Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Arianna Pagan

Arianna Pagan

Summary

Veterinary and merchandising professional with extensive experience in animal welfare and a strong commitment to excellence in clinical support. Adept at assisting in surgeries, administering treatments, and providing compassionate care. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in fast-paced environments, with key skills in diagnostic testing and patient management. Expertise in animal welfare, inventory management, and customer service, with a proven ability to adapt and respond to changing needs, ensuring reliable and effective collaboration. Recognized for excellent communication skills and a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Veterinary Technician

Shorewood Animal Hospital
12.2023 - 06.2025

Surgical & Medical Assistance

  • Lead technician for veterinary orthopedic surgeries (ACL/CCL), maintaining precise leg positioning under sterile conditions for dogs up to 80 lbs.
  • Assisted in dental procedures, contributing to overall oral health of patients.
  • Assisted in euthanasia procedures with empathy and compassion, providing emotional support to grieving pet owners during difficult times.
  • Conducted diagnostic tests such as fecal collection, urinalysis, and bloodwork using IDEXX equipment.
  • Administered vaccinations and injectable medications, ensuring adherence to established protocols.
  • Assisted in X-rays and ultrasounds to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Patient Care & Handling

  • Conducted comprehensive patient assessments, documenting health histories for accurate treatment plans.
  • Monitored post-operative recovery processes for surgical patients to detect complications early and initiate timely intervention.
  • Handled challenging behavior from stressed or anxious animals using calming techniques and low-stress handling methods.

Client Communication & Education

  • Educated clients on post-operative care and preventive measures, including vaccination schedules, parasite control, dental hygiene, and nutrition.
  • Assisted grieving pet owners during euthanasia procedures, providing clear explanations and emotional support.

Facility Maintenance & Hygiene

  • Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to maintain sterile and odor-controlled conditions.
  • Restocked surgical and office supplies to keep materials accessible and workflows uninterrupted.

Process Improvement & Team Development

  • Implemented inventory management systems, optimizing supply chain efficiency and reducing waste.
  • Collaborated with fellow technicians to streamline daily tasks and improve clinic workflow.
  • Developed training program for new technicians, improving onboarding and overall team effectiveness.
  • Mentored junior technicians, enhancing skill development and contributing to a cohesive, efficient team.

Customer Service & Brand Representation

  • Scheduled appointments efficiently while triaging urgent cases based on severity.
  • Designed client education materials and marketing content to promote hospital services.
  • Enhanced clinic reputation through compassionate service and high-quality patient care.

Artist

LycheeLeopardArt
07.2016 - Current

Creative Design & Visual Development

  • Created original digital artwork for advertisements, social media content, branding, and promotional materials.
  • Designed cohesive brand visuals including logos, business cards, and letterheads to support corporate identity.
  • Developed video game character concepts and accurate creature anatomy art for independent projects.
  • Produced high-quality digital files suitable for both online and print formats, including vector, raster, and multi-platform media.
  • Designed and edited videos for use in advertising, social media, and informational content.

Client Communication & Commission Work

  • Engaged with clients to determine project goals, timelines, pricing, and specific deliverables.
  • Delivered work that adhered strictly to client specifications, with consistent on-time delivery.
  • Provided creative input and enhancements beyond client requests to elevate final results.
  • Managed revisions and feedback professionally, ensuring satisfaction and alignment with the client's vision.
  • Maintained ongoing communication with clients regarding deadlines, edits, and satisfaction.

Professional Growth & Portfolio Management

  • Studied tutorials, reference materials, and professional art resources to continually refine technique and expand artistic range.
  • Regularly updated personal art portfolio to showcase recent work and attract new commissions and opportunities.
  • Contributed to the creative process by bringing fresh ideas, inspiration, and a collaborative spirit to every project.

