Sarah Shannon
Grove City,PA
Summary
Experienced animal care professional with a strong record in advancing animal welfare and enrichment in various settings. Skilled in communication and teamwork, with a passion for continuous learning and professional development. Committed to achieving goals, and delivering exceptional service.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Animal Behavior Technician
University of Pittsburgh: Division of Lab Animal Resources
07.2016 - Current
- Managed enrichment programs to enhance animal welfare across multiple sites, fostering collaboration among multiple departments and teams.
- Advanced standards of care while addressing the needs of animals, divisions, and researchers.
- Redefined inventory and ordering processes to reduce waste and optimize budget management.
- Designed innovating enrichment strategies for diverse species, promoting health and well-being.
- Performed individual and group assessments of animal behavior to improve enrichment, behavioral, and housing needs.
- Facilitated communication among employees and departments to ensure excellent customer service.
- Adhered to regulations and industry standards while maintaining meticulous documentation.
- Provided training and professional guidance to staff and researchers, increasing the overall knowledge base.
Sales Associate
Pet Valu
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Provided customer service and assisted with product selection to enhance shopping experience.
- Stocked inventory and organized displays to attract customer attention.
- Achieved sales and promotional goals through targeted efforts and teamwork.
Supervisor of Hospital Wards & Intern Coordinator
The National Aviary
09.2012 - 06.2016
- Oversaw hospital wards, focusing on husbandry, patient care, nutrition, exhibit design and enrichment.
- Developed standard operating procedures to elevate care standards and improve work environment.
- Executed veterinary technician duties, administering medications, performing medical procedures, and assisting with surgeries.
- Led intern program development, including hiring, training, and mentoring for career growth.
- Enhanced customer experience through visitor programs, training seminars, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Pet Sitter
Steel City Pet Sitters, LLC
03.2011 - 07.2012
- Delivered pet sitting services in clients’ homes, ensuring comprehensive care for pets.
- Coordinated complex schedules and administrative tasks to optimize workflow.
- Excelled in time management, handling high volumes of appointments efficiently.
- Maintained clear communication with clients to provide a positive experience.
- Ensured meticulous attention to detail in following clients’ specific requests.
Head Hospital Keeper & Intern Coordinator
The National Aviary
10.2007 - 03.2011
- Managed husbandry and patient care, overseeing nutrition and enrichment programs.
- Enhanced practices to improve animal care and operational efficiency.
- Executed veterinary technician duties, including medication administration and medical procedures.
- Assisted in surgical operations and provided emergency care as needed.
- Maintained accurate records and filled prescriptions for patients.
- Coordinated intern hiring and training, ensuring effective curriculum development.
- Provided long-term career mentoring to interns for professional growth.
Assistant Curator of Tortoises/ Research Assistant
Ashton Biodiversity Research & Preservation Institute
11.2006 - 10.2007
- Performed husbandry, monitoring, incubation, and hand-rearing of reptiles and amphibians.
- Conducted field research on Gopher Tortoises and commensal species for population studies.
- Led relocation projects for gopher tortoises, ensuring compliance with conservation protocols.
- Facilitated training workshops for Gopher Tortoise relocation certification.
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about reptile conservation.
- Implemented outreach programs to raise awareness about reptile and amphibian conservation.
Education
Associate of Science - Zoo Animal Technology
Santa Fe College
Skills
- Multi-tasking and time management
- Effective communication
- Project management
- Collaboration and independence
- Customer service excellence
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Zoom expertise
- Canva design skills
- Google Drive utilization
- Adobe software knowledge
- Creative design capabilities
Accomplishments
- Publication, Shannon, Sarah. "The Widower- Care of a Geriatric Bird at the National Aviary." Animal Keepers Forum. Special Dedicated Issue on the Care and Management of Geriatric Animals in Zoos. American Association of Zookeepers., 04/01/09
- Presenter, “Thinking outside of the bird cage: using non-typical items to improve avian welfare” National Capital AAZK Chapter Regional Symposium, 2016
- Presenter, “Thinking outside of the bird cage: using non-typical items to improve avian welfare” National AAZK Conference, 2016
- Eggcellence Award-National Aviary Employee of the Month
- Employee of the quarter - DLAR: 2022, 2023, 2025
- Founder & Former member, Enrichment Committee at The National Aviary
- Former member, Green Committee at The National Aviary, Coordinator of Earth Day clean-up events
Certification
AALAS LATG- Certified Lab Animal Technologist - completed 3 levels of certification
Positions & Memberships
Member, National American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) 2007-2024
Vice President, AAZK Pittsburgh Chapter, 2016-2019
President, AAZK Pittsburgh Chapter, 2020-2021
Member, American Association of Lab Animal Science (AALAS), 2016-2025
Co-chair, Enrichment Journal Club of American Association of Lab Animal Enrichment (AALAE), 2023-2025
Board of Advisors member, Parkway Vo-Tech Veterinary Assistant Program, 2015-2024
Scientific Review Board member, University of Pittsburgh, 2016-2024
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