Jennifer Lewis
Norfolk,MA
Summary
Ambitious, career-focused job seeker, anxious to obtain an Animal Control Officer position to help launch career while achieving community safety and goals.
Solid background caring for diverse animal species; domestic pets, exotic pets, livestock and wildlife. Devoted to maintaining health and well-being of community and animals. Meets diverse needs by closely observing animals and coordinating with owners or supervisors to optimize plans.
Passionate about animal health and wellness. Professional in handling basic needs, care and exercise.
Devoted employee with deep love of animals and readiness to take on any assignments. Protects animals and community members from undue risks with careful management of animal spaces and behaviors. Team-oriented professional always ready to handle everything from facilities maintenance and emergency response in support of animal care needs. Builds positive relationships with the community, pet owners and trust with animals. Knowledgeable about grooming, exercise and basic care.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Caretaker
Open Arms Animal Care
Norfolk, MA
08.2016 - Current
- Managed and organized animal care, including grooming , training, boarding, scheduling and evaluating.
- Developed protocols for the care of animals in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Ensured proper nutrition, health, housing and husbandry practices were followed for all animals specific to their needs.
- Monitored animal activities to ensure physical and psychological well-being.
- Conducted regular inspections of animal enclosures to ensure they are clean and safe.
- Organized educational programs about responsible pet ownership, wildlife conservation and other related topics.
- Created records detailing medical treatments provided to animals in the facility.
- Maintained accurate inventory records of all animal supplies needed for daily operations.
- Provided guidance and direction to volunteer staff members assisting with animal care duties.
- Oversaw euthanasia procedures when necessary according to established guidelines.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization on special projects or initiatives related to animal welfare.
- Advised visitors on appropriate handling techniques when interacting with animals.
- Implemented strategies designed to reduce stress levels among animals living in captivity.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving injured or sick animals.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
- Cleans and maintains animal living areas, including cages and tanks, using appropriate cleaning materials.
- Monitors animals for signs of illness or injury and administers medications as prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Provides enrichment activities for animals in their care.
- Records observations of animal behavior, health, diet and other information as required.
- Assists in restraining animals for examination or treatment when necessary.
- Maintains accurate records of animal feeding schedules, medication administration and other relevant data.
- Transports animals between locations safely and humanely using appropriate equipment.
- Participates in training sessions on proper animal handling techniques.
- Attends veterinary appointments with assigned animals when needed.
- Provides socialization activities for the assigned animals under supervision.
- Interacts with visitors regarding questions about the facility's operations and provides educational talks related to the welfare of the species being cared for.
- Monitored safety of every animal to prevent injuries from other animals or environmental hazards.
- Promoted optimal animal health by feeding and watering on regular schedule.
- Maintained clean and orderly play yards, kennels and cages.
- Prepared food to meet needs of animals under care with appropriate meals.
- Emptied litter boxes, refilled with fresh litter and cleaned animal bedding.
- Played with dogs and cats to maintain socialization and reduce stress.
- Administered medications to animals.
- Bathed and groomed pets using gentle techniques.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Delivered excellent service to pet owners to drive repeat business.
Farmer
Open Arms Farm
Cumberland , RI
06.2006 - Current
- Managed breeding programs following best practices in animal husbandry.
- Assessed market conditions to identify opportunities for selling products at optimal prices.
- Inspected facilities regularly for compliance with local laws concerning animal welfare.
- Reviewed records of feed consumption, water intake, egg production, making adjustments where necessary.
- Analyzed weather forecasts and determined the best times for planting and harvesting operations.
- Developed strategies that promote efficient use of resources such as water and energy.
- Planned and implemented crop rotation schedules to maximize soil fertility.
- Sowed seeds, planted seedlings, and transplanted crops by hand or with mechanized equipment.
- Maintained farm machinery, tools, and buildings in good working order.
- Evaluated animals' health condition; administered medications when necessary.
- Provided routine care for livestock including feeding, watering, herding, branding, castrating .
- Observed animals during birthing process; assisted as needed; monitored newborns' health status.
- Loaded agricultural products into trucks to deliver products to markets or storage facilities.
- Segregated animals according to weight, age and physical condition.
- Planned harvest and planting schedules.
- Negotiated with buyers for sale, storage or shipment of crops or livestock.
- Conducted or supervised stock examinations to identify diseases or parasites.
- Used recognized breeding practices to direct breeding or raising of stock.
- Trained new workers on safety and ranch procedures.
Professional Dog Groomer
Village Groomer & Pet Supply
Walpole, MA
12.2016 - 04.2023
- Examined dogs to assess coat condition, skin health, and identify any potential medical issues.
- Groomed pets using a variety of clippers, scissors, shears, combs, brushes and other grooming tools.
- Bathed dogs in warm water with appropriate shampoos and conditioners according to breed type or owner preference.
- Performed ear cleaning, nail trimming and anal gland expression as requested by clients.
- Provided advice on pet nutrition, behavior and general care.
- Kept accurate records of services performed for each animal.
- Maintained a clean work environment throughout the day.
- Followed safety protocols when handling animals during grooming sessions.
- Assisted with scheduling appointments while ensuring efficient workflow.
