Lauren Guthrie
San Diego
Summary
Dedicated and motivated animal care professional with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and hands-on experience working with both marine and terrestrial species, currently serving as a Veterinary Assistant in a fast-paced clinical setting. Experienced in assisting with medical procedures, administering medications, collecting diagnostic samples, and closely monitoring animal health and behavior with strong attention to detail. Brings a solid foundation in animal husbandry, enrichment, and maintaining clean, safe, and high-quality care environments. Passionate about marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation, with a strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in physically demanding, team-oriented environments. Committed to supporting animal welfare while engaging and educating the public as a positive ambassador for conservation.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Bayview Veterinary Center
San Diego
09.2025 - Current
- Assist veterinarians in performing surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, monitoring anesthesia levels, and administering medications to animals.
- Administer vaccinations and medications as directed by veterinarians.
- Collect samples for laboratory testing and perform diagnostic procedures to support accurate animal assessments.
- Perform physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis.
- Restrain and stabilize animals during examination and treatment to prevent injuries.
- Maintain accurate treatment records, including medical history files and vaccination certificates, ensuring compliance and continuity of care.
- Observe behavioral characteristics of animals in order to provide insight into possible illnesses or changes in behavior.
- Provide nursing care to animals post operation.
- Observe behavioral characteristics of animals in order to provide insight into possible illnesses or changes in behavior.
- Determine appropriate dosages of medication based on weight calculations.
Animal Care Volunteer
Aquarium of the Bay
San Francisco
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Maintained animal habitats in accordance with AZA standards, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and optimal welfare conditions.
- Performed daily husbandry routines including feeding, behavioral enrichment, training sessions, and habitat maintenance for diverse aquatic and terrestrial species.
- Observed and documented animal behaviors to support physical and mental well-being, adjusting care routines based on behavioral cues.
- Collaborated with marine biologists to deepen understanding of species-specific behaviors, dietary needs, and health monitoring protocols.
- Assisted veterinary staff with medical treatments and procedures, administering prescribed medications and monitoring recovery to ensure animal well-being.
- Monitored animal health daily, reporting notable behavioral or physical changes to supervising biologists and veterinary staff.
- Maintained detailed records of feeding, enrichment, training, and medical treatments to support animal care plans.
- Communicated effectively with the public, answering questions and providing educational insights about the animals and conservation efforts.
- Engaged visitors to deepen understanding of marine life, enhancing their educational experience and fostering a connection to conservation.
Veterinary Assistant
McConnell Veterinary
Scotts Valley
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Assisted veterinarians with blood draws, IV catheter placement, surgical procedures, and emergency care.
- Prepared supplies and equipment in advance for procedures and treatments, ensuring readiness and efficiency.
- Calculated dosages for medications and treatments based on animal weight and health condition in a clinical setting.
- Assisted with animal triage and veterinary appointments, anticipating procedural needs based on species and health status.
- Accurately charted medical records using SOAP note format.
- Determined appropriate medical equipment sizing (e.g., endotracheal tubes, blood pressure cuffs, IV gauges) based on animal size and anatomy.
- Operated in-house laboratory equipment; perform blood work and diagnostic tests across multiple platforms.
- Managed lab operations through IDEXX and vDX, including coordinating sample pickups and uploading diagnostic results.
- Prepared surgical suites and animals for procedures, ensuring sterile and efficient setup.
- Restrained animals safely and confidently-both large and small species-for exams and procedures.
- Maintained calm, attentive presence in fast-paced, high-stress environments, prioritizing animal welfare and client support.
- Maintained detailed records of animal behavior and health metrics, ensuring compliance with care standards and facilitating effective communication with the team.
Exhibit Guide
Seymour Center
El Cajon
09.2023 - 03.2025
- Facilitated educational programs for diverse audiences, enhancing environmental awareness and engagement.
- Collaborated with staff to develop engaging exhibit content and materials.
- Addressed visitor inquiries, providing accurate information about exhibits and programs.
- Educated visitors on proper care techniques when handling marine life at aquarium exhibits.
- Monitored animal health and behavior, identifying potential issues to ensure well-being and safety.
- Documented observations and maintenance activities in detailed logs to ensure accurate records and compliance.
Marine Mammal Rescue Volunteer
Marine Mammal Program
San Francisco
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Conducted marine mammal rescues in collaboration with trained professionals.
- Monitored and assessed animal health throughout rehabilitation and transport to ensure well-being.
- Executed daily care routines for marine mammals.
- Administered medications prescribed by veterinarians to sick or injured animals.
- Collaborated with team during rescue operations, fostering positive environment and effective communication.
- Assisted in necropsies to determine causes of marine mammal deaths, supporting research and conservation efforts.
- Documented animal conditions and rescue details for reporting purposes.
- Assisted in public education efforts about marine mammal conservation.
- Led educational sessions for the public on safe marine mammal interactions.
- Informed public on safe interactions with stranded marine mammals, promoting community awareness.
Marine Mammal Stranding Volunteer
Long Marine Laboratory
Santa Cruz
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Partnered with biologists to analyze data on marine mammal health, leading to informed recommendations for conservation efforts.
- Conducted necropsies on diverse animal species, informing health assessments and conservation strategies.
- Led educational sessions to inform the public about marine mammal interactions.
- Supported NOAA data collection, enhancing comprehensive environmental research efforts.
- Collected micro-plastic data at Santa Cruz beaches, contributing to ocean health assessments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Santa Cruz, CA
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06-2025
Martin Luther King High School - Riverside, CA
Martin Luther King High School
Riverside, CA05-2022
Skills
- Veterinary support
- Animal handling
- Animal care
- Medication administration
- Clinical support
- Procedure support
- Data collection
- Record keeping
- Team collaboration
- Public education
- Careful restraint
- Problem solving
- Time management
- High work ethic
Certification
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
• Rescue Dive Certified
• Rescue Dive Certified
Timeline
Veterinary Assistant
Bayview Veterinary Center
09.2025 - Current
Animal Care Volunteer
Aquarium of the Bay
09.2024 - 09.2025
Veterinary Assistant
McConnell Veterinary
06.2024 - 08.2025
Exhibit Guide
Seymour Center
09.2023 - 03.2025
Marine Mammal Rescue Volunteer
Marine Mammal Program
06.2023 - 08.2024
Marine Mammal Stranding Volunteer
Long Marine Laboratory
09.2022 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Science - Santa Cruz, CA
University of California, Santa Cruz
Martin Luther King High School - Riverside, CA
Martin Luther King High School