Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Debra Sprau

Blooming Prairie,MN

Summary

Compassionate veterinary technician with a strong background in animal care and client education. Known for attention to detail and effective communication, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and operational excellence.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Specia

Mayo Clininc
Rochester, Minnesota
08.2014 - Current

•Assist research staff with guidance in preparation of IACUC application.
• Responsible for managing applications submitted to IACUC for review of completeness, accuracy, and level of review required.
• Facilitate communication between IACUC member and investigator/study staff related to submission(s) under review.
• Provide guidance and resources to research staff and committee members regarding policy/regulation regarding animal welfare.
• Assist IACUC Committee Chairperson to facilitate Full IACUC meetings.
• Draft and finalize Full IACUC and Executive minutes.
• Provides orientation of new IACUC members (scientific and nonscientific).
• Responsible for managing the semi-annual IACUC inspection process for Rochester, Arizona, and Florida animal facilities.
• Participate in the training of research personnel and in IACUC-related Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement and educational activities.
• Serve as a non-voting member of IACUC

Veterinary Technician

Carriage House Animal Hospital
Kasson, Minnesota
08.2019 - 05.2023
  • Assisted veterinarians during examinations and procedures.
  • Prepared and administered medications and vaccines to animals.
  • Monitored animal vital signs and recorded health data accurately.
  • Educated pet owners on proper care and nutrition practices.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization in treatment areas and kennels.
  • Operated diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines and ultrasounds.
  • Supported surgical procedures by preparing instruments and anesthesia supplies.
  • Restrained and stabilized animals during examination and treatment to prevent injuries.
  • Communicated effectively with team members to ensure smooth operations.
  • Assisted veterinarians in performing surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, monitoring anesthesia levels, and administering medications to animals.
  • Performed physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis.
  • Dispensed prescription medications upon request from veterinarians.
  • Shaved surgical areas and placed IV catheters in preparation for surgery.
  • Assisted with diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems by performing lab tests on specimens.
  • Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
  • Performed euthanasia procedures following veterinarian guidelines.
  • Performed physical examinations and recorded weight, temperature and other vitals.
  • Supported veterinarians to drive quality care, advocate for pets and educate clients.
  • Maintained accurate records of all treatment provided to animals including medical history files and vaccination certificates.
  • Monitored vital signs of animals during medical procedures and administered basic first aid treatments when necessary.
  • Prepared and reviewed records and consent forms.
  • Administered vaccinations and performed routine laboratory tests to check for any abnormalities in an animal's health condition.
  • Operated anesthesia, oxygen and monitoring equipment.
  • Cleaned and maintained equipment used in veterinary practices such as cages, examination tables, autoclaves.
  • Scrubbed, counted, and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
  • Observed behavioral characteristics of animals in order to provide insight into possible illnesses or changes in behavior.
  • Communicated with clients regarding their pet's health status or progress reports following a procedure or illness diagnosis.
  • Obtained relevant health history and information from clients to maintain medical charts.
  • Monitored vital signs during surgery and notified veterinarian of changes.
  • Triaged scheduled or emergency patients to route to appropriate surgeon or treatment area.
  • Adhered strictly to safety protocols while working with hazardous materials such as drugs and chemicals.
  • Educated clients on proper animal nutrition and preventive health care techniques.
  • Assisted with polishing, removing stains and other dental procedures.
  • Determined appropriate dosages of medication based on weight calculations using veterinary scales.
  • Examined animals for injury or illness and documented symptoms for veterinarian review.
  • Removed waste from kennels, runs and exercise areas and placed in trash receptacles or in-ground septic systems.
  • Instructed staff members on proper handling techniques of animals during examinations or treatments.
  • Conducted regular inspections of kennel areas to ensure cleanliness standards were met.
  • Responded promptly to emergency calls outside normal business hours.
  • Participated in educational seminars related to veterinary medicine topics in order to stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices.
  • Operated x-ray machines and exposed radiographic films.
  • Reviewed pet records from daily visits and appointments, entering important data into system.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Followed precise feeding instructions and schedules for animals under care.
  • Recommended vitamins and supplements, dental cleaning, flea control, geriatric care and dietary measures to support optimal health.
  • Observed animal physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.

Education

Associate of Arts -

Riverland Community College
Austin, MN
08-2006

Diploma - Medical Secretary

Winona Community College
Winona, MN
08-1990

Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Science

St. Petersburg College
Clearwater, FL

Skills

  • IACUC management
  • Protocol development
  • Animal welfare assessment
  • Policy and regulation compliance
  • Quality assurance
  • Bi-annual inspections
  • Data documentation

Affiliations

  • Active animal rescue foster.

Timeline

Veterinary Technician

Carriage House Animal Hospital
08.2019 - 05.2023

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Specia

Mayo Clininc
08.2014 - Current

Associate of Arts -

Riverland Community College

Diploma - Medical Secretary

Winona Community College

Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Science

St. Petersburg College
Debra Sprau