Derek Tristan
Alvin,TX
Summary
Attentive veterinary assistant passionate about promoting animal health and extending lives of pets. Dedicated and focused professional with several years of experience assisting veterinarians in examining animals to determine nature of illnesses or injuries. Comfortable restraining and holding animals for extended periods of time.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Technician I
UTMB Galveston
Galveston, Texas
09.2025 - Current
- Maintained animal care facilities by cleaning and sanitizing enclosures regularly.
- Conducted routine health checks on laboratory animals to ensure well-being.
- Maintained accurate records of animal care and treatment protocols.
- Monitored behavior and dietary habits of animals for any significant changes.
- Collaborated with research teams to ensure that experimental protocols met ethical standards.
- Sterilized and maintained veterinary care instruments and equipment.
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Haven Veterinary Clinic
Houston, Texas
01.2025 - Current
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations and surgical procedures.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of clinic facilities and equipment.
- Prepared animals for procedures by administering medications and performing grooming tasks.
- Educated pet owners on proper care, nutrition, and preventive health measures.
- Conducted initial assessments of pets upon arrival at the clinic.
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
- Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures using appropriate techniques according to species size and temperament.
- Administered vaccinations, medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Dispensed medications orally or topically as directed by veterinarian.
- Cleaned and sterilized exam rooms between appointments.
- Answered phone inquiries from clients regarding appointment scheduling, services offered.
- Monitored vital signs of hospitalized animals including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and other parameters as necessary.
- Maintained accurate medical records of all patients.
- Assisted in surgery preparation by setting up instruments, supplies and equipment prior to procedure start time.
- Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
- Organized operating room ahead of procedures and assisted veterinarians during surgeries.
Veterinary Assistant
Banfield Pet Hospital
Pearland, TX
12.2014 - 11.2024
- Assisted veterinarians in examining, diagnosing and treating animals for various illnesses and injuries.
- Administered vaccinations, medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Provided detailed patient care instructions to pet owners.
- Maintained accurate medical records of all patients.
- Cleaned and sterilized exam rooms between appointments.
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
- Prepared laboratory slides for microscopic examinations.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, microbiology cultures and hematology.
- Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures using appropriate techniques according to species size and temperament.
- Monitored vital signs of hospitalized animals including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and other parameters as necessary.
- Recorded patient food and water intake and output levels on a daily basis.
- Assisted in surgery preparation by setting up instruments, supplies and equipment prior to procedure start time.
- Dispensed medications orally or topically as directed by veterinarian.
- Observed patients' conditions post-treatment or surgery to ensure healing process was progressing well.
- Answered phone inquiries from clients regarding appointment scheduling, services offered.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls after hours.
- Provided emotional support to pet owners during difficult times.
- Educated clients on proper animal health care routines.
- Scrubbed, counted and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Trained new veterinary staff on office procedures and requirements.
- Operated radiographic and ultrasound equipment.
- Clipped animals' claws and polished teeth to maintain hygiene.
- Completed enemas, catheterizations and intravenous feedings.
Pet Stylist
Safari Veterinary Care Centers
League City, TX
05.2013 - 12.2014
- Communicated patiently and clearly with customers to understand desired pet services and specific preferred styles.
- Maintained quick styling pace while paying attention to detail, quality and safety and understood and performed correct trims for multiple specific breeds and coat types.
- Trimmed nails, ears, and fur as needed to maintain pet hygiene.
- Assisted in the selection of pet care products based on customer needs.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment to ensure safety standards were met.
- Cleaned cages, kennels, runs, and other areas used for pet care services.
- Scheduled appointments with clientele for grooming services.
Education
Animal Science
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX05-2015
Career Diploma - Sterile Processing Technology
Penn Foster Career School
Scranton, PASkills
- Veterinary Terminology
- Surgical Assistance
- Urgent Care
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Pre-anesthetic preparation
- Animal Safety
- Sample Collection
- Post Operative Care
- Euthanasia Assistance
- Physical Examinations
- Animal Handling
- Animal Nutrition
- Client Education
- Proficient in Software
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Medication Administration
- Appointment Scheduling
- Client Communication
- Medical record-keeping
Affiliations
- Volunteer at Houston Zoo - May 2025 - Present
Timeline
Animal Technician I
UTMB Galveston
09.2025 - Current
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Haven Veterinary Clinic
01.2025 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Banfield Pet Hospital
12.2014 - 11.2024
Pet Stylist
Safari Veterinary Care Centers
05.2013 - 12.2014
Animal Science
Alvin Community College
Career Diploma - Sterile Processing Technology
Penn Foster Career School