Lora Collins
Veterinary Assistant
El Cajon,CA
Summary
Recent graduate with a solid foundation in Veterinary Medicine, supported by hands-on experience gained through academic projects, volunteering, outside encounters/experiences, and externships while in the Veterinary Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within teams while demonstrating strong problem-solving and time-management skills. Eager to embark on a professional journey and contribute meaningfully to the field, driven by a commitment to animal care and client service excellence. Prepared to leverage skills and knowledge to support veterinary practices and enhance patient outcomes.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Personal Shopper - Retail
Walmart
El Cajon, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Responsible for shopping online orders and Making sure all items are found and adequately packaged
- Staging orders in designated areas so they don't get lost using tote labels.
- Cleaning up and making sure everything is stocked before closing
- Help customers find items if they ask, while also keeping professionalism
Veterinary Assistant Extern
Pima Medical Inst
Chula Vista, Ca
05.2026 - 05.2026
- Assisted with daily animal care routines, ensuring comfort and well-being of patients.
- Prepared examination rooms and surgical areas for procedures, maintaining cleanliness and organization.
- Supported veterinarians during examinations by restraining animals safely and providing necessary tools.
- Educated pet owners on post-operative care and general animal health practices to promote wellness.
- Administered and constituting vaccinations
- Performing nail trims, ear cleaning, select blood draws
- Cleaning and operating medical machinery
- Monitored animal behavior and vital signs, reporting any concerns to veterinary staff promptly.
- Administered medications and vaccinations under supervision, adhering strictly to protocols for safety.
- Participated in inventory management, assisting in ordering supplies to maintain stock levels effectively.
- Reduced stress for both animals and their owners by utilizing low-stress handling techniques during procedures.
- Supported veterinarians in performing diagnostic tests, including bloodwork, radiographs, and ultrasounds, leading to accurate diagnoses.
Assisted Canine Birth
Personalis
San Diego
06.2026 - 06.2026
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Manually broke newborn sac and assisted in bringing puppies to term
- Bottle fed pups
- Delivered seven puppies and five to full term
Extern
El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital
La Mesa, CA
05.2026 - 05.2026
- Thoroughly wiped the disinfectant from the housing area allowing for complete drying of the area prior to housing another patient
- Selected the appropriate size syringe and needle for the patient’s needs
- Properly positioned hand, arm, and body to keep the body of the animal properly immobilized to prevent personnel from being bitten or injured
- Moved body to allow the other person to successfully perform a physical examination while maintaining control of the animal
- Assisted veterinarians with routine examinations and procedures to ensure animal welfare.
Volunteer
Amazing Strays
San Diego, CA
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Supported fundraising efforts by coordinating logistics and managing donor communications effectively.
- Assisted in evaluating potential adopters to ensure suitable matches with dogs.
- Maintained accurate records of adoption applications and follow-up communications.
- Facilitated socialization sessions for dogs to enhance their adoptability and reduce stress.
- Developed informational materials about dog care and responsible pet ownership for prospective adopters.
Grooming
Personal Info
San Diego
02.2023 - 07.2025
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of grooming tools and work area to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Cleaned cat and dog ears to prevent ear infections.
- Trimmed nails using clippers and grinders.
- Promoted a comfortable atmosphere for pets by utilizing calming methods during grooming sessions.
- Removed undercoat buildup and conducted de-shedding on double-coated animals such as Huskies and Malamutes.
- Maintained a clean and organized grooming environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of both pets and staff.
Pet Sitter
Personal Employer
San Diego, CA
03.2023 - 04.2025
- Provided attentive care to pets, ensuring safety and well-being during visits.
- Administered medication and health checks as needed for various pet types.
- Developed and maintained daily schedules for feeding, exercise, and playtime.
- Maintained clean living areas for pets, promoting hygiene and comfort.
- Provided attentive overnight care for pets in personal home to maintain well-being and security.
Education
Veterinary Assistant - Veterinary Medicine
Pima Medical Institute
Chula Vista10-2026
Dual Enrollment Program - undefined
Grossmont College
El Cajon08-2025
Student - undefined
El Cajon Valley High School
El Cajon06-2025
Skills
- Cleaning/sanitizing animal holding areas (kennels, runs, carriers/crates, et
- Administration of subcutaneous injections
- Obtaining vital signs (Temp, HR/PR, RR, CRT/MM)
- Canine handling & restraint
- Feline handling & restraint
- Demonstrated proper selection of wrapping and packing materials, including sterilization indicator and tape
- Assisted blood drawls
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Reception area maintenance
Certification
- Driver's Licence
- San Diego
- Automobile Licence.
- September 2025 - Present
Timeline
Assisted Canine Birth
Personalis
06.2026 - 06.2026
Extern
El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital
05.2026 - 05.2026
Veterinary Assistant Extern
Pima Medical Inst
05.2026 - 05.2026
Personal Shopper - Retail
Walmart
10.2025 - Current
Volunteer
Amazing Strays
06.2024 - 08.2024
Pet Sitter
Personal Employer
03.2023 - 04.2025
Grooming
Personal Info
02.2023 - 07.2025
Dual Enrollment Program - undefined
Grossmont College
Student - undefined
El Cajon Valley High School
Veterinary Assistant - Veterinary Medicine
Pima Medical Institute