Human Services
Colorado Technical University
Colorado06-2027
Skills
- Strong decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Canine behavior
- Public relations
- Canine handling
- Agility training
- K9 operations
- Stress management techniques
- Obedience training expertise
- Task delegation
- Crisis management
- Inventory coordination
- Equipment monitoring
- Equipment maintenance
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Animal welfare
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creative problem solving
- Self motivation
- Analytical thinking
- Animal grooming
- Animal restraint
- Clear verbal communication
- Animal rescue
- Animal behaviors
- Communication skills
- Animal handling
- Animal enrichment strategies
- Owner relations
- Temperament evaluation
- Clicker training
- Public education
- Analytical skills
Certification
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) - Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
- Accredited Pet Trainer Instructor – PetSmart Accreditation.
- Fear Free Certified Professional - Fear Free Pets.
- Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) - International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
- Pennsylvania Driver's License
Timeline
K-9 Handler
Newark Humane Society
04.1992 - 08.1994
Kennel Aid
Pennsylvania ASPCA
03.1991 - 04.1993
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice And Human Services
Colorado Technical University