- Responded to customer inquiries in a timely manner via phone or email communication.
- Ensured all equipment was properly maintained and stored at the end of each shift.
- Educated customers on proper maintenance techniques between professional groomings.
- Created customized haircuts based on individual breed standards or client requests.
- Monitored animals for signs of stress or discomfort during grooming sessions.
- Provided additional services such as teeth brushing or flea treatments upon request.
- Adhered to all local laws related to animal welfare and safety regulations.
- Delivered excellent service to pet owners to drive repeat business.
- Bathed and groomed pets using gentle techniques.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Played with dogs and cats to maintain socialization and reduce stress.
- Assessed animals for injury and illness.
- Cleaned and maintained kennels, holding areas and surgical rooms.
- Maintained clean and orderly play yards, kennels and cages.
- Fed and watered animals in care, following special diets and regular medication administration schedules.
- Administered medications to animals.
- Emptied litter boxes, refilled with fresh litter and cleaned animal bedding.
- Followed precise feeding instructions and schedules for animals under care.
- Taught animals sit, stay and other basic commands.
Cashier
Chickadee Seed & Feed
Walpole, MA
02.2016 - 04.2023
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations during loading and unloading operations.
- Monitored quality control standards throughout the supply chain process.
- Investigated customer complaints regarding product quality or service issues.
- Assessed current stock levels against forecast demand in order to determine reorder points
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Stocked and rotated shelves and built displays to deliver results for stores and suppliers.
- Arranged items in favorable positions and areas of store to attract customers and optimize sales.
- Assisted farm managers in optimizing labor and resources to improve efficiency and output.
- Maintained strong knowledge of farm products.
- Assisted clients in up to date animal care husbandry and nutrition.
- Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the store's products and services.
- Operated cash register efficiently and accurately, processed payments by cash, check, credit card, gift card or automatic debit.
- Stocked shelves with merchandise when needed.
- Followed company security procedures for handling large sums of money.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions and offered product advice.
- Operated forklift to unload and load grain.
Stable Hand
Lion Spring Farm
Dover, MA
03.2006 - 03.2011
- Coordinated scheduling of farrier appointments for all horses in the barn.
- Helped load supplies onto trailers for transport to various locations.
- Ensured that equipment was properly cleaned and stored after each use.
- Observed behavior patterns of the horses in order to identify potential issues.
- Inspected fencing regularly for safety hazards or loose boards.
- Assisted with loading and unloading animals from trailers safely.
- Conducted routine inspections of saddles, bridles, halters, blankets, ensuring they were clean and in good repair.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving injured animals or personnel.
- Cleaned and maintained the stable, including stalls, tack room, and feed storage area.
- Organized hay and grain orders for horses.
- Assisted with grooming of horses before and after rides.
- Monitored horses for signs of illness or injury, administering medication as needed.
- Fed and watered horses according to individual dietary needs.
- Exercised horses on a regular basis in accordance with instructions from trainers.
- Inspected hooves daily for any signs of infection or damage.
- Administered ointments, liniments, or other medications when necessary.
- Provided assistance during veterinary visits as needed.
- Treated superficial wounds and called in veterinarian assistance for more complex concerns.
- Prepped horses for travel.
- Groomed horses before competitions.
- Closely monitored and recorded behavior and health of horses and livestock.
- Worked with owner to determine ranch needs.
- Cared for livestock and monitored health and living spaces.
- Trained new workers on safety and ranch procedures.
- Scheduled training for riders and jockeys on specific horses.
- Shifted animals between grazing areas to foster sufficient access to food.
- Segregated animals according to weight, age and physical condition.
- Broke in new horses with diligent and patient approach focused on building trust and obedience.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Cared for and handled horses of all ages; ranging from foals, yearlings, adults.
- Cared for and handled stallions, racehorses, mares and foals.
- Assisted with farrier visits, vaccinations and worming programmes.
- Administered medication as instructed by the veterinarian.
- Monitored hay, bedding, supplements and other supplies levels to ensure adequate stock is available at all times.
- Loaded hay bales into storage areas.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norfolk Agricultural High School
Walpole, MA06-2009
Some College (No Degree) - Biology
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MASkills
- Animal Care and Handling Specialists
- Animal Behavior Analysis
- Disease Prevention
- Animal Nutrition
- Customer Service
- Human and Animal Safety
- Adaptability
- Dependable and Responsible
- Pet Grooming
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Pet Owner Advisory
- Time Management
- Injury evaluation
- Problem Identification
- Professional Demeanor
- Problem-Solving
- Multitasking
- Ability to make effective and safe choices under pressure
- Ability and knowledge to handle animals large and small
Timeline
Professional Dog Groomer
Village Groomer & Pet Supply
12.2016 - 04.2023
Animal Caretaker
Open Arms Animal Care
08.2016 - Current
Cashier
Chickadee Seed & Feed
02.2016 - 04.2023
Farmer
Open Arms Farm
06.2006 - Current
Stable Hand
Lion Spring Farm
03.2006 - 03.2011
High School Diploma -
Norfolk Agricultural High School
Some College (No Degree) - Biology
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth