Cayla Kochanski
Grapevine
Summary
With experience in the animal science field, I have come to learn the challenges of working with animals who communicate in ways different from humans. That said, I have also come to learn the valuable lessons of working with animals, including patience, respect, empathy, leadership, responsibility and finally, providing a safe haven. I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of animal behavior, and potentially teach others what I have learned and experienced. I look forward to working with a team of people from different backgrounds and experiences, where the opportunity to learn from one another is frequent.
I am continually looking for opportunities for growth in the animal field, whether that is assisting in managing a small team, or working with leadership to build a stronger foundation of teamwork and animal care. I am flexible, eager to learn, and diligent in my work. I am always searching for ways to challenge myself and others around me to build a stronger relationship with the animals in my care.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Pet Sitter/ Dog Walker
Rover Pet Sitting Services
07.2024 - Current
- Conducted thorough meet-and-greets with potential clients to establish rapport and assess compatibility between sitter services and pet needs.
- Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
- Maintained clean and organized living spaces for pets, promoting a comfortable and healthy environment.
- Enhanced pet safety by staying vigilant during walks and playtime, ensuring a secure environment for all animals.
- Implemented client-specific feeding routines, adhering to dietary requirements and preferences for optimal nutrition.
- Developed a loyal client base that consistently referred new customers, contributing to the growth of my Rover business.
- Built trust with clients through consistent communication and detailed updates on their pets'' wellbeing.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized pet care services and addressing individual needs.
- Established strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat bookings and positive reviews.
- Provided exercise for pets through engaging walks and play sessions, supporting their physical fitness needs.
- Managed multiple bookings simultaneously, maintaining high-quality care standards for each pet regardless of workload demands.
- Assisted clients in training efforts by reinforcing positive behaviors during walks and visits, contributing to improved pet manners over time.
- Offered compassionate companionship to pets experiencing separation anxiety or other behavioral issues while under my supervision.
- Managed schedules effectively, accommodating last-minute requests and changes to ensure consistent pet care coverage.
Pet Enrichment Specialist
Morris Animal Inn
12.2021 - 12.2023
- Worked with each pet individually, keeping them happy and healthy during their stay.
- Learned about different dog's personalities, behaviors and quirks, and how to interact with them safely and effectively while helping them have a fun stay.
- Asked for guidance from management about any concerns.
- Worked with a team each day, where we all learned from each other and supported one another.
- Applied training methods when taking dogs out to build trust and respect.
- Practiced patience with coworkers and pets alike.
- Monitored each dog's emotional and physical state while boarding, and brought up any concerns to management and healthcare teams.
- Assisted in vet runs, relaying back information to leadership so they can update the owners.
- Assisted in preparing food, handing out AM and PM food/ medication and cleaning up kennel runs.
- Worked in the grooming and bathing departments in a safe manner.
- Helped manage a small team to guide a successful day, including filling out paperwork, answering questions or concerns, working the desk occasionally, and setting the boards up for the next day.
- Took responsibility for my actions and found ways to improve wherever I saw fit.
- Participated in team meetings and listened to teammates input on concerns and improvements.
- Participated in a CPR course coordinated by MAI leadership. Learned about what to do in any emergency situation and how to proceed helping in a safe and effective manner.
Kennel Assistant
The Seeing Eye Inc.
02.2021 - 09.2021
- Responsible for the care and management of up to 30 dogs at a time with a total of 300+ dogs.
- Responsible for feeding, medicating and exercising the dogs.
- Complete chores assigned (preparing food, cleaning dishes, bathing and walking dogs, laundry, taking trash out, replacing stock items to the kennels when needed).
- Daily cleaning and disinfecting of the kennel boxes and outside yards.
- Provide medications to dogs as needed.
- Observe the dogs for abnormal behavior or health issues that arise and report to the clinic or supervisor.
- Bring dogs for check ups if necessary.
- Notify trainers of any behavioral issues or problems observed with the other dogs or environmental factors.
- Maintain the safety of the dogs when together in the yard and intervening if a fight arises.
- Reporting dog fights or bog bites to supervisor and clinic.
- Reporting maintenance issues to ensure a safe environment for the dogs and employees.
- Collect fecal samples to be tested.
Barn Staff
Mane Stream
05.2019 - 12.2019
- Responsible for feeding and watering up to 16 horses 3-5 times a week, including some weekends and holidays.
- Monitored behavior and noted any abnormalities, including physical issues.
- Communicated with colleagues about the health of all horses.
- Responsible for the preparation of feed for morning and evening meals.
- Administered medication as needed.
- Responsible for pasture and stall maintenance.
- Responsible for barn and pasture maintenance.
Volunteer
Mane Stream
06.2015 - 05.2019
- Learned how to interact with people with all types of disabilities in connection with therapeutic riding.
- Helped clients groom and tack their horses In a safe manner.
- Worked as a leader of the horse and as a side walker, where I ensured the safety of the rider from the side of the horse.
- Preformed office tasks when needed.
- Learned and practiced barn safety, as well as taught safety to others.
- Worked as a summer camp volunteer.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology
Massey University
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology
Goucher College
Towson, MDCareer Diploma - Dog Obedience Trainer/ Instructor
Penn Foster
ONLINE01-2025
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
University of Rhode Island
05.2021
High School Diploma -
Mount Saint Mary Academy
06.2015
Skills
- Compassionate
- Organized
- Flexible
- Reliable
- Punctual
- Dependable
Hobbies
- Traveling
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Photography
- Reading
Timeline
Pet Sitter/ Dog Walker
Rover Pet Sitting Services
07.2024 - Current
Pet Enrichment Specialist
Morris Animal Inn
12.2021 - 12.2023
Kennel Assistant
The Seeing Eye Inc.
02.2021 - 09.2021
Barn Staff
Mane Stream
05.2019 - 12.2019
Volunteer
Mane Stream
06.2015 - 05.2019
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology
Goucher College
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology
Massey University
Career Diploma - Dog Obedience Trainer/ Instructor
Penn Foster
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
University of Rhode Island
High School Diploma -
Mount Saint Mary Academy
Similar Profiles
Arianna RachtanArianna Rachtan
Pet Sitter at Rover Pet Sitting ServicesPet Sitter at Rover Pet Sitting Services
Courtney StarrCourtney Starr
Pet Sitter Owner at Starr Pet Sitting ServicesPet Sitter Owner at Starr Pet Sitting Services
VALERIA ARRIETA VALDIVIAVALERIA ARRIETA VALDIVIA
Entrepreneur at Pet Sitting ServicesEntrepreneur at Pet Sitting Services