Arika A. Shaffer
Madison
Summary
Compassionate professional with many years providing quality medical care to various animal breeds. Worked hand-in-hand with Veterinarian to diagnose and treat illnesses as well as support surgical procedures. Consistently displayed empathy when explaining conditions and providing health updates to animal owners. Developed customer service skills in high pressure situations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Veterinary Technician
UW-Madison
Madison
02.2025 - Current
- Assisted veterinarians during surgical procedures using specialized anesthesia equipment.
- Performed routine examinations on animals to assess health and gather medical history.
- Prepared and administered vaccinations and medications as prescribed by veterinarians.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Emergency Services
Middleton
07.2018 - 02.2025
- Working as a Certified Veterinary Technician at a 24-hour emergency hospital.
- Utilized previously developed technician skills in a faster more emergent setting.
- Skills include laboratory work, surgical assistance and anesthesia, nursing skills, phlebotomy, pharmaceutical knowledge.
- Became a “lead” CVT 2 months after hire which brought on responsibilities such as delegation of tasks, controlled drug logs/maintenance, and oversight of all treatments/patients during shift.
Server Assistant
Great Dane Pub & Brewing
Madison
07.2017 - 04.2019
- Assisted servers by delivering food and beverages promptly to guests.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area throughout service shifts.
- Supported team by restocking supplies during peak dining hours.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Animal Hospital of Verona
Verona
10.2015 - 06.2018
- Working as a Certified Veterinary Technician for a multi-veterinarian hospital.
- Care includes exotic species (rabbits, birds, small pocket pets), advanced dentistry procedures, as well as familiar companion animals such as dogs and cats.
- Work with doctors to provide both routine annual care (exams, vaccines, routine bloodwork) as well as care to hospitalized/critical patients.
- Roles include: basic technician skills such as venipuncture, triaging, medication dispensing/demonstration, and client education; surgical nursing skills such as patient prep, intubation, IVC placement, anesthesia monitoring; laboratory skills such as urinalysis, CBC differentials, cytology readings, and fecal analysis.
- Also have experience with CCS (reception) duties such as triaging phone calls for appointments, checking in and checking out patients, and monetary transactions.
- In 2016, became the OSHA safety officer and help the clinic maintain OSHA compliance and safety standards to provide a safe working environment.
Server/Hostess
Ala Roma
Fond du Lac
09.2010 - 10.2015
- Customer service skills.
- Money handling/transactions.
- Multitasking under pressure.
- Senior employee responsibilities (closing/assigning tasks).
Education
Associate of Arts and Science - Biology, Sociology, Genetics, Anatomy & Physiology
University of Wisconsin – Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac, WisconsinAssociate Degree in Applied Science - Veterinary Technician
Madison College
Madison, WisconsinSkills
- Customer service
- Multitasking
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Various animal care related skills
References
Available Upon Request.
Timeline
Certified Veterinary Technician
UW-Madison
02.2025 - Current
Certified Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Emergency Services
07.2018 - 02.2025
Server Assistant
Great Dane Pub & Brewing
07.2017 - 04.2019
Certified Veterinary Technician
Animal Hospital of Verona
10.2015 - 06.2018
Server/Hostess
Ala Roma
09.2010 - 10.2015
Associate of Arts and Science - Biology, Sociology, Genetics, Anatomy & Physiology
University of Wisconsin – Fond du Lac
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Veterinary Technician
Madison College