Sofia Swatt

Veterinary Assistant and Naturopath

Talent

Glen Ellen, SonomaMember since March 30, 2025

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About

A compassionate and dedicated animal care professional with extensive experience as a veterinary assistant and a strong foundation in both natural and conventional medical approaches. In addition to operating a private naturopathic practice focused on holistic health and healing, she brings years of hands-on clinical experience in veterinary medicine and is seeking part-time work in animal care to continue supporting the wellbeing of animals alongside her human-focused practice.

Her veterinary background includes assisting in surgical procedures, administering medications, monitoring animal health, and providing compassionate support to pet owners—skills developed through both clinical training and real-world practice. Fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to integrative healing, she is eager to contribute her expertise, empathy, and bilingual communication skills to a team that values both high-quality animal care and a heart-centered approach to service.

Experience

Oakland Animal Services – Oakland, CA

Veterinary Assistant January 2022 – January 2023

Provided critical hands-on support in medical procedures and emergency care alongside the on-site veterinarian in a high-volume, fast-paced municipal shelter serving stray, injured, and often aggressive or traumatized animals.
Performed triage assessments, vital sign monitoring, and urgent stabilization measures for animals in distress, including cases involving trauma, suspected rabies, severe infections, and neglect-related injuries.
Administered subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, vaccinations, oral medications, and topical treatments across a wide range of species under supervision, demonstrating clinical accuracy and calm under pressure.
Collected and processed lab samples (fecal, urine, blood) for diagnostic testing while maintaining strict adherence to biohazard handling protocols in a resource-limited setting.
Safely restrained and handled fearful, feral, or behaviorally unstable animals during exams, treatments, and transport, often using fear-free and trauma-informed techniques to reduce stress and ensure safety.
Played a vital role in maintaining workflow efficiency and infection control in a chaotic and understaffed environment, supporting wound care, surgical prep and recovery, kennel cleaning, and client communication with empathy and professionalism.

Lawrence Hall of Science – Berkeley, CA

Animal Lab Assistant March 2020 – May 2023

Provided daily husbandry, medical observation, and enrichment for over 50 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds in a teaching and research lab setting.
Assisted with routine veterinary procedures, sample collection, and health assessments across exotic and domestic species, ensuring proper documentation and species-specific care protocols.
Supported student instruction and hands-on learning, demonstrating safe animal handling techniques, anatomy, and proper care practices in an academic laboratory environment.