Hollie's Experience
I have always had a love of animals, especially dogs.
This started at a very young age; my earliest memory was learning to walk with the help of our pet Great Dane. Other family pets have included German Shepherds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Schnauzers as well as birds, parrots, fish and smaller animals such as Guinea pigs/hamsters.
I have 10 years experinence in Animal Care, from college to zoo work and having worked at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home this has given me good grounding and understanding of animals and peoples requirements.
Qualifications and Work Experience
My education has included GCSE's and a GNVQ in Business Studies; following this I gained a Distinction in a City and Guilds National Certificate in Animal Care. As part of this course I learnt basic dog grooming skills as well as hands on care with domestic and exotic animals.
After leaving college I gained my dream job at Battersea in Old Windsor; which is a well known animal rescue home.
Here I worked as a kennel hand where I cared for the dogs day-to-day cleaning duties, exercising and feeding. I also trained as a Temperament Assessor to check the dogs were suitable to rehome.
As well as assisting Veterinary Nurses with operative duties, adminstering medication and caring for animals with kennel cough.
During my time at Battersea I also took part in different behavioural training techniques, which have included attending a John Rodgerson course.
After leaving battersea I returned to college and studied for a National Diploma in Animal Management.
Here I took part in a day release programme at Paignton Zoo where I worked in various animal departments and learnt about the animals themselves and the husbandry duties involved.
As part of this course I had a months work experience placement at Durrell Wildlife Trust in Jersey. (Channel Islands) I mainly worked within the Bats and Marmosets Department but was also extremeley lucky to work alongside the keepers with Andean Bears, Coatis and Howler Monkeys.
Other Placements have included:-
Barn Owl Trust - UK
Scooby Greyhound/Lurcher Rescue Centre - Spain
Animals In Distress - UK
Shaldon Zoo - UK
Short courses and training has included: -
Manual Handling
Fire Safety
Basic First Aid
Foundation Course in Food Hygiene
Battersea Dogs Home Dog Assessing Course