Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

Anissa Fernandez

Highland Park,NJ

Summary

Patient and attentive caretaker with substantial knowledge of dog and cat breeds. Committed to providing professional and hygienic environments for animals and owners. Creating individualized play sessions and routines for high energy dogs. Working independently with minimal supervision.

Determined to work hard in fast-paced environments. Known for handling temperamental animals with relative ease and gentleness. Willing to take on additional shifts while providing great care to animals and clients

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Dog Washer

Dog Grooming
Old Bridge , New Jersey
01.2020 - 02.2020
  • Followed process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair and hair mats.
  • Kept animal coats clean and healthy with washing, grooming and trimming.
  • Walked pets outside throughout each shift to prevent accidents in group play areas and on bedding.
  • Collected animal waste produced on walks and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.
  • Welcomed customers upon arrival and ushered pets to holding kennels or group play areas.
  • Assessed paws, ears and eyes for injuries or infections as part of initial evaluation.
  • Performed pet intake to gain necessary information concerning health, behaviors, potential allergies and other details to provide complete records and methods of owner contact.
  • Swabbed ears to remove wax and dirt, removing extra hair to allow air to circulate freely and avoid infection.
  • Removed undercoat buildup and conducted de-shedding on double-coated animals such as Husky's and Malamutes.
  • Cleaned tear stains from fur using safe chemical cleansers.
  • Kept cages, kennels, play yards and grooming areas neat and clean.
  • Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
  • Washed, dried and brushed animals to maintain good grooming standards.

Photographer

JC Penny Portraits
Woodbridge, NJ
10.2019 - 01.2020
  • Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
  • Consulted with clients to discuss commission ideas and style preferences to create mutually agreeable project parameters.
  • Selected and set up appropriate props, backdrops and lighting.
  • Determined and adjusted subject position, props and lighting equipment while selecting camera angles to optimize final product.
  • Changed backdrops, floorboard and made small light adjustments.
  • Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
  • Experimented with different lighting effects to deliver unique images.
  • Shot photographs in controlled lab, field and remote environments.
  • Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
  • Edited, toned, captioned and uploaded photographs for publication.
  • Reviewed images and selected best frames to present in client portfolio for purchase.
  • Inspected proofs to verify quality and determine needed adjustments and retouches.
  • Kept photography equipment available, clean and working.
  • Archived photographs on computers and servers.

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Husky House
Matawan, NJ
09.2018 - 04.2019
  • Provided humane care of domestic and wild animals.
  • Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
  • Cared for multiple animals by feeding, taking dogs for walks and supervising playtime.
  • Trained animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands.
  • Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
  • Followed specific food and water schedules for different animals.
  • Maintained animal health and wellbeing by brushing coat, trimming nails, cleaning ears and providing other types of basic care.
  • Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.
  • Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and feeding bowls neat and clean.
  • Managed facility laundry, cleaning and restocking.
  • Collected animal waste produced on walks and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.

Dog Trainer

Woodbridge Animal Group - Wag
Woodbridge, NJ
08.2014 - 02.2015
  • Consulted with staff members to discuss behavioral concerns and determine final goals.
  • Evaluated animals to determine temperaments, abilities and aptitude for training.
  • Talked to or interacted with animals to increase familiarity with human voices or contact.
  • Observed dogs in various settings to determine behavioral concerns and problems.
  • Watched dogs for triggers, signs of aggression and pack behaviors to formulate possible solutions.
  • Worked individually with dogs on track for higher-level certifications in obedience and show performance.
  • Acclimated every animal to feel of different harnesses and equipment by steadily increasing touches and overall use.
  • Employed positive reinforcement with animals using "clicker-training" method, voice rewards and food rewards.
  • Cued or signaled animals during performances.
  • Maintained clean training arena for group classes.
  • Maintained clean, neat and hazard-free animal areas to protect individual health and wellbeing.

Intern Student

Animal Behavior College - Wag
Woodbridge, New Jersey
08.2014 - 02.2015
  • Followed safety protocols to avoid accidents.
  • Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
  • Managed pet safety and wellness by securing yard gates and removing items that could make pets sick.
  • Performed pet intake to gain necessary information concerning health, behaviors, potential allergies and other details
  • Reported back to instructor to receive day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
  • Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Maintained and updated daily log of time spent with dogs for itemizing activities and ongoing training.
  • Maintained clean, neat and hazard-free animal areas to protect individual health and wellbeing.
  • Talked to or interacted with animals to increase familiarity with human voices or contact.
  • Developed strong personal relationships and trust with dogs through vocal affirmations, petting and pre-approved treats.
  • Exercised animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
  • Trained animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands.
  • Acclimated every animal to feel of different harnesses and equipment by steadily increasing touches and overall use.
  • Coordinated animal training to teach commands, improve behaviors and housebreak personal pets.
  • Cued or signaled animals during performances.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Walked pets outside throughout each shift to prevent accidents in group play areas and on bedding.
  • Maintained pace according to size, age and agility to offer individualized walking experience for each dog.
  • Kept cages, kennels, play yards and grooming areas neat and clean.
  • Collected animal waste produced on walks and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.
  • Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.