Shift Lead/Companion Animal Manager/Keyholder

Pet Supplies Plus
06.2023 - 11.2023

Leadership & Staff Management

  • Planned staff schedules to optimize floor coverage and improve workflow during peak and off-peak hours.
  • Delegated tasks based on employee skill level, prior training, and current team needs to ensure smooth operations.
  • Trained and mentored new and existing team members on animal care, customer education, and store policies to foster a positive team environment.
  • Initiated performance incentive programs and staff contests to boost motivation and productivity.


Animal Care & Aquatics

  • Oversaw health and wellbeing of live animals through regular assessments, feeding, enclosure cleaning, enrichment, and administering medications under veterinary guidance.
  • Scheduled veterinary appointments for sick or injured animals and ensured timely treatment and follow-up.
  • Maintained aquatic health through daily fish tank maintenance, water testing, algae prevention, and sump cleaning, exceeding store standards for appearance and animal care.
  • Decorated animal habitats seasonally to increase traffic and drive companion animal sales.
  • Placed live animal orders based on workload, seasonal demand, customer interest, and budget.


Sales & Customer Service

  • Drove sales by marketing and selling over 300 fish and reptiles monthly and providing tailored product recommendations.
  • Tracked down hard-to-find merchandise across store locations to meet customer needs and improve satisfaction.
  • Handled customer questions, product inquiries, and returns with professionalism to promote repeat business.
  • Maintained store social media presence to increase visibility, engagement, and foot traffic.


Merchandising & Inventory

  • Managed merchandising tasks including planogram execution, clearance displays, and stock presentation.
  • Walked the department multiple times each shift to assess safety, cleanliness, and inventory needs.
  • Managed inventory levels and placed live animal orders based on demand and upcoming holidays.


Administrative & Operations

  • Managed store opening and closing procedures, tills, and deposits with accuracy and accountability.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and customer-friendly store environment through proactive walkthrough and staff supervision.

Shift Lead/Enrichment Specialist

Fun.Play.Bark.
12.2022 - 06.2023

Dog Behavior Management & Enrichment

  • Supervised group play sessions, monitoring for safety and appropriate behavior.
  • Learned names and typical behaviors of each dog to tailor management techniques accordingly.
  • Used positive reinforcement and obedience commands to encourage manners and discourage excessive excitement, aggression, and other unwanted behaviors.
  • Engaged dogs in stimulating, personalized play to meet physical and mental enrichment needs.
  • Trained dogs in basic obedience, behavior shaping, and housebreaking reinforcement.
  • Applied knowledge of canine body language and stress signals to proactively de-escalate tension during group play.
  • Managed dog group assignments based on individual personality and behavior rather than size, and enrichment routines to ensure safe, productive socialization.

Animal Care & Health Monitoring

  • Fed dogs based on individual dietary needs and monitored food intake for signs of illness or stress.
  • Maintained accurate records of dog behavior, health, and any notable incidents.
  • Identified and reported injuries or unsafe behaviors promptly to management.
  • Performed daily cleaning and sanitization of kennels, play areas, toys, and equipment to maintain a healthy environment.

Facility Upkeep & Safety

  • Swept, vacuumed, mopped, and disinfected kennel and common areas in accordance with sanitation protocols.
  • Restocked supplies, laundered bedding, and ensured all areas were clean, organized, and free of hazards.
  • Kept indoor and outdoor play yards free of debris to ensure safe movement and play.

Client Interaction & Communication

  • Interacted with pet parents in a personalized and compassionate manner, addressing concerns and sharing daily updates.
  • Provided thoughtful insight into each dog's behavior and progress with socialization or training goals.
  • Created personalized behavior summaries and report cards to keep pet parents informed and engaged.

Leadership & Team Training

  • Supervised daily operations to ensure consistent, high-quality care and exceptional customer service.
  • Mentored and trained new team members on enrichment protocols, safety procedures, and cleaning standards.

