Dog handler
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Dog handler at Vilkins Kennels (2025-04 – Present)
Veterinary Receptionist at MK Vet Group (2023-09 – 2025-03)
Animal Care Assistant at RSPCA Blackberry Farm (2019-04 – 2023-08)
Full time until Aug 2021 then 28 hours. I was responsible for the welfare of the animals in my care (dogs/cats/small animals) including- feeding, cleaning, socialising, administering treatment, grooming, exercising and health checks. We carried out a lot of positive reinforcement training and rehabilitation of the dogs as they often arrived at the centre with behavioural issues.
I was part of many cases which resulted in successful rehoming of the dog. I am confident and experienced in handling very large dogs. I also regularly covered the reception area dealing with emails/telephone calls and other matters.
Stay at home mum (2017-11 – 2019-04)
Volunteer Homing Coordinator at Milton Keynes Cats Protection Branch (2017-01 – 2017-10)
I led the homing programme in the branch area for the adoption of rescue cats, completing home visits as part of this.
Senior Mammal Keeper at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park (2014-07 – 2016-12)
I along with another senior keeper, supervised a team of 5-6 members of staff over five primate sections, including great apes. Some of my general responsibilities were monitoring and altering diets, overseeing training with the apes, animal enclosure safety checks, liaising with management for other departments in the zoo. I had daily communication with the vet team regarding the health and welfare of the animals and was involved in numerous GA procedures including gorillas and gibbons.
I liaised daily with the Head Keeper and Senior Head Keeper concerning staff and animals on the sections.
Zoo Keeper (full-time) at Bristol Zoo Gardens (2011-09 – 2014-06)
I was employed as a mammal keeper covering sections of the zoo including a variety of small and large primates, nocturnal mammals, ungulates (hippos and okapi) and carnivores (Asiatic lions, otters). I regularly attended animal veterinary clinics, assisting the vet staff with health checks. I represented the section at enrichment meetings and liaised with volunteers who design enrichment for the mammal team.
I was a keen animal trainer and also represented the section at training meetings and devised and led training programmes for different primate species.
Senior Cat Care Assistant at Cats Protection, Ferndown, Dorset (2010-02 – 2010-08)
I was responsible for the daily care of the shelter cats including feeding, cleaning and administering any medicines. I also was tasked with socialising the cats and getting them to a standard where they could be rehomed successfully. I supervised the other cat care assistants, making sure health and safety protocols were being followed and the daily routines were running smoothly.
Regional Development Assistant (home based) at Cats Protection (2010-08 – 2011-09)
I was a regional overseer for 23 volunteer branches, in particular fosterers that looked after the cats. I carried out regular home visits to ensure minimum veterinary standards were being met.
Zoo Keeper (full-time) at Drusillas Park, East Sussex (2006-08 – 2010-02)
I was a cover keeper working on all sections of the park including many species of primates (including servals and otters) reptiles, birds and domestic hoof stock. I was responsible for overseeing keeper talks to the public through training other staff and presenting myself. I led and took part in successful behavioural training programmes with the park's Asian short clawed otters and capuchin monkeys.
Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) – Sparsholt College, Winchester (2012-01 – 2014-01)
BSc (Hons) in Zoology – University of Wales, Bangor (2001-01 – 2004-01)
BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care – Sparsholt College, Winchester (1999-01 – 2001-01)
GSCEs – The Mountbatten School, Romsey, Hampshire (1993-01 – 1998-01)
