Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa Cundy

Googong

Summary

Dynamic animal care professional with extensive experience at RSPCA ACT, excelling in animal welfare and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing adoption rates and implementing effective protocols. Skilled in behavioural assessment and conflict resolution, fostering a culture of safety and compassion while ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Animal Care Manager

RSPCA ACT
08.2019 - Current
  • Improved animal care standards by implementing new protocols and procedures for daily tasks.
  • Ensured optimal animal welfare with diligent monitoring and prompt response to any health or behavioural concerns.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback that encouraged professional growth within the team.
  • Coordinated successful adoption events, resulting in increased placement rates for shelter animals.
  • Implemented enrichment programs to promote mental stimulation and overall well-being for housed animals.
  • Developed a strong culture of safety within the organization by implementing and enforcing health, safety, and emergency protocols that protected both staff and animals.
  • Managed inventory of food, supplies, and medications to maintain adequate stock levels while minimizing costs.
  • Assisted with developing volunteer programs that engaged community members in supporting the organization''s mission and goals.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations by diligently reviewing policies and updating documentation as needed.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Multiple secondments in higher duties as Animal Care Manager and Veterinary Clinic Practice Manager.

Team Lead Kennels, Pet Adoption Centre and Cattery

RSPCA ACT
08.2016 - 08.2019


  • Coordinated daily duties in kennels, cattery and the pet adoption centre (rotated through areas) ensuring all animals were provided appropriate housing, nutrition, training, enrichment, medications and veterinary care.
  • Encouraged a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
  • Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
  • Performed, assisted with or advised on animal behaviour assessments, enrichment and behaviour modification plans.
  • Oversaw customer service and client relations via face to face, phone or email interactions in the reception, retail outlet and veterinary clinic
  • Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
  • Facilitated adoptions from initial customer enquiry, meet & greet, dog to dog meets through to completing paperwork and information sessions.
  • Maintained and managed stock in the retail outlet and shelter supplies.

Animal Care Assistant

RSPCA ACT
08.2014 - 08.2016
  • Developed positive relationships with pet owners, addressing their questions or concerns and providing guidance on proper pet care techniques.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of incoming animals'' health status to determine any immediate needs or concerns before integrating them into the facility.
  • Provided compassionate care for injured or ill animals, including wound cleaning and bandaging when necessary.
  • Reduced stress levels in shelter animals by implementing daily enrichment activities such as playtime and socialization exercises.
  • Enhanced animal welfare by providing proper nutrition, clean water, and appropriate living conditions.
  • Facilitated successful adoptions by matching potential adopters with appropriate animals based on personality traits and needs.
  • Ensured cleanliness of facility through regular sanitization of kennels, cages, equipment, and common areas.
  • Assisted in training new team members, ensuring consistent quality care across all aspects of the facility''s operations.
  • Maintained detailed records of each animal''s medical history, diet, and exercise routines to ensure optimal care.
  • Coordinated grooming services for animals in need of regular maintenance or special attention due to medical conditions.
  • Educated pet owners on proper care techniques, reducing the likelihood of future health issues for their pets.
  • Contributed to the overall success of the organization by consistently demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and dedication to animal welfare.
  • Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
  • Performed basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases.
  • Documented animals' weight, size and condition in computer system for review by senior staff.

Store Manager

Tuggeranong Aquarium and Pet Centre
01.1996 - 11.2013
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers, animals and employees.
  • Ensured animal welfare and care was maintained at the highest possible levels.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies by regularly reviewing store procedures and taking corrective measures when necessary.

Front Counter Manager

Bakers Delight
02.1993 - 02.1996
  • Developed daily schedules for front counter staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak business hours.
  • Oversaw cash register reconciliation at the end of each shift, ensuring accuracy in all transactions.
  • Assisted customers with their orders by offering suggestions based on preferences or dietary requirements.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing front counter operations and addressing customer concerns promptly.
  • Implemented inventory management strategies to reduce waste and maintain optimal stock levels.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and areas for improvement in both product offerings and service quality.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable health codes, safety regulations, and company policies at the front counter area.

Education

Year 12 Certificate -

Lake Tuggeranong College
Tuggeranong ACT

Skills

  • Animal welfare
  • Team leadership
  • Assessment of behavioral trends
  • Skilled in animal interaction
  • Analytical decision-making
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Effective conflict resolution
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Policy and procedure implementation
  • Scheduling and coordinating
  • Computer skills

Certification

Current class C drivers licence - manual

Current first aid certificate

Timeline

Assistant Animal Care Manager

RSPCA ACT
08.2019 - Current

Team Lead Kennels, Pet Adoption Centre and Cattery

RSPCA ACT
08.2016 - 08.2019

Animal Care Assistant

RSPCA ACT
08.2014 - 08.2016

Store Manager

Tuggeranong Aquarium and Pet Centre
01.1996 - 11.2013

Front Counter Manager

Bakers Delight
02.1993 - 02.1996

Year 12 Certificate -

Lake Tuggeranong College

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Vanessa Cundy