Elizabeth Unden
Auburn,CA
Summary
Passionate about animal health and wellness. Professional in handling basic needs, care and exercise. Dedicated Animal Technician with proven skills in health monitoring, medication administration, and animal handling. Committed to enhancing animal welfare through effective communication and teamwork.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Technician
Sacramento County
Sacramento, CA
03.2022 - Current
- Assisted in the care and feeding of shelter animals daily.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of animal enclosures and facilities.
- Monitored animal health and reported concerns to veterinary staff.
- Provided basic training and socialization for shelter animals.
- Documented animal behavior and condition in record-keeping systems.
- Collaborated with team members to improve animal welfare practices.
- Educated the public on responsible pet ownership during adoption events.
- Prepared supplies and equipment for veterinary examinations and treatments.
- Provided food and water to animals according to specified diets.
- Participated in training sessions related to animal handling techniques and safety procedures.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed when working with animals.
- Instructed new employees on proper animal care techniques and safety regulations.
- Monitored environmental conditions within animal housing areas, making adjustments as needed.
- Assisted in the maintenance of animal cages and habitats, including cleaning and sanitizing.
- Performed daily health checks on animals and monitored their activity levels.
- Conducted enrichment activities with animals, such as providing toys or special treats.
- Administered medications prescribed by veterinarians as needed.
- Observed animals for signs of illness or injury, reported any changes to supervisor.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving injured or sick animals.
- Transported animals between locations using appropriate carriers or carts.
- Prepared reports summarizing daily observations of animal behavior or health status.
- Assisted researchers in conducting experiments with animals, following established protocols.
- Collaborated with research teams to ensure that experimental protocols met ethical standards.
- Provided guidance to volunteers participating in animal-related activities at the facility.
- Maintained accurate records of animal care activities, such as feeding times and medications administered.
- Cleaned and disinfected kennels and common areas to reduce spread of illness from infected animals.
- Provided client service by educating owners on essential animal care practices, answered questions and processed payments.
- Scrubbed, counted, and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Isolated animals with potential contagious diseases to reduce infection risks and monitor disease presentation.
- Removed waste from kennels, runs and exercise areas and placed in trash receptacles or in-ground septic systems.
Veterinary Assistant
Arbor View Animal Hospital
Roseville, CA
09.2021 - Current
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations and surgical procedures.
- Prepared and sanitized examination rooms and surgical instruments.
- Monitored animal patients post-treatment for health status changes.
- Educated pet owners on care and nutrition recommendations.
- Managed appointment scheduling and patient records efficiently.
- Administered medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians.
- Conducted basic grooming tasks to ensure animal cleanliness.
- Provided compassionate care to animals in the clinic environment.
- 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.
- Assisted veterinarians in examining animals.
- 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.
- Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts.
- 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.
- Communicated with veterinarians and staff members to maintain patient flow.
- Assisted veterinarians in examining, diagnosing and treating animals for various illnesses and injuries.
- Provided emotional support to pet owners during difficult times.
- Scrubbed, counted, and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Ensured that cages were kept clean at all times.
- Released patients to owners with care directions from veterinary staff.
- Provided detailed patient care instructions to pet owners.
- Observed patients' conditions post-treatment or surgery to ensure healing process was progressing well.
- Operated radiographic and ultrasound equipment.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, microbiology cultures and hematology.
- Prepared laboratory slides for microscopic examinations.
- Assisted doctors and technicians by soothing upset or frightened animals.
- Ordered medication refills when needed.
- Sterilized and maintained veterinary care instruments and equipment.
- Fed and watered animals in care, following special diets and regular medication administration schedules.
Front Desk Assistant
Placer County Animal Services
Auburn, California
06.2004 - Current
- Handled payment processing and provided customers with receipts and proper bills and change.
- Welcomed large volume of guests and improved overall customer service.
- Conducted transactions, confirming patient information and processing according to standard protocol.
- Provided administrative support to coworkers, taking on additional tasks during high-volume periods.
- Created and optimized employee schedules for shift coverage.
- Welcomed patrons to front desk and engaged in friendly conversations while conducting check-in process.
- Completed end-of-day reporting and balanced registers to maintain financial accuracy.
- Answered telephones and greeted visitors to assist, answer questions and direct.
- Received incoming calls and coordinated with staff to fulfill customer requests.
- Communicated safety processes and procedures with customers during emergencies.
Animal Care Program Coordinator
Sacramento County
Sacramento, California
07.2025 - 10.2025
- Developed program schedules aligning with departmental goals and community needs.
- Communicated with stakeholders to gather feedback and improve service delivery.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the program, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
- Delegated tasks to staff and volunteers during organized events.
