Kaitlin Shepard, RVT
Raeford
Summary
Registered Veterinary Technician with extensive experience in animal healthcare and strong commitment to excellence in clinical support. Proficient in assisting with surgeries, administering treatments, and providing compassionate care. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in fast-paced environments, with key skills in diagnostic testing and patient management.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterinary Technician
Cross Creek Animal Hospital
07.2020 - Current
- Obtained detailed patient history and maintained thorough patient records.
- Managed medical intervention and therapy for animals in collaboration with veterinarian
- Performed all monthly lab maintenance and cleaning services necessary to ensure optimal machine function (Idexx machines, microscope, etc.)
- Performed various laboratory tasks such as blood draws, cystocentesis, ear and skin cytology, FNAs, and performed sample analysis efficiently
- Handled emergency situations with a calm demeanor, providing critical support to veterinarians during life-saving interventions
- Performed various treatments on patients as directed by the veterinarian in a timely and accurate manner
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health
- Assisted veterinary surgeon in a variety of surgeries and procedures including but not limited to spays (pyometra, c-section), neuters (abdominal/ inguinal cryptorchid, scrotal ablation), foreign body, splenectomy, cystotomy, enucleation, entropion repair, limb amputation, CCL and MPL repair, FHO, gastropexy, declaws, soft palate and nares, episioplasty, and wound repairs
- Monitored vital signs of animals during surgical procedures and provided postoperative care
- Performed dental prophylaxis and radiography
- Assisted with diagnostic imaging procedures such as radiography and ultrasonography
- Wrapped and prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave
- Developed comprehensive post-surgical and hospitalization discharge instructions that ensured continuity of care at home
- Educated pet owners on preventive care measures, leading to healthier pets and fewer medical issues
- Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, formulated estimates with outlined costs and determined special needs of animals under care
- Maintained patient charts, surgical and hospital forms, surgery and anesthesia drug logs, and invoiced all surgical and hospitalized charges through Cornerstone
- Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices
Lead Veterinary Technician
The Humane Society Of Greater Kansas City
06.2017 - 03.2020
- In charge of and managed all anesthetic calculations, handling, induction, and drug records during feral cat spay and neuter outreach program. Instructed and observed volunteers on a variety of different tasks such as ear tipping, patient surgical preparation, recovery, and assessment of patient for any obvious wounds or illnesses
- Obtained detailed patient history and maintained thorough patient records.
- Managed medical intervention and therapy for animals in collaboration with veterinarian
- Performed various laboratory tasks such as blood draws, ear and skin cytology, heartworm testing, parvo testing
- Performed various treatments on patients as directed by the veterinarian in a timely and accurate manner
- Performed services such as SQ fluids, injections, and syringe feeding on parvo positive patients and educated owners on how to perform outpatient care for the management of parvovirus at home
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health
- Assisted veterinary surgeon in a variety of surgeries and procedures including but not limited to spays (pyometra, c-section), neuters (abdominal/ inguinal cryptorchid, scrotal ablation)
- Monitored vital signs of animals during surgical procedures and provided postoperative care
- Performed dental prophylaxis without radiography
- Assisted with diagnostic imaging procedures such as radiography
- Wrapped and prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave
- Educated pet owners on preventive care measures, leading to healthier pets and fewer medical issues
- Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, formulated estimates with outlined costs and determined special needs of animals under care
- Maintained patient charts, surgical and hospital forms, surgery and anesthesia drug logs, and invoiced all surgical and hospitalized charges through Avimark
- Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices
- Educated clients in depth about prevention and treatment of parvovirus, heartworm disease, feline leukemia and FIV, and performed necessary testing
Kennel Assistant
Hawthorne Animal Hospital
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Protected animals from care errors by following strict safety procedures, including maintaining clear and secure tags.
- Mixed and administered medications and special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
- Coordinated with vets on the health of boarding patients and notified them of any changes. (appetite changes, urine/stool output, injuries)
- Stocked kennel and clinic areas to maintain proper inventory for daily performance.
- Completed daily cleaning of kennels, cages and public areas
- Recorded information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of boarded or hospitalized patients to monitor stay.
- Performed grooming activities including baths, trimming nails, anal gland expression, and shaving for boarding patients
- Observed playgroups to ensure safety of pet participants.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Dallas College At Cedar Valley
Dallas, TX12-2024
Associate of Arts -
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS12.2018
High School Diploma -
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Shawnee Mission, KS05.2014
Skills
- Venipuncture and IVC placement
- Surgical preparation
- General anesthetic monitoring
- ECG interpretation
- Calculation and management of CRIs
- Canine and feline intubation
- Male urinary catheterization
- Minor wound debridement and care
- Bandage and splint application
- Calculation and administration of controlled drugs
- Dental radiography and prophylaxis
- Thoracic, abdominal, and limb radiography
- Closed- chest CPR
- Minor grooming services
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Cystocentesis
- Fluorescein stain, schimer tear test, and tonometry pen
- Manual ear and skin cytology
- FNA with microscopic interpretation
- Manual urine and fecal testing
- Blood smear preparation with microscopic interpretation
- Blood cross matching
- Blood transfusion administration
- Safe restraint, muzzling, and handling of dogs and cats
- Strong knowledge of heartworm disease and treatment in accordance with the American Heartworm Society
- Experience with Covetrus, Idexx, Zoetis, Cornerstone, and Antech
- Reconstituting medications and vaccines
- Scheduling, data entry, record keeping
- Inventory management
- Client Communication/ Customer Service
- Detail Oriented
- Calm in stressful situations
- Organized
Certification
Fear Free Certification Program (2024)
- Community Outreach Work (2018-2020)
Feral cat spay/ neuter clinic
Job Responsibilities-
Calculate and administer anesthesia to 80 plus feral cats
Give SQ fluids, Convenia injections, address and treat minor wounds
Maintain detailed surgical and drug logs - Humane Society of Greater Kansas City Dog-N-Jog (2018)
- Hawthorne Animal Hospital Howl-O-Ween Haunt (2017)
Timeline
Veterinary Technician
Cross Creek Animal Hospital
07.2020 - Current
Lead Veterinary Technician
The Humane Society Of Greater Kansas City
06.2017 - 03.2020
Kennel Assistant
Hawthorne Animal Hospital
07.2016 - 06.2017
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Dallas College At Cedar Valley
Associate of Arts -
Johnson County Community College
High School Diploma -
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
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