Rebecca Garza
San Diego
Summary
Dedicated Animal Care and Behavior Supervisor with experience in fear-free handling and positive reinforcement methods. Passionate about improving animal welfare through effective training and clear communication. Experienced in behavioral assessments and implementing training programs, with a knack for tailoring approaches to each animal’s unique needs to achieve great results in care.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Care and Behavior Supervisor
Paws Of Coronado
Corando, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Conducted assessments of dog behaviors to develop targeted and effective training plans.
- Monitored and evaluated dogs' development during training, modifying approaches to enhance learning outcomes based on unique behavioral traits.
- Monitored dogs in multiple settings to evaluate behavioral patterns and address potential problems.
- Conducted evaluations of animals to identify temperament and training potential, enhancing training effectiveness.
- Collaborated with owners to assess behavioral issues and establish clear objectives for resolution.
- Utilized structured positive reinforcement methods to address and resolve various dog behavioral challenges.
- Facilitated bonding exercises to build trust and mutual understanding between handlers and working dogs, enhancing teamwork effectiveness.
- Administered medications and vaccinations following veterinarian guidelines to maintain animal health.
- Monitored and maintained facility conditions to uphold animal care standards, reporting any issues to appropriate management personnel for swift resolution.
- Participated in training programs focused on current best practices for animal care and strategies to improve interactions with prospective adopters.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new hires, emphasizing critical safety protocols and effective animal care techniques.
- Evaluated team performance and provided targeted feedback to foster professional growth.
- Conducted performance evaluations to identify staff strengths and areas for improvement, supporting targeted professional growth.
- Implemented training initiatives for new employees, focusing on operational procedures and effective customer service strategies.
- Supervised daily operations, facilitating seamless workflow and adherence to task schedules.
- Managed daily operational activities to uphold safety protocols and maintain quality assurance.
Animal Care
Camp Run a Mutt
Chula Vista, CA
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Delivered compassionate care through effective feeding and medication protocols. Enhanced quality of life by introducing enriching activities tailored to individual needs.
- Oversaw yard play by actively monitoring canine behaviors to foster safe interactions among dogs. Identified and responded to indicators of stress or conflict, taking immediate action to preserve a secure and enjoyable play space.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness in kennels, play areas, and common spaces. Achieved a hygienic environment through effective laundry management and dish sanitation.
- Oversaw and coordinated scheduling of grooming and daycare appointments, optimizing client satisfaction through effective management of appointment calendar.
- Facilitated smooth client experiences with timely drop-offs and pick-ups while maintaining open communication with owners to boost service satisfaction.
Animal Caregiver
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego, CA
09.2016 - 06.2022
- Delivered comprehensive daily care and enrichment for various animal species, enhancing overall health and welfare.
- Partnered with veterinary staff to oversee animal health and ensure proper medication administration.
- Conducted comprehensive behavioral evaluations to support adoption processes and improve overall animal welfare.
- Developed and executed fear-free approaches to improve animal handling, fostering tranquility within the shelter.
- Implemented training programs for new staff focused on animal handling protocols and operational procedures, ensuring a unified and effective team dynamic.
- Developed and launched programs that boosted animal engagement and reduced stress in shelter settings.
- Developed and implemented training sessions for volunteers, ensuring preparedness to support daily operations.
- Executed sanitation measures and maintained facilities to ensure cleanliness and safety standards.
Veterinary Kennel Assistant
Spay and Neuter Action Project
El Cajon, CA
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Achieved successful animal vaccination rates through efficient management of vaccine clinics. Delivered essential vaccinations to animals, improving overall health outcomes through proactive clinic operations. Enhanced community health by facilitating vaccine clinics and ensuring animals received timely vaccinations.
- Performed comprehensive monitoring of animals at all surgical stages, alerting RVT or veterinarian to any potential complications.
- Executed animal restraint techniques and conducted thorough pre-surgical preparations to facilitate successful operations.
- Performed thorough scrubbing and sterilization of surgical packs and endotracheal tubes to ensure compliance with health standards during surgeries.
- Coordinated the arrangement of cages, surgical prep spaces, and outdoor registration tables to ensure efficient clinic readiness.
- Executed follow-up calls with clients after surgery to monitor recovery progress and ensure continuity of care.
- Facilitated community events advocating for spay and neuter, increasing community engagement and awareness.
- Assisted in microchip clinics, educating pet owners about spay and neuter benefits to promote responsible pet ownership.
Veterinary Kennel Assistant
Animal and Bird Hospital
Del Mar, CA
01.2013 - 06.2016
- Provided medications according to veterinary instructions to maintain animal health.
- Supported veterinary team in administering treatments and providing patient care.
- Implemented effective animal handling methods to maintain control and support successful procedural outcomes.
- Implemented strategic approaches to handle challenging scenarios with distressed or aggressive animals, ensuring safety and well-being.
- Documented detailed care protocols for each animal, including nutritional plans, activity schedules, and special care instructions.
- Assessed individual dietary needs and mixed specialized food formulas to ensure optimal nutrition for animals.
- Supported grooming operations by performing bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to promote optimal pet hygiene and well-being.
- Monitored and maintained sanitation practices in kennels, ensuring health and well-being for all animals in care.
- Organized and maintained stock levels of kennel and cleaning supplies, ensuring uninterrupted daily operations.
- Managed intake process for animals, ensuring accurate documentation and care instructions were in place. by accurately labeling all personal items and toys for each animal.
Education
No Degree - Animal Behavior And Ethology
Animal Behavior College
Santa Clara, Ca08-2015
High School Diploma -
San Diego School of Creative And Performing Arts
San Diego, Ca06-2012
Skills
- Fear Free handling
- Low-stress handling
- Species behavior recognition
- Body language assessment
- Stress signal reading
- Reinforcement techniques
- Behavioral assessment
- Behavior modification
- Patient handling plans
- Enrichment strategy development
- Squeeze cage handling
- ShelterLuv
- ShelterBuddy
- Avimark
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
Timeline
Animal Care and Behavior Supervisor
Paws Of Coronado
10.2025 - Current
Animal Care
Camp Run a Mutt
01.2025 - 08.2025
Veterinary Kennel Assistant
Spay and Neuter Action Project
02.2021 - 03.2022
Animal Caregiver
San Diego Humane Society
09.2016 - 06.2022
Veterinary Kennel Assistant
Animal and Bird Hospital
01.2013 - 06.2016
No Degree - Animal Behavior And Ethology
Animal Behavior College
High School Diploma -
San Diego School of Creative And Performing Arts