Pet Sitter

Friends And Family Members
Staten Island , New York
10.2012 - 01.2015
  • Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email and text.
  • Met with clients to discuss care preferences prior to caring for animals.
  • Performed pet intake to gain necessary information concerning health, behaviors, potential allergies and other details to provide complete records and methods of owner contact.
  • Organized picking up and dropping off animals at client locations.
  • Managed pet safety and wellness in owners' absence by securing yard gates and removing items that could make pets sick.
  • Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
  • Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
  • Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
  • Trained animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands.
  • Coordinated animal training to teach commands, improve behaviors and housebreak personal pets.
  • Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise and walks.
  • Collected animal waste produced on walks and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.
  • Kept animals clean and free of contaminants to promote optimal health.

Babysitter

Friends And Family Members
Staten Island , New York
10.2003 - 10.2013
  • Communicated positively with children and guardians.
  • Fostered close relationships with children by discussing school, friends and hobbies
  • Maintained updated list of emergency contact information and child's health information in case of emergencies.
  • Studied and researched food allergies to understand requirements for individuals with such conditions.
  • Transported children to and from school and extra-curricular activities.
  • Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
  • Provided developmentally appropriate activities for children.
  • Established and maintained safe play environment for children.
  • Supervised children on playground to help develop physical and social skills.
  • Supervised children engaged in physical activity, learning and social skills with peers.
  • Encouraged children to be understanding and patient with others.
  • Offered age-appropriate, fun and educational activities for children ranging in age from six weeks to sixth grade.
  • Played games, worked on puzzles and read books to young children.
  • Monitored children's play activities to verify safety.
  • Prepared healthy, age-appropriate snacks and meals.
  • Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
  • Taught children to organize toys, wash hands and share by leading by example.
  • Assisted with light housekeeping duties as well as running errands.
  • Bathed, dressed and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
  • Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.

Dog Caretaker

Friends And Family Members
Staten Island, NY
10.2010 - 08.2012
  • Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email and text.
  • Performed pet intake to gain necessary information concerning health, behaviors, potential allergies and other details to provide complete records and methods of owner contact.
  • Organized picking up and dropping off animals at client locations.
  • Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
  • Managed pet safety and wellness in owners' absence by securing yard gates and removing items that could make pets sick.
  • Coordinated animal training to teach commands, improve behaviors and housebreak personal pets.
  • Exercised animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
  • Walked pets outside throughout each shift to prevent accidents.
  • Collected animal waste produced on walks and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.
  • Followed effective process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair and hair mats.

Traveling Sales Representative

Puff Electronic Cig
Staten Island, NY
08.2011 - 12.2011
  • Implemented brand marketing and sales campaigns.
  • Executed direct sales from manufacturers to customers to improve profitability within retail environment.
  • Tailored sales approaches and techniques to specific client needs to increase marketing effectiveness.
  • Engaged customers in social conversations to create pleasant and easy shopping experience.
  • Worked to build relationships with customers and built potential for additional sales.
  • Offered each customer top-notch, personal service to boost sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
  • Achieved monthly sales goals by promoting product benefits and enrolling new clients.
  • Met with existing customers and prospects to discuss business needs and recommend optimal solutions.
  • Effectively sold significant overstock of inventory, reducing overhead and improving cash flow.

Volunteer

Wildlife Rescue Center
Staten Island, New York
08.2002 - 02.2005
  • Assisted with special events or programs.
  • Supported engaging and fun events by helping with organization and planning
  • Encouraged donations by supporting community fundraising events and campaigns.
  • Maintained clean, neat and operational facilities to serve program needs.
  • Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information of animals' well-being to staff
  • Provided humane care to domestic and wild animals.
  • Carefully clipped nails and trimmed hair around pads and paws, using gentle approach for anxious pets.
  • Assisted public in claiming lost animals or selecting animals for adoptions or release
  • Observed and monitored over animals for signs of illness or injury to report symptoms and overall animal health to supervisor.
  • Kept cages, kennels, play yards and grooming areas neat and clean.
  • Collected animal waste produced on walks or in enclosures and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.
  • Managed facility laundry, cleaning and restocking.
  • Followed specific food and water schedules for different animal species.
  • Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.
  • Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
  • Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
  • Monitored animal behavior and completed examinations to identify illnesses, injuries or potential diseases.
  • Restocked supplies and rotated items to maintain efficient operations and prevent expiration of perishable goods.

Education

Certified - Dog Training & Behavior

Animal Behavior College, Online
2015

GED -

University of The State of New York, Staten Island NY
04.2011

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Proper Animal Restraining
  • Animal Behavior Education
  • Dog behavior insight
  • Basic Animal Care
  • Compassionate Care
  • Animal Training
  • Animal Interaction
  • Animal First Aid
  • Human and Animal Safety
  • Ability to Lift 30 Pounds
  • Kennel Cleaning and Sanitation

Certification

  • Certified Dog Trainer, Animal Behavior college

Timeline

Dog Washer - Dog Grooming
01.2020 - 02.2020
Photographer - JC Penny Portraits
10.2019 - 01.2020
Animal Shelter Volunteer - Husky House
09.2018 - 04.2019
Dog Trainer - Woodbridge Animal Group - Wag
08.2014 - 02.2015
Intern Student - Animal Behavior College - Wag
08.2014 - 02.2015
Pet Sitter - Friends And Family Members
10.2012 - 01.2015
Traveling Sales Representative - Puff Electronic Cig
08.2011 - 12.2011
Dog Caretaker - Friends And Family Members
10.2010 - 08.2012
Babysitter - Friends And Family Members
10.2003 - 10.2013
Volunteer - Wildlife Rescue Center
08.2002 - 02.2005
Animal Behavior College - Certified, Dog Training & Behavior
University of The State of New York - GED,
Anissa Fernandez