Heather Keiser
Wayland,MI
Summary
I excel in high-energy environments and focus on animal welfare and client support. I am efficient in assisting with medical procedures and maintaining animal welfare. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in dynamic settings, excelling in animal handling and client communication.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterinary Assistant and Shift Lead
Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital
Byron Center, MI
02.2021 - 04.2026
- Communicate with veterinarians and staff members to maintain patient flow
- Restrained and stabilized animals during examination and treatment
- Documented and tracked treatment activities
- Operated radiographic and ultrasound equipment
- Cared for animals in post-operative recovery
- Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts
- Conducted various laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Performed enemas, catheterizations, and intravenous injections
- Provided customer service by answering pet owner phone calls, addressing inquiries, and taking messages for veterinarians
- Followed safety requirements and procedures while handling and restraining animals
- Fed and watered animals in care, following special diets and regular medication administration schedules
- Assisted veterinarians in examining animals
- Restocked and sanitized exam rooms
- Sterilized and maintained veterinary care instruments and equipment
- Organized operating room and supported veterinarians during surgeries
- Performed cleaning and packaging of surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization
- Monitored vital signs of hospitalized animals including weight, temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, mucus membrane color, and capillary refill time
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis
- Prepared laboratory slides for microscopic examinations
- Released patients to owners with care directions from veterinary staff
- Delivered emergency first aid to sick or injured animals
- Administered blood transfusions
- Provided guidance to clients regarding animal care, nutrition, and behavior issues
- Examined animals for behavioral changes or clinical symptoms while hospitalized
- Trained new veterinary assistants
- Assisted veterinarians during procedures and examinations, and sterilely handing instruments
- Ensured proper support for euthanasia procedures and disposal in compliance with regulations and owner preferences
- Delegate staff as a shift lead
- Handle triage
- Knowledge of multiple computer systems: EzyVet, ER Express, Smartflow, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word
- Proficient in running codes and administering CPR
- Going over euthanasia consent, and treatment plans with clients
- Take payments from clients
- Treating and caring for zoonotic patients and patients kept in isolation
- Maintaining a feeding tube, chest tubes, urinary catheters, etc
- Demonstrated proficiency in intubation, surgical prep, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative care
- Filled prescriptions
Stable Hand
Foxfield Arabians
Alto, MI
03.2025 - 08.2025
- Turn 35 horses out to pasture
- Correctly placing gear on the horses before turnout (blankets, sun-sheets, fly masks, fly spray, bell boots, splint boots)
- Emptying water buckets
- Mucking stalls and replacing shavings
- Maintaining barn cleanliness
Kennel Technician
Animal Emergency Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI
12.2020 - 02.2021
- Ensured cleanliness and orderliness of walk yards, kennels, and cages
- Walked animals outside if patient was able
- Prepared appropriate meals for animals under care to meet their dietary needs
- Optimized animal health by consistently feeding and watering on a set schedule
- Monitored safety of every animal to prevent injuries from other animals or environmental hazards
- Kept dogs safe by remaining alert to environmental conditions and nearby animals
- Restocked cleaning supplies including mop buckets, soap dispensers, paper towels, etc.
- Restocked medical equipment (catheters, needles, syringes, etc.)
- Ensured hospital environment was consistently clean and sanitary
- Provided assistance to the veterinarian and technicians as required
- Managed laundry and dishwashing
- Bathed patients as required
- Unpacked and organized inventory items
- Trained new kennel technicians
Stable Hand
Foxfield Arabians
Alto, MI
12.2019 - 08.2020
- Fed horses grain, hay, and supplements
- Cleaned and refilled water buckets
- Turned horses out to pasture
- Properly put on equine equipment
- Cleaned stalls
- Maintained barn cleanliness
Kennel Technician
Hart Animal Hospital
Middleville, MI
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Maintain clean and orderly walk yards, kennels and cages
- Monitor animals for signs of illness or distress and report to a supervisor
- Fed and medicated patients that stayed the night or were boarded
- Cleaned the surgery suite and exam rooms
- Maintained a clean and sanitary hospital
- Unpacked inventory
- Restocked supplies in treatment and pharmacy
- Cleaned the cage, fed, and watered the clinic bird
- Laundry and dishes
- Bathed patients as needed
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Biology/Pre Veterinary Medicine
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI12-2024
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Community service
- Adaptability and dependability
- Time management
Certification
- CPR: Basic Life Support
- Recover CPR: Advanced Life Support
- Michigan Responsible Serving of Alcohol
Timeline
Stable Hand
Foxfield Arabians
03.2025 - 08.2025
Veterinary Assistant and Shift Lead
Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital
02.2021 - 04.2026
Kennel Technician
Animal Emergency Hospital
12.2020 - 02.2021
Stable Hand
Foxfield Arabians
12.2019 - 08.2020
Kennel Technician
Hart Animal Hospital
09.2018 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Biology/Pre Veterinary Medicine
Grand Valley State University