Ash Diaz
Houston,TX
Summary
With a proven track record at the Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve, I excel in animal care and enrichment, showcasing my expertise in veterinary care and exceptional patience. My achievements include enhancing animal welfare and visitor experiences, underpinned by my adeptness in animal handling and strong interpersonal skills.
Energetic and compassionate individual with strong affinity for animal welfare and genuine passion for nurturing pets. Possesses foundational understanding of animal behavior and health, combined with hands-on skills in feeding, grooming, and basic training. Dedicated to enhancing well-being of animals and creating positive environment for their care.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Animal Keeper
Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve
Houston, TX
12.2024 - Current
- Fed and watered animals to provide necessary nutrients and keep pets healthy.
- Provided daily nutrition to animals by preparing and distributing appropriate food portions according to species-specific needs.
- Maintained clean and safe living environments for animals by regularly cleaning enclosures and providing proper bedding materials.
- Cleaned animal enclosures maintain clean living spaces for the animals and prevent spread of disease.
- Maintained equipment and facility to keep animal care environment and tools in good working order.
- Conducted regular health checks on animals under care, noting any changes in appearance or behavior that could indicate potential issues.
- Monitored animal health to quickly recognize signs of illness and injury, seeking necessary medical attention.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow caretakers and support staff to ensure comprehensive care for all animals within the facility.
- Improved animal health by administering medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Handled a variety of different species safely and confidently during routine care tasks such as feeding, grooming, medication administration, and enclosure maintenance.
- Developed strong bonds with individual animals through positive reinforcement training techniques, promoting trust and cooperation.
- Ensured compliance with all regulations governing the ethical treatment of animals under zoo care standards.
- Enhanced visitor experience by conducting informative guided tours, explaining animal behaviors and habitats.
- Improved animal welfare by implementing enrichment programs and providing specialized diets for various species.
- Provided exceptional customer service while addressing visitor concerns or answering questions related to zoo operations or specific animals on display.
- Assisted in the safe capture, restraint, and transport of animals when necessary for medical procedures or relocation purposes.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to administer medications, treatments, and routine health checks for optimal animal care.
Wildlife Rescue Volunteer
Houston SPCA
Houston, TX
05.2023 - Current
- Administered medications and syringed and bottle fed infant animals to promote health and healing with goal of releasing back into wild.
- Monitored sick and injured animals to promote care, education and outreach program.
- Streamlined animal intake procedures for improved efficiency and reduced stress on rescued wildlife.
- Enhanced wildlife rescue efforts by effectively coordinating with team members and local community.
- Rearranged cages for enrichment, safety and to foster natural instincts by mimicking wild habitat.
- Safely captured various species using specialized equipment while adhering to strict guidelines for animal welfare.
Dog Bather and Front Desk Attendant
CF Grooming
Spring, TX
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs, and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Safely handled various breeds of dogs, ensuring their comfort throughout the bathing process.
- Carefully clipped nails and trimmed hair around pads and paws, using gentle approach for anxious pets.
- Successfully calmed anxious pets during the bathing process using proven soothing techniques.
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
- Maintained organized and clean front office area to create professional and welcoming environment for visitors and employees.
- Scheduled, coordinated and confirmed appointments and meetings.
- Delivered outstanding first impressions by warmly greeting visitors upon arrival at the front desk.
- Managed high-volume phone calls, directing inquiries to appropriate personnel for prompt resolution.
- Collaborated with groomers to prepare animals for additional services such as haircuts or nail trims, increasing overall salon efficiency.
- Provided a welcoming and comfortable environment for both pets and their owners, helping to build trust and customer satisfaction.
- Supported team members by effectively managing time and prioritizing tasks during busy periods.
Veterinary Assistant Volunteer
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, Pet Clinic
Spring, TX
06.2020 - 05.2024
- Assisted in the administration of medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Enhanced patient care by assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Provided compassionate care for animals during treatment and recovery from illnesses or injuries.
- Ensured accuracy of medical records by diligently documenting all relevant information for each patient visit.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Provided customer support to clients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Enhanced the well-being of shelter dogs with regular exercise, training, and socialization sessions.
- Assisted in finding forever homes for dogs by effectively matching them with suitable adopters.
- Cleaned and sanitized cages and living areas to promote health and wellbeing.
- Improved animal well-being by providing daily care, including feeding, grooming, and exercising.
- Provided companionship and comfort to animals in need of extra love and attention.
Hostess
Razzoo's Cajun Cafe
Spring, TX
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
Education
Bachelor In Biology - Biology
University of Houston, Downtown
Houston, TXSkills
- Pet handling
- Animal care
- Patience and tolerance
- Cleaning protocols
- Basic maintenance
- Medication administration
- Animal enrichment
- Animal training
- Disease prevention
- Conservation awareness
- Animal care expertise
- Zoo safety protocols
- Habitat maintenance
- Veterinary care
- Animal handling
- Wildlife rehabilitation
Certification
Certified veterinary assistant (CVA)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Animal Keeper
Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve
12.2024 - Current
Dog Bather and Front Desk Attendant
CF Grooming
09.2024 - 12.2024
Wildlife Rescue Volunteer
Houston SPCA
05.2023 - Current
Hostess
Razzoo's Cajun Cafe
05.2023 - 09.2023
Veterinary Assistant Volunteer
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, Pet Clinic
06.2020 - 05.2024
Bachelor In Biology - Biology
University of Houston, Downtown