Kaelyn Armstrong
Woodridge,IL
Summary
Dedicated animal care professional with a passion for exotics and strong skills in pet handling, animal enrichment, and safety protocols. Committed to enhancing animal well-being and educating the public on various animal species.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Pet Care Lead
Petsuitesinc
Naperville, IL
12.2025 - Current
- Supervised daily pet care operations ensuring safety and well-being of all animals.
- Monitored health and behavior of pets, providing timely feedback to management.
- Implemented cleaning protocols to maintain a hygienic environment for pets and clients.
- Collaborated with staff to develop innovative enrichment activities for pets, promoting mental stimulation and overall wellbeing.
- Trained team members on proper handling techniques, ensuring safe interactions with all pets.
- Provided regular updates to pet owners regarding their pets' well-being during their stay at our facility, fostering peace of mind.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Coordinated staff schedules efficiently to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours without compromising quality care.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts between dogs calmly and professionally using appropriate intervention techniques.
- Performed behavioral and health assessments on new dogs before integrating into group play sessions.
Animal Care Technician
Pilcher Park Nature Center
Joliet, IL
03.2022 - 12.2023
- Administered daily feeding and care routines for various species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, small mammals, and a red-tailed hawk.
- Assisted in educational programs about wildlife conservation for visitors.
- Documented animal care activities and observations in management systems.
- Collaborated with team members to implement enrichment activities for animals.
- Ensured proper nutrition for various species by preparing specialized diets and feeding schedules.
- Monitored animal behavior to detect any signs of distress, illness, or injury, taking appropriate action when necessary.
- Sourced and acquired essential food supplies for animals, supporting their dietary needs.
- Arranged and executed trips to the veterinarian for animal care and treatment.
- Assisted in educational sessions featuring ambassador animals, promoting awareness and understanding of wildlife.
Kennel Technician
Will County Humane Society
Shorewood, IL
04.2019 - 02.2022
- Provided daily care and feeding of shelter animals, ensuring their health and well-being.
- Educated potential adopters on pet care, fostering informed decision-making for responsible ownership.
- Trained new volunteers on shelter protocols and best practices for animal handling.
- Cleaned and sanitized cages and living areas to promote health and wellbeing.
- Assisted with adoption process by providing information about animals to potential adopters.
- Maintained detailed records of animal care and feeding schedules to track animal care and history.
- Administered medications as required to support optimal patient care.
Produce Clerk
Jewel Osco
Shorewood, IL
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Sliced and prepared fruits and vegetables for retail display.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring product freshness and quality for optimal customer satisfaction.
- Assisted customers in selecting produce, enhancing shopping experience through product knowledge and service.
- Managed inventory by stocking shelves with fresh produce.
- Conducted regular cleaning and maintenance of store floor and back produce area to uphold safety and quality standards.
Retail Keyholder
Family Video
Minooka, IL
10.2016 - 08.2018
- Assisted customers in locating and selecting video titles based on preferences.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Managed inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels and proper organization.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and customer service standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of store environment for optimal customer experience.
- Performed routine maintenance on video rental equipment, ensuring proper functionality for customer use.
- Educated customers about rental policies to reduce misunderstandings regarding late fees or damaged products.
- Balanced daily cash drawer accurately, addressing any discrepancies promptly with management support.
- Conducted regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy in stock levels and minimize shrinkage issues.
- Organized store displays for optimal visibility and accessibility of popular titles and new releases.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, earning repeat business and positive feedback.
- Oversaw daily opening and closing tasks, including cash handling and inventory checks, to uphold operational standards.
Pet Care Associate
PetSmart
Joliet, IL
08.2015 - 10.2016
- Administered daily feeding and care routines for various species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, small mammals, and a red-tailed hawk.
- Assisted in educational programs about wildlife conservation for visitors.
- Documented animal care activities and observations in management systems.
- Collaborated with team members to implement enrichment activities for animals.
- Ensured proper nutrition for various species by preparing specialized diets and feeding schedules.
- Monitored animal behavior to detect any signs of distress, illness, or injury, taking appropriate action when necessary.
- Sourced and acquired essential food supplies for animals, supporting their dietary needs.
- Arranged and executed trips to the veterinarian for animal care and treatment.
- Assisted in educational sessions featuring ambassador animals, promoting awareness and understanding of wildlife.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Health And Behavior
Unity Environmental University
Unity, ME2028
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL05.2021
Skills
- Pet handling
- Animal enrichment
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Customer service and assistance
- Sanitation protocols
- Habitat maintenance
- Animal nutrition
- Records management
- Recordkeeping
- Public education
- Medication management
- Understanding animal behavior cues
Timeline
Pet Care Lead
Petsuitesinc
12.2025 - Current
Animal Care Technician
Pilcher Park Nature Center
03.2022 - 12.2023
Kennel Technician
Will County Humane Society
04.2019 - 02.2022
Produce Clerk
Jewel Osco
08.2018 - 02.2019
Retail Keyholder
Family Video
10.2016 - 08.2018
Pet Care Associate
PetSmart
08.2015 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Science - Animal Health And Behavior
Unity Environmental University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Joliet Junior College