Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Certification
Work Preference
Software
Interests
Timeline
Jo-Ann Dooley

Jo-Ann Dooley

Colchester,CT
The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.
Flannery O’Connor

Summary

Proven leader in operational efficiency and staff management, I significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and compliance at Gagnon's Pet Resort. Skilled in inventory management, my strategies fostered high-performing teams. Achievements include ensuring a results-driven culture with a focus on health and safety compliance Not only for staff but for pets in our care. In addition to management skills I taught basic obedience to hundreds of pet owners in weekly classes. I also taught Canine Good Citizens course to those pet owners interested in elevating their skills, both classes were great fun and I thouroughly enjoyed teaching them.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Licensed Life and Health Agent

Combined Insurance
01.2025 - Current
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
  • Educated clients on preventative health measures, contributing to improved overall well-being and reduced medical costs.
  • Strengthened partnerships with local organizations by participating in networking events and sharing valuable industry insights.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of client needs, developing tailored health plans to address individual concerns.

General Manager of Operations

Gagnon’sPet Resort
12.2007 - 09.2024
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive communication, timely issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
  • Developed high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management strategies.
  • Established standard operating procedures that enhanced employee performance.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices within all areas of operation.
  • Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
  • Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.

Veterinary Technician

Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital
01.2000 - 11.2007
  • Effectively managed time-sensitive tasks while maintaining high-quality patient care through multitasking abilities during busy shifts at the clinic.
  • Assisted in euthanasia procedures with empathy and compassion, providing emotional support to grieving pet owners during difficult times.
  • Administered medications and vaccinations to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian, ensuring proper dosage and administration techniques.
  • Restrained animals to protect veterinarians from potential harm.
  • Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
  • Conducted diagnostic tests such as blood work, x-rays, and ultrasounds to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Monitored post-operative recovery processes for surgical patients closely to detect any complications early enough for prompt intervention.
  • Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
  • Educated clients on preventive care measures such as vaccination schedules, heartworm prevention, flea/tick control, dental hygiene, and nutrition guidelines.
  • Maintained clean examination rooms, equipment, and kennels to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for both patients and staff members.
  • Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring a sterile environment and properly handing instruments to the veterinarian as needed.
  • Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
  • Restocked surgical and office supplies to keep all necessary materials easily accessible.
  • Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
  • Handled challenging behavior from stressed or anxious animals using calming techniques learned through continuous professional development courses.
  • Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs, and determined special needs of animals under care.
  • Performed radiograph testing to assist doctors in making informed diagnoses and determining best treatment plans.
  • Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
  • Performed dental cleanings and extractions under the supervision of a veterinarian, promoting improved oral health for patients.
  • Performed fecal examinations, urinalysis and bloodwork.
  • Assisted in preparation and administration of anesthesia for surgical processes.

Education

Portland High School, Portland, CT

Skills

  • Inventory Management
  • Staff Management
  • Decision-Making
  • Schedule Management
  • Customer Service
  • P&L Management
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Revenue Generation
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Maintaining Compliance
  • Health and safety compliance

Additional Information

Along with working in the pet are industry as a job, I have been fostering dogs for the past 15 years re homing hundreds of dogs throughout the years. My specialty is paralyzed dogs, medically challenged dogs as well as hospice cases. I have been known to take in dogs needing rehoming that may have behavioral problems making them less adoptable to the general pet population.

Certification

  • Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent
  • Canine Good Citizen Trainer

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimePart Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Software

Microsoft Word

Kennel Connection

Gingr

Power BI

Interests

Photography

Reading

Fostering dogs for local rescues

Gardening

Timeline

Licensed Life and Health Agent - Combined Insurance
01.2025 - Current
General Manager of Operations - Gagnon’sPet Resort
12.2007 - 09.2024
Veterinary Technician - Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital
01.2000 - 11.2007
Portland High School - ,