Megan Abarca
Hampton,VA
Summary
Qualified veterinary assistant experienced in maintaining high standards of care for wide variety of patients with diverse needs. Sensitive, caring and professional attitude toward staff, patients and families. Talent for calmly managing fast-paced, high-volume work with continuous demands. Dedicated to patient satisfaction and delivering quality support to clinical staff.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Salty Paws Veterinary Hospital
08.2024 - Current
- Performed blood draws.
- Delivered comprehensive training to enhance client knowledge.
- Ensured effective restraint techniques.
- Dispensed medications accurately.
- Conducted comprehensive bloodwork and urinalysis.
- Supported Veterinarian in daily tasks.
- Administered subcutaneous injections efficiently.
- Coordinated appointment schedules.
- Conducted client checkouts efficiently.
- Delivered accurate cost projections.
- Performed clipping and cleaning tasks efficiently.
- Performed nail trims.
- Managed anal gland expression for pets to ensure their comfort and health.
Veterinary Assistant
VCA Callfield Animal Hospital
04.2022 - 02.2024
- Provided customer support to clients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- 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 using standardized registration systems and encrypted databases.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Assisted with euthanasia procedures in humanely and compassionately to minimize suffering.
- Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
- Helped with training of new veterinary assistants and support staff to improve individuals' capabilities.
- Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices.
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Assisted senior staff with blood analyses and physical assessments.
- Groomed and bathed animals to maintain hygiene and appearance.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Managed medical intervention and therapy for animals in collaboration with veterinarian.
- Restrained animals for examination and treatment.
- Assisted in examination and treatment of animals in veterinary clinic.
- Administered injections, oral medications and topically applied medications prescribed by veterinarian.
- Cleaned, sterilized and maintained kennels, operating rooms, and surgical equipment.
- Followed safety protocols for handling animals.
- Prepared animals for surgical procedures.
- Maintained clean and safe animal living areas.
- Kept detailed records of animal treatments and medications.
- Assisted veterinarian during immunologic, medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures.
- Observed animals for signs of distress or illness.
- Monitored vital signs and provided nursing care for animals.
- Collected and processed samples for laboratory testing.
- Cleaned, sterilized and maintained surgical instruments and equipment.
- Educated clients on post-surgical care and nutrition.
- Collected and prepared specimens and samples for outside laboratory analysis.
- Assisted veterinarians with euthanasia of animals.
- Prepared and administered diets and feedings according to instructions.
- Performed testing and completed blood counts.
- Navigated specialized software confidently, ensuring smooth transactions and record-keeping accuracy.
- Adapted communication style according to individual caller requirements, resulting in enhanced customer experiences.
Veterinarian Assistant
Poquoson Veterinary Hospital
09.2009 - 10.2015
- Delivered exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Followed effective process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair, parasites and hair mats.
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Performed basic wound care
- Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
- Trimmed nails using clippers and grinders.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Collected blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Swabbed ears to remove wax and dirt, removing extra hair to allow air to circulate freely and avoid infection.
- Educated clients on post-surgical care and nutrition.
- Collected and prepared specimens and samples for outside laboratory analysis.
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
Pet Care Associate
PetSmart
10.2014 - 05.2015
- Delivered continuous focus and attention to lodged animals, promoting high level of care and oversight.
- Collected animal waste produced on walks and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.
- Cared for sick or injured animals by seeking out veterinary care and notifying owners.
- Cared for gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters.
- Monitored water quality and temperature for fish tanks and goldfish bowls.
- Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
- Followed specific food and water schedules for different animal species.
- Restocked supplies and rotated items to maintain efficient operations and prevent expiration of perishable goods.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
Education
High School Diploma -
Poquoson High School
Poquoson, VA03.2011
High School Diploma -
New Horizons Veterinary Science
Yorktown, VA03.2011
Skills
- Sales and Upselling
- Patient Recordkeeping
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Equipment Preparation
- Animal Behavioral Changes
- Blood Specimen Collection
- Appointment Scheduling
- Proper Animal Restraint
- Medication Administration
- Animal Euthanasia Assistance
- Immunization Administration
- Animal Feed Preparation
- Anal gland expression
- Emergency Response
- Prescription Filling
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Veterinarian Assistance
- Post-surgical Monitoring
- Wound Care
- Patient Care Monitoring
- Fecal, Urine and Blood Testing
- Animal Grooming
- Dental Care
- Gowning and Gloving Procedures
- Hospital Staff Support
- Animal Waste Disposal
- Preventive Care
- Customer Service
- Pet Feeding
- Basic Animal Care
- Microchip Administration
- Administering subcutaneous injections
- Vaccination Administration
- Patient Bathing
- Careful Restraint
- Towel Folding
- Restraint Techniques
- Patient Flow Management
- Patient Discharges
- Digital Radiographs
- Client Education
- Daily Logs
- Subcutaneous Injections
- Client Satisfaction
- Feeding and Watering
- Fluorescein Staining
- Pet Waste Removal
- Preventive Medicine
- Clean Kennels
- Blood Sample Collection
- Patient Check-Ins
- Medical Charting
- Office Supplies and Inventory
- Telephone Skills
Timeline
Veterinary Assistant
Salty Paws Veterinary Hospital
08.2024 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
VCA Callfield Animal Hospital
04.2022 - 02.2024
Pet Care Associate
PetSmart
10.2014 - 05.2015
Veterinarian Assistant
Poquoson Veterinary Hospital
09.2009 - 10.2015
High School Diploma -
Poquoson High School
High School Diploma -
New Horizons Veterinary Science
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