- Served as a liaison between external organizations and partners involved in delivering programming services.
- Identified areas where improvements can be made in order to increase efficiency or effectiveness.
- Ensured timely completion of project deliverables within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to coordinate efforts that support overall organizational objectives.
- Prepared periodic reports, financial statements and records on program activities for management.
- Developed brochures, newsletters, and flyers on program initiatives.
- Maintained up-to-date records related to program activities.
- Facilitated communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and conference calls.
- Drafted communications about upcoming events or changes in policy and procedures for internal distribution.
- Coordinated meetings with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of program initiatives.
- Led team meetings to communicate updates, gather feedback, and align on goals.
- Managed volunteer recruitment, training, and assignments to support program initiatives.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
Animal Care Technician
Placer County
Auburn, CA
02.2001 - 09.2022
- Cleaned and disinfected kennels and common areas to reduce spread of illness from infected animals.
- Removed waste from kennels, runs and exercise areas and placed in trash receptacles or in-ground septic systems.
- Scrubbed, counted and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Triaged scheduled or emergency patients to route to appropriate surgeon or treatment area.
- Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
- Isolated animals with potential contagious diseases to reduce infection risks and monitor disease presentation.
- Examined animals for injury or illness and documented symptoms for veterinarian review.
- Completed owner paperwork and obtained information regarding possible allergies, potential aggressive behavior, preferred food type and owner contact details.
- Provided client service by educating owners on essential animal care practices, answered questions and processed payments.
- Cleaned cages in accordance with health code requirements to ensure sanitary environment for animals.
- Fed and refreshed water for animals staying in kennels on regular eating schedules.
- Performed daily feeding and watering and cleaned animal enclosures for rescued animals.
- Sprayed down and applied cleaning solutions to animal cages to remove waste and dirt.
- Administered medications to animals with meals or treats.
- Sanitized floors and other surfaces to provide sterile environment.
- Adhered to animal dietary health guidelines in providing food and water to boarded animals.
- Washed and disinfected animals' food and water bowls each day.
- Maintained animal shelter by cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages and equipment, washing dishes and laundry, taking out garbage and performing custodial duties.
- Supported animal health by keeping areas clean, neat and properly sanitized.
- Euthanized sick or aging animals to maintain stock health.
- Attended to sick or injured animals by securing veterinary care and notifying owners quickly of pet's condition.
- Treated superficial wounds and called in veterinarian assistance for more complex concerns.
Custodian
Placer County Facility Services
Auburn, CA
02.2008 - 01.2009
- Vacuumed floors and dusted furniture to maintain organized, professional appearance.
- Wiped down various surfaces with approved cleaning products to prevent growth of bacteria and viruses.
- Wet and spot mopped to clean floors and other surfaces in public corridors.
- Kept building interiors appealing with routine deep cleaning of high-traffic areas.
CSR
Arbor view veterinary
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- De-escalated problematic customer concerns, maintaining calm, friendly demeanor.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills in resolving product and consumer complaints.
- Educated customers on special pricing opportunities and company offerings.
- Assisted customers with making payments or establishing payment plans to bring accounts current.
- Maintained knowledge of current promotions, exchange guidelines, payment policies and security practices.
- Upheld quality control policies and procedures to increase customer satisfaction.
- Fielded customer complaints and queries, fast-tracking for problem resolution.
- Provided outstanding service to new and long-standing customers by attending closely to concerns and developing solutions.
Education
High School Diploma -
Placer High School
Auburn, CA06.2000
49er ROP
Auburn, CASkills
- Decision Making
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Animal Examinations
- Illness and Injury Detection
- Facility Laundry and Cleaning
- Customer Service
- Medication Documentation
- Critical Thinking
- Feeding and Watering
- Animal Evaluations
- Pet Feeding and Medication Administration
- Kennel Cleaning and Sanitizing Methods
- Heavy Load Lifting
- Medication administration
- Sanitation procedures
- Customer education
- Problem resolution
- Animal health monitoring
- Animal handling
- Animal grooming
- Animal welfare
- Vaccine administration
- Animal restraint
- Animal training
Timeline
Animal Care Program Coordinator
Sacramento County
07.2025 - 10.2025
Animal Technician
Sacramento County
03.2022 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Arbor View Animal Hospital
09.2021 - Current
Custodian
Placer County Facility Services
02.2008 - 01.2009
Front Desk Assistant
Placer County Animal Services
06.2004 - Current
Animal Care Technician
Placer County
02.2001 - 09.2022
CSR
Arbor view veterinary
High School Diploma -
Placer High School
49er ROP