Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Olivia Ballasch

Chicago,IL

Summary

I have been working in the animal industry since 2018! Specifically working with dogs. I have 3 certifications; Dog training, dog handling, and pet CPR! My knowledge and love for the vast animal kingdom is something I treasure so much.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Shift Lead, Reception, & Social Media Manager

Bow Wow Lounge
07.2024 - Current

Observe dogs during play, log any health or behavior concerns, build bonds with customers & dogs, administer meals & medications, log meals & medications, regular cleaning tasks (laundry, mopping, sweeping, etc.), deep cleaning (scrubbing kennel walls, zamboni-ing yards, etc.), weekly supply check, complete add-on services, manage Instagram account, assign tasks to handlers, train new employees, handle customer interactions, evaluate first day dogs, fill out & send report cards, partial reception, manage employees, & participate in meetings.

Dog Handler, Overnight, & Reception

Play! at Barks N' Rec
11.2023 - 06.2024

Observed dogs during play time, logged any health or behavior concerns, set up kennels for overnight dogs, built bonds with dogs & pet parents, fed meals, administered medications, laundry, completed add-on services (walks & enrichment activities), take pictures for report cards, evaluated trial day dogs, partial groomings (baths, nail trims, brush outs, ear cleaning, & tooth brushing), checked on overnight boarders, deep cleaned facility, posted pictures to the Instagram account, completed daily cleaning checklist, check dogs in & out, and answered emails & phone calls.

Waitress *SEASONAL*

Harrington's Catering & Deli
01.2015 - 03.2024

Greeted customers, set up tables, served the meal, cleaned up tables after meals, dishes, helped prepare food in the deli, took orders, answered the phone & any questions.


Dog Handler & Reception

Citizen Canine Bed & Breakfast For Dogs
02.2023 - 12.2023

Observed dogs during play time, logged any health or behavior concerns, built bonds with dogs & pet parents, fed meals, administered medications, laundry, evaluated trial day dogs, partial groomings (baths, nail trims, brush outs, ear cleaning, & tooth brushing), deep cleaned facility, completed daily cleaning checklist, check dogs in & out, and answered emails & phone calls.

Dog Handler, Overnight, & Reception

The Dog House of L.C. & L
07.2021 - 11.2022

Observed dogs during play time, logged any health or behavior concerns, set up kennels for overnight dogs, built bonds with dogs & pet parents, fed meals, administered medications, laundry, evaluated trial day dogs, checked on overnight boarders, deep cleaned facility, completed daily cleaning checklist, check dogs in & out, and answered emails & phone calls.

Sales Associate

PetSmart
06.2020 - 03.2021

Assisted customers with needs, scheduled grooming appointments, informed customers of proper pet etiquette, answered questions, returns/ exchanges, inventory, restocking shelves, cleaning tasks, built bonds with customers, unloaded truck, and worked the register.

Senior Dog Trainer & Sales Associate

Petco
05.2018 - 03.2020

Assisted customers with any needs, answered questions, returns/ exchanges, inventory, restocking shelves, cleaning tasks, built bonds with customers & their pet, unloaded truck, worked the register, signed up clients for training classes, trained dogs, made training schedules, and answered phone calls.

Education

Associate of Arts - Ancient History

CCC
Chicago, IL
05-2026

High School Diploma -

Amundsen High School
Chicago, IL
06-2017

Skills

  • Employee training
  • Guest service
  • Team motivation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Active listening
  • Critical thinking
  • Customer relations
  • Problem resolution
  • Relationship building
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Dog knowledge

Certification

  • Pet CPR & First Aid Certification- American Health Training
  • Senior Dog Trainer- Petco
  • Dog Body Language & Handling- PackPro

Timeline

Shift Lead, Reception, & Social Media Manager

Bow Wow Lounge
07.2024 - Current

Dog Handler, Overnight, & Reception

Play! at Barks N' Rec
11.2023 - 06.2024

Dog Handler & Reception

Citizen Canine Bed & Breakfast For Dogs
02.2023 - 12.2023

Dog Handler, Overnight, & Reception

The Dog House of L.C. & L
07.2021 - 11.2022

Sales Associate

PetSmart
06.2020 - 03.2021

Senior Dog Trainer & Sales Associate

Petco
05.2018 - 03.2020

Waitress *SEASONAL*

Harrington's Catering & Deli
01.2015 - 03.2024

Associate of Arts - Ancient History

CCC

High School Diploma -

Amundsen High School