Serena Nowell

Animal care professional with hands-on experience caring for dogs, cats, and small animals in veterinary, daycare, boarding, and zoo environments. Experienced in animal handling, daily health and wellness monitoring, medication administration, sanitation, cleaning, documentation, and maintaining safe animal-care environments. Comfortable working with animals of different species, temperaments, and needs.

Interested in contributing to The University of Toledo's laboratory animal care team while pursuing future educational opportunities at the University in 2027.

Daycare & Boarding Attendant at West Toledo Animal Hospital (2024-05 – Present)

• Provide daily care and supervision for dogs in a busy daycare and boarding environment.
• Conduct regular health and wellness checks and monitor animals for signs of illness, distress, or behavioral changes.
• Document and communicate behavioral and health observations to trainers and enrichment specialists.
• Handle animals with different breeds, temperaments, and behavioral needs while maintaining a safe environment.
• Administer medications to cats and dogs in different forms, including capsules and syringes.
• Maintain clean and sanitary animal-care areas, including kennels, outdoor yards, common areas, and equipment.
• Perform routine cleaning duties including washing dishes, laundry, dusting, wiping equipment, and sanitizing animal areas.
• Work with certified dog trainers and enrichment specialists to support animal well-being and appropriate behavior.
• Develop and follow individualized enrichment activities based on the needs of individual animals.
• Help maintain an organized and safe facility during daily operations.
• Use Cornerstone for workplace operations and documentation.

Zoo Teen & Zookeeper Assistant (Volunteer) at Toledo Zoo (2017-05 – 2025-08)

• Handled small animals, including guinea pigs and corn snakes, using appropriate handling and restraint techniques.
• Assisted with animal-related activities and provided hands-on educational experiences for zoo visitors.
• Educated visitors about animal behavior, care, and wildlife.
• Worked collaboratively with zoo staff and fellow volunteers in an animal-care environment.
• Assisted with community and educational events.
• Participated in environmental projects including park cleanups and tree planting.
• Demonstrated responsibility, teamwork, and attention to safety while working around animals and the public.

High School Diploma – Start High School (2021-05)

Prospective Student – The University of Toledo (2027)