My name is Amanda Cook. I discovered a passion for working with people and animals through a local shelter in Austin called Austin Pets Alive. Since then, I’ve followed a path filled with learning, connection, and care. I’ve had the privilege of doing things I never imagined—assisting with an enucleation on a hedgehog, monitoring vitals during a fox’s anesthesia and dental procedure, and working with animals from horses to snakes. Along the way, I’ve met people from all over the country, from Maine to California, each leaving their mark on my journey. These experiences have shaped my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I’m pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine with the hope of working with both large and small animals, especially in rural communities where care is often limited. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and finding ways to give back to the profession and the people and animals it serves.

• Monitored exotic animals under anesthesia, ensuring their well-being during exams and surgeries. Conducted lab and diagnostic tests, including fecal flotations, refractometry, and parasitology techniques

  Veterinary · Caldwell Zoo

  Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

• Corresponded with clinics and veterinarians via phone and email, managed biological specimen intake, processing, and data entry. Used Excel worksheets to track lab inventory and supplies

  Research · GI Lab at Texas A&M University

  Jan 2021 – Jan 2022

• Managed daily tasks, including feeding, stall maintenance, and pasture supervision, ensuring optimal horse well-being.

  Veterinary · Steep Hollow Farm Intern

  Jan 2022 – Jan 2022

• Kennel Technician

  Veterinary · 2222 Veterinary Clinic

  Jan 2021 – Jan 2025

• Advocacy
• Volunteering

• Cross-Country Running

  Club

  2016 – 2025

• Designed and modeled a free-range poultry facility suited for hot climates, researching optimal nutrition plans, and developing disease management strategies.

  Vandegrift High School · Animal Sciences

  2020 – 2020

  Research topic:

  Student-Led Research Project

• Varsity Marcher in the Vandegrift Marching Band

  Vandegrift High School · Music

  2016 – 2019

• Walked and trained sheltered dogs weekly to promote good behavior and health, cleaned cat kennels and provided for animals by aiding in maintenance of facility such as through laundry and dishes.

  Volunteering · Austin Pets Alive

  2018 – 2023

  Mission:

  To eliminate the killing of companion animals by promoting and providing resources, education, and programs.

• I attended campus training sessions to learn effective dog training techniques, and participated in community events, where I interacted with the public to raise awareness about the vital role these dogs play.

  Volunteering · Aggie Guide Dogs and Service Dogs

  2021 – 2024

  Mission:

  To educate about, fundraise for, promote the training and use of service dogs, and to increase awareness about how these animals help the individuals with disabilities.