Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Alison Williams

Colorado Springs

Summary

Experienced and passionate professional with over 15 years of combined experience in customer service, animal welfare, and team management. Proven track record in leading pet retail operations, supporting veterinary teams, and providing compassionate, knowledgeable service to clients in both clinical and retail settings. Skilled in animal care, staff training, inventory control, and client communication, with a deep understanding of the emotional and logistical needs of pet owners. Adept at creating efficient workflows, maintaining high standards of care, and fostering positive environments for both animals and team members. Committed to promoting animal well-being while delivering exceptional service and leadership.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Operations Specialist

Petco
07.2024 - Current
  • Oversaw daily operations in high-volume animal care environments, ensuring efficient workflow, proper animal housing, and adherence to health and safety protocols
  • Managed inventory of animal supplies, including food, bedding, medications, and enrichment items, while maintaining accurate records and vendor relationships
  • Conducted quality control checks on animal enclosures, equipment, and care procedures to maintain industry standards and promote animal well-being
  • Collaborated with veterinary staff, animal care teams, and management to coordinate care schedules, intake and adoption processes, and special handling for exotic or high-need animals
  • Developed and implemented operational protocols to improve efficiency and minimize stress for animals and staff
  • Trained and supervised junior staff on proper animal handling, cleaning procedures, and workflow systems
  • Demonstrated strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills in a fast-paced, animal-centered setting

Receptionist

Clearview Animal Hospital
Colorado Springs
05.2021 - 06.2024

• Serve as the primary point of contact for pet owners, providing warm, professional, and compassionate client service in a fast-paced veterinary environment

• Manage daily appointment scheduling for multiple veterinarians using scheduling software, coordinating routine wellness visits, surgeries, urgent care cases, and follow-ups

• Greet clients and patients upon arrival, efficiently handling check-ins and check-outs, verifying client and pet information, and ensuring all medical records are up to date

• Answer high-volume phone calls and respond to emails, addressing client inquiries, processing prescription refill requests, and triaging potential medical concerns to appropriate medical staff

• Handle payment processing, invoice reconciliation, and end-of-day financial reporting with accuracy and attention to detail

• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with veterinary practice policies, client data protection standards, and OSHA regulations

• Support the clinical team by preparing medical charts, contacting clients for lab results or follow-up care, and facilitating communication between pet owners and veterinary staff

• Assist in managing inventory and ordering front desk supplies, ensuring an organized and stocked reception area

• Provide emotional support to clients during stressful or sensitive situations, including euthanasia appointments and emergencies, using empathy, professionalism, and discretion

• Actively contribute to a positive team environment, regularly participating in staff meetings, training sessions, and clinic events

Assistant Manager

Petco
06.2021 - 05.2022
  • Supported the Store Manager in overseeing daily retail operations, including opening and closing procedures, staff supervision, and customer service standards
  • Led a team of sales associates and animal care specialists, providing training, coaching, and performance feedback to ensure a knowledgeable and engaged team
  • Maintained store appearance, managed merchandising displays, and ensured compliance with corporate guidelines and promotional strategies
  • Oversaw the care and well-being of animals in the store, ensuring enclosures were clean, animals were healthy, and staff followed proper handling protocols
  • Managed inventory and supply ordering, conducted cycle counts, and helped reduce shrink through proactive loss prevention efforts
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with professionalism and empathy, building long-term client relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction
  • Assisted in hiring, onboarding, and scheduling staff while helping to meet sales goals and drive store profitability

SpEd Paraprofessional

Paonia Elementary
02.2020 - 03.2021
  • Provided one-on-one and small group support to students with a range of learning, behavioral, and developmental needs under the direction of certified special education teachers
  • Assisted with implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by adapting lesson materials, supporting classroom activities, and reinforcing learning objectives
  • Helped students with daily routines, including transitions, emotional regulation, social skills development, and personal care as needed
  • Collaborated with teachers, therapists, and school staff to monitor student progress and maintain a supportive, inclusive learning environment
  • Maintained accurate documentation of student behavior, participation, and progress to support educational planning
  • Fostered a compassionate, patient, and respectful atmosphere that promoted student confidence, independence, and academic growth

Veterinary Receptionist

Animal Medical Centre
01.2019 - 09.2019
  • Managed multi-line phone system and pleasantly greeted patients.
  • Facilitated smooth daily operations by answering incoming calls, directing inquiries, and taking messages for veterinarians as needed.
  • Provided compassionate support during difficult situations such as end-of-life decisions or emergency visits, establishing trust with clients.
  • Maintained office and waiting room, keeping common areas clean and tidy.

