Mayeli Rueda
Summary
Accomplished Wildlife Veterinary Technician with expertise in triage and anesthesia oversight at Project Wildlife, San Diego Humane Society. Demonstrated healthcare leadership and stress reduction techniques, treating over 13,000 native wildlife. Fluent in Spanish and English, skilled in diagnostic imaging, hematology, and anesthesia, while ensuring optimal patient outcomes and efficient medical operations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife Veterinary Technician
Project Wildlife, San Diego Humane Society
San Diego, USA
01.2024 - Current
- Performed physical examinations, intensive care, and treatment plans for over 13,000 injured native wildlife in 2025.
- Conducted triage and emergency aid for various wildlife species.
- Handled songbirds, raptors, mammals, and reptiles during medical procedures.
- Prepared and monitored anesthesia, including sedation and recovery for all native species.
- Prescribed and administered oral and injectable medications based on patient history.
- Skilled in intraosseous and intravenous catherizaetion with a tailored fluid therapy plan.
- Competent in intracardiac, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and dermal injections. Mastery of venipuncture for avians, mammals, and reptiles.
- Conducted diagnostic imaging, including radiographs and ultrasounds, for all patients in care.
- Collaborated with local governmental and non-governmental agencies (SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, San Diego Public Health Lab, CDFW, CDFA, and USDA) for patient transfers and placement, disease surveillance, and research.
- Oversee and care for ambassador animals while assisting with preventative and active care at all times.
- Competent in WRMD database
Interim Medical Supervisor
Project Wildlife, San Diego Humane Society
San Diego, USA
04.2025 - 10.2025
- Provided leadership guidance for the medical team and medical volunteers to enhance operational efficiency.
- Conducted news interviews to educate the public on health matters, as requested.
- Managed inventory by ordering supplies and medications to ensure availability.
- Communicated with partnering hospitals to facilitate collaboration on patient care.
- Trained new medical staff on essential protocols and procedures.
- Delivered surgical and anesthetic training sessions for medical staff development.
- Managed partnerships at the state, federal, and local levels.
Relief Technician
ZumiVet, Mobile Veterinary Services San Diego
San Diego, USA
07.2022 - Current
- Provided assistance during physical therapy sessions to enhance patient recovery.
- Supported DVM during mobile appointments to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Assisted in at-home euthanasia procedures with compassion and professionalism.
- Prepared lab samples and conducted microscope identification for accurate diagnostics.
- Maintained adherence to Fear Free methods to improve patient comfort during treatments.
- Organized mobile appointment logistics to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
Volunteer
Viva Global Rescue, Non-Profit Animal Sanctuary
01.2021 - Current
- Provided husbandry support for caprines and ovines, ensuring optimal care standards.
- Administered medication and fed ovines and caprines daily.
- Conducted cleaning and maintenance of barns and animal enclosures to promote hygiene.
- Facilitated animal enrichment activities for avians, caprines, ovines, and equines.
- Supported care for impaired or injured rehabilitated goats, sheep, and lambs.
- Handled equine transportation and management during operations.
- Advocated for welfare of large and farm animals in community outreach efforts.
- Performed cleft palate tube feeding for goats as required, ensuring proper recovery.
Veterinary Technician Assistant
San Diego Safari Park, Harter Hospital SDZWA
San Diego, USA
08.2022 - 12.2023
- Prepared procedures for various species, ensuring readiness for medical interventions.
- Assisted DVM and RVT during medical procedures to enhance operational support.
- Recorded detailed observations during procedures as designated Mega-vertebrae procedure recorder.
- Executed thorough clean-up and room turnover post-procedure to maintain hygiene standards.
- Prepared surgical packs, ensuring all necessary instruments were available and sterile.
- Conducted weekly surgical and hospital inventory maintenance to optimize resource management.
- Maintained endoscopes, dental equipment, and hospital tools to ensure functionality.
- Performed instrument cleaning and sterilization using ETO gas and autoclave steam methods.
- Competent in ZIMS database
Veterinary Assistant
Bonita Pet Care Animal Hospital
Bonita, USA
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Performed surgical preparations and sterilized instruments to ensure aseptic conditions.
- Administered IV, SQ, and IM injections for patient care and treatment.
- Facilitated IV catheter placement and maintenance to support fluid therapy.
- Conducted diagnostic testing including blood samples, radiographs, and urine collection.
- Managed record keeping for anesthesia and medical procedures accurately.
- Executed dental prophylaxis to promote oral health in patients.
- Assisted with euthanasia support, providing compassionate care to clients.
- Maintained cleanliness of kennels, laboratories, and hospital equipment.
Veterinary Assistant
Banfield Pet Hospital
03.2020 - 05.2021
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations and procedures for pets.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of examination rooms and surgical areas.
- Communicated with pet owners about care instructions and treatment plans.
- Prepared and administered medications as directed by veterinary staff.
- Monitored animal behavior and reported any concerns to the veterinary team.
- Provided compassionate care to animals during their stay at the hospital.
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
- Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures using appropriate techniques according to species size and temperament.
Education
Associate Degree - Applied Sciences
Pima Medical Institute
09.2022
Veterinary Assistant Certification -
Pima Medical Institute
03.2020
Skills
- Triage and imaging skills
- Anesthesia oversight
- Catheter insertion and preventive care
- Record management in medicine
- Time management strategies
- Stress reduction techniques
- Healthcare leadership training
- Euthanasia protocols
- Diagnostic imaging
Languages
- Spanish
- English
Externships
- Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, Student Extern, 08/01/19, 01/31/20
- Banfield Pet Hospital, Student Extern, Veterinary Assistant, 01/01/20, 03/31/20
- Pet Emergency and Specialty Center Animal Hospital(South Bay), Student Extern, Veterinary Technician, 07/01/22, 09/30/22
Personal Information
- License: CA License #____
- Title: Registered Veterinary Technician
Timeline
Interim Medical Supervisor
Project Wildlife, San Diego Humane Society
04.2025 - 10.2025
Wildlife Veterinary Technician
Project Wildlife, San Diego Humane Society
01.2024 - Current
Veterinary Technician Assistant
San Diego Safari Park, Harter Hospital SDZWA
08.2022 - 12.2023
Relief Technician
ZumiVet, Mobile Veterinary Services San Diego
07.2022 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Bonita Pet Care Animal Hospital
05.2021 - 07.2022
Volunteer
Viva Global Rescue, Non-Profit Animal Sanctuary
01.2021 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Banfield Pet Hospital
03.2020 - 05.2021
Associate Degree - Applied Sciences
Pima Medical Institute
Veterinary Assistant Certification -
Pima Medical Institute