Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sara Lopez

Lewisville,TX

Summary

Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS) excelling in feline behavior modification and training, with a proven ability to counsel fosters and adopters on behavior issues. Proven leader in animal welfare with extensive experience at SPCA of Texas, specializing in animal behavior assessment and enrichment program creation. Skilled in training and mentoring staff and volunteers, ensuring the effective implementation of behavior management practices. Dedicated to enhancing animal well-being through compassionate care and innovative behavioral interventions.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Animal Behavior Coordinator

SPCA Of Texas
06.2020 - 07.2024
  • Coordinated and planed enrichment for the shelter animals, including a calendar of planned enrichment items to be distributed, and leading the volunteer team in assembling, distributing and removing enrichment items.
  • Collaborated with adopters and foster caregivers to prevent animals from entering the shelter and to address behavioral issues.
  • Provided input for movement of animals within the shelter including placement in holdings and on adoption floor.
  • Updated animal information and maintained individual animal records through database system and internal shelter paperwork.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
  • Strong focus on safety during animal handling and training: especially Fear Free ™ techniques.
  • Monitored performance metrics consistently and implemented corrective actions when needed, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Volunteer Coordinator

SPCA Of Texas
09.2018 - 06.2020
  • Trained and mentored new volunteers and staff on handling shelter animals, creating and distributing enrichment items, and maintaining cleanliness in the shelter.
  • Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
  • Ensured all changes in policies and procedures were communicated to volunteers.
  • Input and maintained volunteer data in Raiser’s Edge and Volgistics software.
  • Participated in community outreach events to promote volunteer opportunities and enlist new volunteers.
  • Developed volunteer policies and procedures, codes of conduct, and volunteer standards.

Animal Foster Coordinator

SPCA Of Texas
11.2016 - 02.2018
  • Maintained the coordination and care of shelter foster animals, including behavioral assessment of shelter animals.
  • Recruited, trained, mentored, supervised, and served as primary contact for foster volunteers.
  • Reported health or behavior issues and assisted in study of cortisol levels of dogs in foster vs. dogs in the shelter.
  • Developed and maintained specialized foster parent training programs to ensure growth of foster programs.



Supervisor of Operations

Dex Media Inc.
01.2004 - 02.2016
  • Ensured compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and safety standards in daily operations.
  • Oversaw inventory management, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and excess costs.
  • Collaborated with other departments to identify areas for improvement and implement beneficial changes across the organization.
  • Assisted in strategic planning efforts within the organization by providing valuable insights based on experience leading teams within similar industries.
  • Managed scheduling and workload distribution, maximizing productivity without overwhelming team members or compromising quality of work.
  • Resolved conflicts between employees swiftly and professionally, maintaining a harmonious workplace atmosphere conducive to collaboration.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX

Certified Feline Training And Behavior Specialist

Animal Behavior Insitute
06.2024

Skills

  • Animal Behavior Assessment & Rehabilitation
  • Behavior Modification Protocols
  • Foster and Volunteer Training and Mentoring
  • Enrichment Program Creation
  • Fundamental and Advanced Training Techniques
  • Comprehend feline communication and body language
  • Results-oriented
  • Observant
  • Teamwork Collaboration

Certification

  • CFTBS - Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (Animal Behavior Institute, 06/2024)
  • Shy Cat Fosters Webinar Training - Cat Behavior Solutions (06/2024)
  • The Feline Right at Home Behavior Modification Program (08/2023)
  • Gabapentin and Behavior Modification for Shelter Cats - Maddie's Fund (03/2023)
  • Feline Lifesaving - Maddie's Fund (03/2023)
  • Surrender Prevention Certification - Dr. Rachel Geller (01/2023)
  • Feline Behavior Solutions - IAABC Foundation (05/2020)
  • Fostering Under-Socialized Kittens - Cat Behavior Solutions (04/2020)


Timeline

Animal Behavior Coordinator

SPCA Of Texas
06.2020 - 07.2024

Volunteer Coordinator

SPCA Of Texas
09.2018 - 06.2020

Animal Foster Coordinator

SPCA Of Texas
11.2016 - 02.2018

Supervisor of Operations

Dex Media Inc.
01.2004 - 02.2016

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Angelo State University

Certified Feline Training And Behavior Specialist

Animal Behavior Insitute
Sara Lopez