Alyssa
Veterinary Assistant
Personal Hobbies and Interests
In my free time, I enjoy reading and doing crafts. I also love spending time outdoors or relaxing at home playing games like Pokémon with my husband.
At home, I share my life with my four beloved pets:
- Kato, my 11-year-old orange tabby
- Opie, a 7-year-old brindle Pitbull-Boxer mix
- Sif, a 6-year-old German Shepherd
- Smooshi, a 2-year-old black and white cat
Favorite Part of My Job
My favorite part of my job is being hands-on with patient care. I especially enjoy drawing blood, taking X-rays, and running in-house lab tests, since these are such important pieces in diagnosing and treating our patients. I also love being part of a team that works together to improve an animal’s health and seeing patients recover and thrive.
Why I Chose This Profession
I chose veterinary medicine because I’ve always had a strong connection with animals and grew up in a multi-pet household. Caring for animals has always come naturally to me, and I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in their lives. Being able to support both pets and their owners during important moments is incredibly rewarding.
Education
Pet CPR & First Aid Certified (2020)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Wayne State University (2015–2020)
Professional Background
I’ve been working in animal care since 2019, with experience ranging from veterinary hospitals to zoos and boarding facilities. My background includes hands-on care for a wide variety of species, which has helped me build strong animal handling skills and adaptability in different environments.
I have a special interest in exotic animals, surgery assistance, and animal behavior. I also enjoy teaching and sharing knowledge — whether that’s helping train team members or educating clients so they feel confident caring for their pets at home.
In addition to my clinical experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with both an elephant sanctuary and a tiger sanctuary in Thailand, as well as assist on farms over the years. These experiences have broadened my understanding of animal care across many different species and settings.
I am currently continuing to grow my skills in veterinary medicine and plan to return to school to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Harvey Memorial Animal Hospital – Detroit, MI (May 2024 – Present)