Sonja Sparks - Slussler
La Grange
Summary
Passionate about animal health, developing strong relationships with children and their families, building trust and open communication. As well as, the health, wellness, and fitness of myself and others. I have an abundant of experience in handling basic needs, care and exercise.
I have a lot of experience being a Kennel Technician with background in animal care and management. I am skilled at monitoring animal behavior, maintaining clean kennels, and providing routine care to a variety of animals. I have strengths that include strong observation skills, ability to handle animals safely, empathy for animals, and knowledge of dietary needs, as well as with people and kids. I have kept consistent track record of ensuring well-being and safety of animals under care.
Within my self employed baby sitting, I have done a multitude of caring for children, and taken on loads of responsibility. I have helped with emergency situations, play time and monitoring of children. I am very passionate and hands on with kids and animals.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
2026
2026
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Part Time Kennel Technician
Fayette County Veterinary Clinic
La Grange
11.2024 - Current
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations and procedures for various animals.
- Maintained cleanliness of kennel areas to ensure a safe environment for pets.
- Monitored animal behavior and health, reporting concerns to veterinary staff.
- Administered medications and treatments as directed by veterinarians or technicians.
- Provided proper nutrition and hydration to animals in care at the clinic.
- Recorded animal intake information accurately in the clinic's database system.
- Engaged with pet owners, providing updates on their animals' conditions and needs.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient daily operations at the clinic.
- Provided daily care and monitoring of animals, including feeding, watering, cleaning cages and administering medications.
- Stayed on top of laundry, sweeping and disinfection protocols.
- Organized inventory of food, bedding supplies, toys and other items needed for animal care.
- Inspected kennels regularly for any possible health hazards or maintenance concerns.
- Responded to emergency situations in a timely manner while following safety protocols.
- Performed minor grooming services such as brushing fur coats and trimming nails.
- Provided humane treatment of all animals at all times.
- Walked animals outside to avoid accidents in play areas or bedding.
- Followed consistent safety procedures, maintained visible animal identification and checked tags to minimize care errors.
- Kept dogs safe by remaining alert to environmental conditions and nearby animals.
- Refilled shampoo bottles, sanitized clippers, combs, and brushes, and placed clean towels at each station following shift completion.
- Educated customers on proper pet care techniques.
- Assisted veterinarians with medical procedures such as vaccinations and spaying and neutering.
Baby Sitter
Self Employed
La Grange
08.2021 - Current
- Supervised children during activities and ensured a safe environment.
- Prepared nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary needs.
- Organized educational games to promote learning and development.
- Communicated with parents about children's daily activities and behavior.
- Managed daily schedules, including playtime, meals, and naps.
- Resolved conflicts among children using effective conflict-resolution techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness of play areas and organized toys after use.
- Responsibly watched children while parents were out.
- Maintaining a positive attitude while being patient and understanding with the children.
- Completing light housekeeping tasks such as tidying up toys and books.
- Cared for children of various ages and assisted with feeding, dressing and daily activities.
- Monitored children's safety and well-being to prevent accidents and falls.
- Establishing trust through consistent communication with both parents and kids.
- Remaining alert at all times while caring for multiple children simultaneously.
- Communicated with parents about daily activities and any concerning behaviors.
- Greeting parents upon arrival home from work and providing updates on the day's events.
Animal Shelter Volunteer
Gardenia Animal Shelter
La Grange
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Assisted with daily animal care and feeding
- Maintained cleanliness of animal habitats and communal areas in the shelter.
- Collaborated with staff to develop volunteer schedules and task assignments.
- Monitored animal health and behavior, reporting concerns to shelter staff.
- Maintained animal shelter by cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages and equipment, washing dishes and laundry, taking out garbage and performing custodial duties.
Education
La Grange High School
La Grange, TXSome College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Blinn College
Brenham, TXSkills
- Animal care
- Customer service
- Conflict resolution
- Health monitoring
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Group management
- Animal handling expertise
- Kennel maintenance
- Veterinary assistance
- Exercise management
- Canine behavior
- Feline behavior
- Animal monitoring
- Feeding management
- Sanitation protocols
- Patience and resilience
- Behavioral control
- Care monitoring
- Multitasking
- Customer communication
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
Languages
English
Professional
German
Limited
Arabic
Limited
Affiliations
- I am very into fitness and taking care of my body.
- I love learning about nutrition and educating myself in the proper things my body needs.
- I love socializing with people, and learning about new cultures and languages.
- I balance school, the gym, and work as well as I can.
- I love to travel, and I plan to travel out of the country in the near future.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Part Time Kennel Technician
Fayette County Veterinary Clinic
11.2024 - Current
Animal Shelter Volunteer
Gardenia Animal Shelter
05.2023 - 08.2023
Baby Sitter
Self Employed
08.2021 - Current
La Grange High School
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Blinn College