Store Manger

K9 Closet
09.2017 - 01.2019
  • Managed daily operations of a boutique pet retail store specializing in premium pet apparel, accessories, and nutrition
  • Supervised and trained a small team, fostering a high level of customer service and product knowledge
  • Oversaw inventory management, ordering, and merchandising to ensure consistent stock of high-demand and seasonal items
  • Provided personalized service to pet owners, offering guidance on sizing, nutrition, and specialty product selections
  • Organized in-store events, promotions, and community outreach efforts to build client relationships and boost sales
  • Maintained a clean, organized, and pet-friendly shopping environment while ensuring safety protocols for animals and staff
  • Analyzed sales trends and performance data to improve profitability and meet revenue goals

Quality Control Inspector

Universal Engraving
07.2015 - 07.2017
  • Communicated with production team members about quality issues.
  • Inspected quality of products, taking note of functionality, appearance and other specifications.
  • Inspected incoming and outgoing materials for accuracy and quality.
  • Reported repeated issues to supervisors and other departments, collaborating to identify issue roots and rectify problems.

Assistant Manager

Miles of Exotics
05.2010 - 07.2015
  • Served as closing manager and assistant to the general store manager, overseeing end-of-day operations, cash handling, and staff supervision
  • Specialized in the care, handling, and husbandry of reptiles and exotic animals including snakes, lizards, amphibians, and invertebrates
  • Provided expert guidance to customers on reptile health, habitat setup, feeding, and enrichment, ensuring proper care and responsible ownership
  • Conducted quality control inspections of animal enclosures and shipments, monitoring animal health, cleanliness, and compliance with industry standards
  • Assisted in sourcing and managing inventory for exotic species and specialty supplies, maintaining detailed care records and health documentation
  • Trained staff on reptile handling, customer education, and daily care protocols to maintain safety and animal well-being
  • Contributed to sales growth through product knowledge, customer education, and outstanding service in a niche animal retail environment

Animal Care Taker

Busters Big Dog Rescue
02.2011 - 06.2015
  • Provided daily care for rescued dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments, including feeding, grooming, exercise, and enrichment
  • Maintained clean and sanitary living environments, following strict hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of disease and reduce stress
  • Monitored animal health and behavior, reporting signs of illness or behavioral concerns to veterinary staff or management
  • Assisted with socialization and basic training to prepare dogs for adoption, including leash walking, crate training, and positive reinforcement
  • Supported intake and adoption processes by helping evaluate new arrivals and educating adopters on each dog’s care needs and personality
  • Administered medications and followed special diets or treatment plans for dogs with medical conditions
  • Collaborated with rescue staff and volunteers to ensure a safe, compassionate, and organized environment for both animals and visitors

Animal Caretaker

Northland Pets
01.2008 - 01.2009
  • Fed and watered animals to provide necessary nutrients and keep pets healthy.
  • Provided daily nutrition to animals by preparing and distributing appropriate food portions according to species-specific needs.
  • Maintained clean and safe living environments for animals by regularly cleaning enclosures and providing proper bedding materials.

Education

Grooming

What The Pup Grooming
Rifle, CO

Skills

Quality Control

Quality Inspector

Inspection

animal handling (10 years)

Retail Management

Key Holder

Customer Service (10 years)

Customer Service Skills (10 years)

Cash Handling (10 years)

Phones (10 years)

Management (10 years)

Event Planning (2 years)

Cash Handling (8 years)

Retail

Training Team Building

Merchandising

Inventory

Sales

Scheduling

Computer Skills

Outlook

Medical Terminology

Animal Care

Front Desk

Veterinary Assistant

Animal Restraint

Kennel Experience

Veterinary Technician Experience

Pet Grooming

Teaching

Early Childhood Education

Store Management Experience

Pet Care

Veterinary experience

Laboratory Experience

Childcare

Medical Imaging

Clerical Experience

Hospital Experience

Dog Handling

Quality Assurance

Timeline

Operations Specialist

Petco
07.2024 - Current

Assistant Manager

Petco
06.2021 - 05.2022

Receptionist

Clearview Animal Hospital
05.2021 - 06.2024

SpEd Paraprofessional

Paonia Elementary
02.2020 - 03.2021

Veterinary Receptionist

Animal Medical Centre
01.2019 - 09.2019

Store Manger

K9 Closet
09.2017 - 01.2019

Quality Control Inspector

Universal Engraving
07.2015 - 07.2017

Animal Care Taker

Busters Big Dog Rescue
02.2011 - 06.2015

Assistant Manager

Miles of Exotics
05.2010 - 07.2015

Animal Caretaker

Northland Pets
01.2008 - 01.2009

Grooming

What The Pup Grooming
Alison Williams