McKinlea Poland
Fulshear,TX
Summary
Driven and compassionate professional with extensive experience in animal care and customer service, notably at Dogtopia of Fulshear-Katy. Excelled in patient care, medication administration, and fostering secure environments for pets. Skilled in veterinary terminology and compassionate communication, consistently exceeding client expectations.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pet Sitter
Family And Community
12.2022 - Current
- Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
- Managed pet safety and wellness in owners' absence by securing yard gates and removing items that could make pets sick.
- Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email, and text.
- Prepared food and water following instructions from pet owners.
- Gave medication to pets following guidelines from owners.
- Cleaned out and scooped litter trays and food and water bowls to provide clean environment for pets.
- Monitored animals for signs of disease, illness, or injury and communicated concerns to owners.
- Contributed to client retention by consistently providing outstanding customer service to both clients and pets.
Veterinary Technician
Katy Veterinary Clinic
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs, and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Processed new patients and updated client records with key information
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Restocked surgical and office supplies to keep all necessary materials easily accessible.
- Restrained animals to protect veterinarians from potential harm.
Canine Coach
Dogtopia of Fulshear-Katy
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Monitored animals for signs of disease, illness, or injury and communicated concerns to owners.
- Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
- Exercised animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
- Managed up to 35 dogs of varying breeds and sizes, providing attentive care.
- Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
- Maintained clean, neat, and hazard-free animal areas to protect individual health and wellbeing.
- Talked to or interacted with animals to increase familiarity with human voices or contact.
- Kept animals stimulated with variety of enrichment activities.
Veterinarian Assistant
Four Paws at Fulshear Veterinary Clinic
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Scheduled appointments, answered phones, and billed customers for services to maximize office productivity.
- Cleaned, sterilized and maintained surgical instruments and equipment.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Followed safety protocols for handling animals.
- Assisted veterinarians with restraining animals during examinations to assess injuries.
- Provided pet owners with excellent customer service and compassionate care for animals.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Provided customer support to clients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
Education
Associate of Science -
Lonestar College System
Cypress, TXBachelor of Science - Animal Science Pre-Vet
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK05-2028
High School Diploma -
Churchill Fulshear High School
Fulshear05-2024
Skills
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Compassionate communication
- Patient Care
- Appointment management
- Veterinary Terminology
- Proper Animal Restraint
- Inventory Stocking
- Medication Administration
- Honest and Trustworthy
Certification
Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification - Completed in 2023
Additional Information
Attended the National Student Leadership Conference for Animal Science in the summer of 2023, where I learned how to administer CPR, how to successfully complete an IV, and learned valuable customer service skills through simulations. I was also on the FFA Veterinary Medicine team at my high school for 4 years.
Timeline
Veterinary Technician
Katy Veterinary Clinic
05.2025 - 08.2025
Canine Coach
Dogtopia of Fulshear-Katy
08.2023 - 08.2024
Pet Sitter
Family And Community
12.2022 - Current
Veterinarian Assistant
Four Paws at Fulshear Veterinary Clinic
01.2022 - 08.2022
Associate of Science -
Lonestar College System
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science Pre-Vet
Oklahoma State University
High School Diploma -
Churchill Fulshear High School