Jessica

My Summary

My Experience

I have had customer experience whilst working at a bookshop in Cornwall and a charity shop in Dundee. Both of these experiences have helped me to develop people skills and be able to communicate with people as well as helping to suit their needs.

I recently held a part time job working in a local kennel and cattery. This experience has allowed me to gain confidence working with smaller animals and understanding the care they require when they are away from their owners. In both placements, I had similar roles such as cleaning out the kennels, feeding the pets taking into account their dietary requirements and administering medication, walking the dogs and leading conversations with owners to make sure the pets needs were met while they stayed with us. I developed an understanding of how stressful this environment can be for a pet separated from their owner, home and how this can be managed. For example, I helped comfort a dog by sitting down with them, talking to them and providing reassurance and familiarity. This experience has helped me develop relationships with animals and their owners and gain their trust.

I spent three months volunteering six-hours per week at Parkhill Vets, Wetherby observing and participating in consultations and assisting peri and post-operatively. This experience provided an opportunity to develop communication, leadership, teamwork skills and understand the difficulties faced by practitioners and owners confronted with emotional dilemmas such as euthanasia. I observed a vet use empathy to gently inform the owners of a dog, that the kindest way forward was euthanasia. I attended consultations on vaccinations, insurance and routine check-ups with opportunities to lead these consults under supervision, an experience I thrived in and grew in confidence. I observed a vet bandage the foot of a Labrador with an infected wound. I recognised how the vet restrained the dog to ensure it was safe and comfortable and soothed by tone of voice. When the dog returned two weeks later, I removed the bandages and used the restraint techniques I had developed from the vet. This opportunity was unfortunately shortened by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

I have experience working at the local kennels and cattery. I lead conversations with the clients to ensure the needs of the animals are met. Prior to this, I spent two years working at the Brae Riding School for the Disabled. This charitable facility in Dundee, provides horse therapy for children and adults. I gained knowledge of horse care and learned the important role animals can play in therapy. This formed the basis of my Duke of Edinburgh award. I learned the importance of commitment and how to overcome challenges. I helped people overcome their fear of riding by taking a slow and gentle approach. I did this by educating them about the horses and building their confidence by stroking the horses. When ready, I helped them build the courage to mount and ride.

Throughout secondary school, I have looked for opportunities to grow as a person and develop skills in leadership and teamwork. In 2019 I completed the National Citizen Service Award. In collaboration with the Desmond Family Canoe Trail my group developed our volunteer project. With a restricted budget, we approached local businesses for additional support, designed and delivered the project independently to build sustainable planters alongside the canal. In addition to teamwork and leadership, I learned resourcefulness and time management.

My Qualifications

I have a qualification in british red cross first aid training.

My Availability

I am available all the time

My Fees

• Babysitting from £10.00 per hour

£10 an hour