Kayla S.
Veterinary Assistant
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active. I love paddleboarding, hiking, swimming, and four-wheeling. I also enjoy crocheting as a creative way to relax.
At home, I have a full house of pets! I share my life with four cats — Hou and Dini (both 12-year-old brown tabbies who are very vocal and cuddly), Nemo (an 8-year-old orange cat who loves to play tag), and Howl (a 4-year-old black cat who prefers hiding or cuddling with his brothers). I also have a dog named Calcifer, or “Cal” for short, a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd who is incredibly smart, energetic, and always ready to play fetch.
Favorite Part of My Job
My favorite part of my job is getting to see all the different animals that come through the hospital and learning their unique personalities. Every patient is a little different, and I love getting to know them and helping them feel more comfortable during their visit.
Why I Chose This Profession
I chose veterinary medicine because I’ve always loved animals and wanted to do more than just give them love and affection. I wanted to be able to truly help them feel better and lead happier lives. Being part of their care and recovery is incredibly meaningful to me.
Professional Background
My experience in veterinary medicine includes working in an emergency setting, where I supported overnight cases and assisted with triage. This role helped me become comfortable in fast-paced situations and develop strong communication and patient support skills.
I also have a background in grooming, which gave me experience handling pets of all temperaments and breeds. I enjoy continuing to build my knowledge, especially when it comes to working with a variety of species, including exotics. One of the things I love most about this field is that no two days are ever the same, and there is always something new to learn.
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Harvey Animal Hospital – Detroit, MI (Current)
Overnight ER Client Service Representative
Wilson Veterinary Hospital (July 2023 – May 2024)
Assisted with overnight emergency cases and supported patient triage needs
Pet Groomer
PetSmart (April 2016 – July 2021)
Groomed and bathed a wide variety of dog breeds