Savannah Rodriguez
Winkelman,AZ
Summary
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine candidate with extensive experience in equine and large animal medicine through clinical training, research, and professional farrier practice. Skilled in hoof care, lameness evaluation, anatomy, and client communication with a strong interest in equine sports medicine, podiatry, and rural veterinary practice. Committed to improving equine performance through preventative medicine and evidence-based patient care.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner of Farrier Business
Rodriguez Farrier Services
Winkelman, AZ
07.2022 - Current
- Provide educational hoof care clinics on the importance of hoof care to clients, students, and inmates at the Wild Mustang and Burro Inmate Program facility in Florence, Arizona.
- Administer composite/ glue on shoes for lameness, corrective, and disease cases.
- Applied routine horseshoes for performance horses competing in multiple equine disciplines to optimize soundness and performance.
Research Technician II
University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
Oro Valley, AZ
10.2022 - 05.2025
- Dissect animal specimens to prepare for anatomy lab courses.
- Facilitated anatomy lab courses by preparing specimens and assisting with instructional activities.
- Research and experiment with the freeze dryer using different anatomical parts.
- Aided faculty during surgeries at Wild Mustang and Burro facility, contributing to successful procedures.
- Supported faculty in anatomy lab by preparing materials and ensuring smooth operations.
- Acquired IT support skills through hands-on training to provide backup support for Information Technology Technicians.
Veterinary Shadowing Experience
Dr. King, DVM – Mobile Rural Veterinary Practice
Kearny, AZ
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Assisted in hands-on veterinary tasks during field visits, supporting field-based diagnostics, treatments, and preventative care.
- Assisted with safe handling and restraint of animals during on-site examinations and procedures.
- Observed veterinary care provided in a mobile setting across livestock, equine, and companion animals.
- Observed procedures including vaccinations, pregnancy checks, wound management, and lameness evaluations.
- Participated in farm and ranch calls, developing an understanding of mobile practice logistics and time management.
- Observed client communication in rural settings, educating clients on herd health and management practices.
- Developed skills to adjust clinical strategies and clinical decision-making in resource-limited settings.
- Assisted with preparation, organization, and sanitation of mobile veterinary equipment and supplies.
- Gained experience in emergency response protocols and problem-solving in field conditions.
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson
Tucson, AZ
10.2021 - 05.2022
- Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other lifesaving procedures.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Monitored animal behavior and clinical symptoms to identify health issues and ensure appropriate care.
- Assisted with physical examinations by obtaining temperature, pulse, and respiration data to aid in accurate diagnosis.
- Filled prescriptions, measured medications, and labeled containers to support accurate treatment delivery.
Kennel Technician
Pima Animal Care Center
Tucson, AZ
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Cleaned and maintained kennels, animal holding areas, and examination or operating rooms to prevent disease spread.
- Recorded detailed information on animal genealogy, feeding schedules, and behavior to support care and management.
- Prepared animal feed according to specific dietary instructions to ensure proper nutrition.
Veterinary Externship
Arizona Equine Medical & Surgical Center
Gilbert, AZ
04.2021 - 05.2021
- Assisted in managing emergency and critical care cases, including colic, trauma, and acute lameness, to support timely interventions.
- Participated in pre-operative preparation, surgical assistance, and post-operative care of equine patients.
- Monitored anesthesia and vital signs during procedures under veterinary supervision.
- Assisted veterinarians with lameness evaluations, diagnostic imaging, and treatment plans for performance horses.
- Gained practical experience in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation protocols, contributing to enhanced recovery outcomes.
- Handled and restrained horses safely in clinical settings.
- Communicated with veterinarians and staff to ensure efficient case management and continuity of care.
Veterinary Assistant
Samaritan Veterinary Clinic
Globe, AZ
06.2020 - 04.2021
- Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Monitored behavior and clinical symptoms of animals to support effective treatment.
- Captured and developed diagnostic radiographs to assist veterinarians in assessing animal health.
- Processed prescriptions by accurately measuring medications, labeling containers, and preparing medications for dispensing.
Veterinary Intern
Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital
Tucson, AZ
12.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted veterinarians in examinations and treatments of exotic species, enhancing overall care quality.
- Monitored patient health, behavior, and recovery, reporting abnormalities or concerns to supervising veterinarians.
- Performed and supported safe handling and restraint techniques specific to exotic animals to minimize stress and injury.
- Collected diagnostic samples such as fecal, blood, and skin samples for laboratory testing.
- Maintained detailed medical records, including treatment plans, diagnostic results, and daily observations.
- Supported surgical procedures by preparing instruments and monitoring patients, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
- Educated clients on husbandry, nutrition, and preventative care, promoting better health outcomes for exotic pets.
Veterinary Internship
Arizona National Livestock Show
Phoenix, AZ
12.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations, treatments, and emergency interventions, enhancing patient care and response times.
- Assisted in performing routine health checks, including physical exams, vital signs, and lameness evaluations on livestock.
- Monitored animals for signs of illness, injury, or stress, facilitating timely interventions by supervising veterinarians.
- Ensured proper handling, restraint, and welfare of animals during examinations and procedures.
- Collected biological samples including urine and hair for drug testing, identification, and regulatory compliance.
- Maintained accurate records of sample collection, treatments, and health assessments, ensuring compliance with show regulations and supporting effective case management.
- Communicated with exhibitors regarding animal health requirements and procedures.
Veterinary Internship
Samaritan Veterinary Clinic
Globe, AZ
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Performed and developed diagnostic radiographs to assist in accurate diagnoses.
- Monitored animal behavior and clinical symptoms to support effective veterinary care.
- Measured, filled, and labeled prescriptions to ensure accurate medication administration.
Education
Doctoral degree - Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
Tucson, AZ08-2028
Certification - Equine Dentistry
The Horsemanship Dentistry School
Palm, FL01-2027
Certification: Corrective Farrier Services -
Texas School of Horseshoeing
Scurry, TX07-2022
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Animal Science Major, Biochemistry Minor
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05-2022
Graduate Certificate - Veterinary Forensic Science
University of Florida
Gainesville, FLSkills
Bovine Hoof Care
Pathology sampling & Vaccine protocols
Client education
Advanced Hoof Care & Corrective/Therapeutic Shoeing
Lameness Evaluation
Physical Examinations
Wound Care
Medication Administration
Sample Collection
Equine Handling & Restraint
Client Communication
Medical Record Documentation
Certification
- • Corrective Farrier Certification
• FAMACHA Certification
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
• Horsemanship Dentistry Certification (In Progress)
• RECOVER CPR Certification
Timeline
Veterinary Shadowing Experience
Dr. King, DVM – Mobile Rural Veterinary Practice
05.2023 - 05.2024
Research Technician II
University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
10.2022 - 05.2025
Owner of Farrier Business
Rodriguez Farrier Services
07.2022 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson
10.2021 - 05.2022
Kennel Technician
Pima Animal Care Center
08.2021 - 12.2021
Veterinary Externship
Arizona Equine Medical & Surgical Center
04.2021 - 05.2021
Veterinary Assistant
Samaritan Veterinary Clinic
06.2020 - 04.2021
Veterinary Intern
Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital
12.2019 - 12.2019
Veterinary Internship
Arizona National Livestock Show
12.2019 - 12.2019
Veterinary Internship
Samaritan Veterinary Clinic
05.2019 - 08.2019
Doctoral degree - Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
Certification - Equine Dentistry
The Horsemanship Dentistry School
Certification: Corrective Farrier Services -
Texas School of Horseshoeing
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Animal Science Major, Biochemistry Minor
University of Arizona
Graduate Certificate - Veterinary Forensic Science
University of Florida