Paola Gutierrez
Falls Church,VA
Summary
Motivated and dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technician eager to continue expanding skills and clinical knowledge. Experienced in shelter medicine, high-volume spay/neuter clinics, and critical care units, with strengths in patient care, triage, diagnostics, surgical support, and client communication. Seeking relief opportunities in a fast-paced, well-structured, where teamwork, professional growth, and high-quality patient care are prioritized.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Veterinary Technician
The Regional Veterinary Referral Center
05.2022 - Current
- Placed IV catheters and sampling lines, maintained them, and placed nasal oxygen tubes for patients.
- Prepared patients for anesthesia, surgery, and diagnostics; monitored anesthesia and inpatient care.
- Performed diagnostics (bloodwork, radiographs, urinalysis) and administered medications (oral, SQ, IM, IV).
- Managed CRIs, NG tubes, and blood transfusions for critical care patients.
- Provided clear client communication regarding treatment plans, updates, and discharge instructions.
- Maintained organized treatment areas and collaborated with the medical team for efficient workflow.
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Wolf Trap Animal Hospital
09.2022 - Current
- Induced and prepped patients for surgery in a high-volume spay/neuter clinic (15–20 animals, 2–3x/week).
- Prepared charts, medical records, treatment plans, and reviewed discharge instructions with clients.
- Ran diagnostics, lab send-outs, radiographs, and managed surgical instruments and inventory.
- Monitored post-op patients to ensure smooth, uneventful recoveries.
- Scheduled and coordinated rescue animal surgeries (~30 animals per week) and managed vaccine follow-ups.
Veterinary Assistant
Wolf Trap Animal Rescue/Hospital
05.2020 - 09.2022
- Assisted with wellness, sick, and follow-up appointments, supporting veterinarians and technicians.
- Safely and properly restrained a variety of species using low-stress handling techniques.
- Collected and recorded patient vitals prior to surgeries and procedures.
- Prepared and sent out laboratory samples, ensuring proper labeling and handling.
- Cleaned and disinfected kennels, exam rooms, and treatment areas to maintain hospital sanitation standards.
- Ensured the hospital environment remained clean, organized, and fully stocked.
- Provided compassionate support to patients and clients during visits.
- On the rescue side of the hospital, monitored new intakes for abnormal symptoms and promptly reported concerns to the lead veterinarian.
- Took intake vitals and administered preventatives for rescue animals as part of their initial medical assessment.
Assistant Office Manager
Dr. Ulrich Prinz
05.2002 - 08.2020
- Full management of the front desk and waiting room including answering phone calls, patient scheduling and check-in/check-out.
- Management of back office duties including filing reports, managing accounts receivable, billing patients for outstanding balances, follow up outstanding balances with insurance and patients and ordering supplies.
- Management of Laboratory orders including the setup of orders and preparing and sending out laboratory samples at the end of each day.
- Full set up of all patients and perform electrocardiogram tests.
- Provide support to General Manager and Dr. Prinz
Education
Associates of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Northern Virginia Community College
05-2022
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies with a dual major in Spanish Literature and Latin American Studies
University of Virginia
05.2006
Certification
RECOVER 2025
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Wolf Trap Animal Hospital
09.2022 - Current
Licensed Veterinary Technician
The Regional Veterinary Referral Center
05.2022 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Wolf Trap Animal Rescue/Hospital
05.2020 - 09.2022
Assistant Office Manager
Dr. Ulrich Prinz
05.2002 - 08.2020
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies with a dual major in Spanish Literature and Latin American Studies
University of Virginia
Associates of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Northern Virginia Community College