Shift Lead/Companion Animal Manager/Keyholder

Pet Supplies Plus
05.2022 - 12.2022

Rehired more recently in same role after this prior employment; responsibilities and expectations remained consistent. See previous entry for full role description.


  • Leadership & Staff Management
  • Animal Care & Aquatics
  • Sales & Customer Service
  • Merchandising & Inventory
  • Administrative & Operations

Enrichment Specialist/Handler/Shift Lead

Central Bark Doggy Daycare
08.2020 - 05.2022

Same responsibilities held at both facilities; see full description above for "Fun.Play.Bark!".

  • Dog Behavior Management & Enrichment
  • Canine Care & Health Monitoring
  • Facility Upkeep & Safety
  • Client Interaction & Communication
  • Leadership & Team Training

Pet Salon Bather/Groomer Trainee

PetSmart
03.2019 - 08.2020

Animal Handling & Grooming

  • Delivered full-service grooming including bathing, brushing, ear cleaning, and safe, precise nail trims (including for anxious dogs).
  • Evaluated pets for temperament issues, parasites, and skin conditions prior to service.
  • Followed individualized grooming packages with attention to breed-specific needs.

Client Communication & Service

  • Checked in pets with owners, discussed grooming preferences, and confirmed pick-up times.
  • Completed grooming report cards with personalized feedback and care tips.
  • Built strong client relationships through consistent, caring service.

Sanitation & Operations

  • Maintained clean and organized kennels, tools, tubs, and workstations.
  • Managed daily laundry, cleaned grooming stations, and restocked supplies.
  • Made over 40 daily reminder calls and handled booking, rescheduling, and client questions.

Grassroots Engagement Coordinator

Connecticut State Central Committee
02.2014 - 10.2016

Community Outreach & Voter Engagement

  • Conducted door-to-door distribution of campaign materials and resources across assigned districts.
  • Engaged with community members to explain services, goals, and platform initiatives using approved scripts.
  • Documented names, addresses, purchase history, support levels, and responses from engaged individuals for campaign tracking.
  • Encouraged donations and support for campaign efforts through persuasive communication and relationship-building.

Public Communication & Information Support

  • Provided clear answers about campaign offerings, pricing, and eligibility for assistance programs.
  • Assisted in coordinating travel arrangements and logistical support for constituents who qualified for aid or services.

Administrative Support & Recruitment Assistance

  • Supported new hire onboarding and interviews, offering guidance and clerical help throughout the hiring process.
  • Maintained organized filing systems, sorted mail, and completed day-to-day clerical duties with accuracy and efficiency.

Education

New London Adult & Continuing Education, New London, CT
10.2018

Marine Science

Marine Science Magnet, Groton, CT
07.2018
Specialty High School

Skills

  • Animal Welfare
  • Customer service expertise
  • Closing Procedures
  • Team coordination
  • Animal merchandising
  • Inventory management
  • Point of sale management
  • Client Communication
  • Companion Animal Care
  • Animal behavior modification
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Patient restraint

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Latin
Limited Working
Spanish
Limited Working

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeGig Work

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Career advancement4-day work week

Timeline

Veterinary Technician - Shorewood Animal Hospital
12.2023 - 06.2025
Shift Lead/Companion Animal Manager/Keyholder - Pet Supplies Plus
06.2023 - 11.2023
Shift Lead/Enrichment Specialist - Fun.Play.Bark.
12.2022 - 06.2023
Shift Lead/Companion Animal Manager/Keyholder - Pet Supplies Plus
05.2022 - 12.2022
Enrichment Specialist/Handler/Shift Lead - Central Bark Doggy Daycare
08.2020 - 05.2022
Pet Salon Bather/Groomer Trainee - PetSmart
03.2019 - 08.2020
Artist - LycheeLeopardArt
07.2016 - Current
Grassroots Engagement Coordinator - Connecticut State Central Committee
02.2014 - 10.2016
Marine Science Magnet - , Marine Science
New London Adult & Continuing Education - ,