Lacey Watkins
Grantsburg,WI
Summary
Compassionate animal care provider with vast experience and knowledge in professional animal handling, husbandry, health care and behavioral needs of multiple species. Proven problem solver and excellent communicator. Strong organizational skills, superb understanding of data collection and performance metrics. Recognized for staff development leading to high performing teams.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Dog Trainer
B & H Rover Retreat
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Increased client satisfaction by developing personalized training programs for dogs based on individual needs and goals.
- Enhanced dog behavior through positive reinforcement techniques, resulting in more obedient and well-mannered pets.
- Promoted responsible pet ownership by educating clients on proper exercise routines and mental stimulation for their dogs.
- Identified behavioral issues in dogs and implemented effective solutions, leading to happier pets and owners.
- Built strong relationships with clients through clear communication channels and regular updates on their pets'' progress.
Veterinary Practice Manager
Heartland Veterinary Partners
07.2017 - 11.2021
- Trained staff in customer service techniques, resulting in increased client satisfaction and retention rates.
- Coordinated staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Fostered a positive workplace environment by resolving conflicts professionally among team members as well as addressing concerns promptly.
- Established partnerships with local animal shelters, providing discounted services and fostering community engagement.
- Managed financial operations, ensuring budget adherence and maximizing practice profitability.
- Streamlined inventory management system to reduce waste and maintain optimal supply levels.
- Managed payroll processing, benefit administration, and HR-related tasks to ensure compliance with state regulations while maintaining employee satisfaction levels.
Veterinary Assistant
Grantsburg Animal Hospital, Wild River Veterinary Clinic
02.2002 - 07.2017
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- Assisted in the administration of medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Enhanced patient care by assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Ensured accuracy of medical records by diligently documenting all relevant information for each patient visit.
- Provided customer support to clients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Contributed to a clean and safe environment by maintaining surgical instruments, equipment, and facilities.
- Assisted in emergency situations effectively providing first aid or life-saving measures under veterinarian supervision.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to provide exceptional customer service while managing phone calls and front desk tasks.
- Reduced stress for animals undergoing treatment, employing gentle handling techniques and creating calm environment.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
Animal Control Officer
Chisago Lakes Animal Control
04.2002 - 11.2002
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to enforce animal control ordinances and handle dangerous or aggressive animals.
- Handled emergency situations calmly and effectively, employing appropriate restraint techniques for various species while prioritizing public safety.
- Conducted thorough investigations into cases of suspected animal cruelty or neglect, gathering evidence to support legal action when necessary.
- Developed strong working relationships with veterinarians, rescue organizations, and other stakeholders within the community for improved collaboration on shared goals.
- Captured stray animals, provided housing and care of homeless animals and coordinated adoptions.
- Examined animals for injuries or malnutrition and arranged for necessary medical treatment.
Assistant Manager/Professional Pet Groomer
Board and Biscuit Pet Center
08.1998 - 02.2002
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Demonstrated expertise in handling various breeds, sizes, and temperaments of dogs and cats throughout the grooming process.
- Maintained a safe working environment, minimizing the risk of injury to both pets and staff members.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
- Managed inventory, ordered new supplies and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs.
Education
No Degree - Business Administration
Pine Technical College
Pine City, MNHigh School Diploma -
North Branch High School
North Branch, MN06.1998
Certificate of Completion - Animal Science
Northeast Metro 916 (Century College)
White Bear Lake, MN06.1998
Skills
- Effective Time Management
- Client Relationship Building
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Specimen collection and Laboratory skills
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Animal Handling Experience
- Records Maintenance
- Training and mentoring
- Ability to interpret animal body language
Accomplishments
- Achieved better community relations through effectively developing rescue relationships and agreements to provide low cost care clients and community pets.
- Developed and maintained a relationship with Wildlife rehab to provide care for rescue animals.
- Created and implemented a product catalog to provide medications and supplies to farmers to be drop shipped.
- Helped to implement an online store.
- Became proficient in Idexx Cornerstone software, to the point where Idexx and a Veterinary Corporation contracted me to train staff in other veterinary practices.
- Helped with the purchasing, building, planning and selling of multiple veterinary clinic locations
Additional Information
In my free time I enjoy cooking new dishes for my husband, gardening, foraging and spending time with my many pets.
Timeline
Private Dog Trainer
B & H Rover Retreat
01.2021 - 01.2023
Veterinary Practice Manager
Heartland Veterinary Partners
07.2017 - 11.2021
Animal Control Officer
Chisago Lakes Animal Control
04.2002 - 11.2002
Veterinary Assistant
Grantsburg Animal Hospital, Wild River Veterinary Clinic
02.2002 - 07.2017
Assistant Manager/Professional Pet Groomer
Board and Biscuit Pet Center
08.1998 - 02.2002
No Degree - Business Administration
Pine Technical College
High School Diploma -
North Branch High School
Certificate of Completion - Animal Science
Northeast Metro 916 (Century College)
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