Grace Lenthe
Animal Care Manager
Ojai
Summary
Experienced with animal care management, emphasizing animal welfare and operational efficiency. Utilizes knowledge of animal behavior and medical care to maintain high standards of health and safety. Track record of leading teams effectively and implementing successful care strategies.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Care Manager
Humane Society Ventura County, Ojai
Ojai, California
10.2023 - Current
- Hire, train, and supervise Animal Care Associates and the Foster Program, managing a team of 10 staff members.
- Developed daily and weekly schedules, assigned staff duties, and ensured proper cleaning, feeding, handling, exercise, and enrichment practices.
- Cultivated a positive team atmosphere through daily check-ins and collaborative communication.
- Facilitated weekly leadership check-ins with coordinators/leads to strengthen communication, address challenges, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback that encouraged professional growth within the team.
- Implemented structured adoption and intake schedules to optimize communication between animal care staff and front office representatives.
- Reduced barriers to adoption by creating a streamlined open adoption process and simplifying the adoption interest form, improving accessibility and efficiency for clients resulting in an 18% increase since 2023.
- Created SOPs and handbooks to standardize animal care procedures and processes, ensuring consistency and compliance across staff operations.
- Designed and maintained a dog and cat interaction board to track training notes, animal locations, staff/volunteer experience levels, and daily interactions.
- Created enrichment programs to promote mental stimulation and overall well-being for the animals.
- Collaborated with veterinary and finance teams to identify cost-effective food and treat options that supported both animal health and staff efficiency.
- Supported behavior team in training and facilitating small and large dog playgroups.
- Conducted weekly rounds with veterinary and behavior staff to monitor animal health and well-being.
- Performed and assisted with medical treatments for transfer, stray, and foster animals.
- Managed disease response within the shelter, including FIP, URI, ringworm, kennel cough, and giardia.
- Oversaw intake and adoption of transport animals, ensuring smooth transitions and placements.
- Collaborated with Facilities Manager to implement shelter improvements and address safety hazards, ensuring a secure and efficient environment for staff, volunteers, and animals.
- Reviewed and approved staff hours for payroll, scheduled vacations/holidays, and ensured adequate coverage.
Salon Manager
Salon Patine, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
08.2021 - 10.2023
- Managed salon schedule, ensured excellent customer service on the phone and at the salon, and provided monthly statistics of services provided.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient salon operations and delivering exceptional service experiences.
- Managed staff of 20+
- Hired, trained, and supervised front desk employees. Process payroll.
- Ordered and stock salon retail and professional products.
Shelter Supervisor
Santa Barbara Humane, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
10.2018 - 08.2021
- Hired, trained, and supervised Animal Care Specialists and Client Care Representatives. Supervised staff of 10+.
- Assisted clients with selecting animals for adoption and meet and greets with family and/or other pets. In 2019 our adoptions increased 50% from the previous year.
- Shelter consisted of 110 dog kennels and two cat buildings with more than 50 enclosures of different types. We also offered private boarding for cats and dogs requiring special diets and medications.
- Assigned staff to complete adoption follow up calls one week and one month after adoption.
- Member of Outcome Evaluation Team, composed of all shelter leads that met to discuss pathway plans for the animals.
- Managed intake and adoption of large incoming transports of animals (often more than 30 at a time). These transports often brought large numbers of potential adopters to the shelter, and I ensured that our team provided excellent and timely customer service.
- Promoted from Animal Care Specialist to Shelter Supervisor.
- There were several changes to our procedures and animal housing during COVID. I trained staff on new procedures and managed constant changes to protocol.
- The shelter switched over our animal database to ShelterLuv from PetPoint. I trained and assisted animal/client care staff with the new system.
- Created a daily enrichment program for cats and dogs. Implementing sensory and nutritional enrichment to the animals.
- Assisted Behavior Manager with reactive dog training class. A 6 week in person course that utilized a neutral dog to help owners and their dog build confidence and learn how to navigate real life reactivity.
- Our shelter served as a disaster evacuation site for the community. Managed intake, housing, care, and return of owned animals during several fire evacuations.
Sales Associate
Lemos Feed & Pet Supply, Goleta
Goleta, California
10.2017 - 06.2018
- Assisted customers with product selection and provided information on pet care.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed inventory and restocked shelves.
- Processed sales transactions and handled cash register operations.
Education
Associate of Arts - Psychology
College of The Siskiyous
Weed, CA06.2017
Skills
Animal welfare expertise
Effective communication and problem-solving
Team leadership and support
Scheduling coordination
Customer service
Adaptability and flexibility
Organizational skills
Staff management
Timeline
Animal Care Manager
Humane Society Ventura County, Ojai
10.2023 - Current
Salon Manager
Salon Patine, Santa Barbara
08.2021 - 10.2023
Shelter Supervisor
Santa Barbara Humane, Santa Barbara
10.2018 - 08.2021
Sales Associate
Lemos Feed & Pet Supply, Goleta
10.2017 - 06.2018
Associate of Arts - Psychology
College of The Siskiyous