Emma Martin
Cambridgeshire
Summary
Registered Animal Training Instructor with the ABTC and an accredited member of the Professional Association Of Canine Trainers, demonstrating a strong commitment to animal welfare and training excellence with a good understanding of responsible pet ownership.
Practical experience of handling and caring for dogs, cats and small animals as an Animal Care Assistant for the RSPCA. Extensive customer-facing experience with over 20 years of building excellent communication and relationship skills in various roles with customers, clients, managers, committee members, veterinary partners and the local community. Along with working with local authorities such as the dog warden and other charities such as Cats Protection.
Recruited and trained volunteers and considerate in the approach with presenting information.
Confidence to work independently and crucial decision making when working in challenging situations.
Extremely motivated by making a meaningful difference to pets and their people and deeply passionate about improving animal welfare.
Continued studying to keep developing skills that can contribute to reducing unnecessary suffering and relinquishment of animals as currently on a pathway to become a Clinical Animal Behaviourist.
An optimistic, positive and compassionate individual who remains calm and unflappable under pressure, always approaching challenges with patience and professionalism and a cheerful demeanour.
Overview
1
1
Certification
1
1
year of post-secondary education
3
3
years of professional experience
Work history
Dog Trainer
Self-employed
Cambridgeshire
2025.08 - 2026.07
- Offered support and guidance to dog owners, enhancing their understanding of animal behaviour and effective training methods.
- Assessed dogs' behaviour, personality and current progress to determine training styles required for optimum results.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest animal training techniques and industry developments by attending networking events.
- Maintained detailed records of training progress for each dog, allowing for monitoring of advancements and areas needing attention.
- Puppy training classes, covering basic commands, toilet training, and early socialisation practices.
- UK Sniffer Dogs bronze scent detection 6 week workshops.
- Demonstrated best training practices and behavioural management techniques to owners through presentations and information booklets.
- Compass Education and Training
Animal Care Assistant
RSPCA
2024.10 - 2026.07
- Providing daily care and support to dogs in rescue by feeding, cleaning kennels, grooming, walking, and engaging in enrichment activities.
- Train dogs in a range of foundation skills and behaviours, including recall, loose-lead walking, settling, and desensitisation.
- Teaching and reinforcing alternative behaviours to help prevent or replace unwanted behaviours.
- In addition, I provide guidance and support to volunteers, work placement students, and new members of staff, helping them develop their dog handling, training, and welfare knowledge.
- Monitoring behaviours and documenting observations consistently.
- Conducting ongoing assessments and health checks, administering medications, and delivering first aid as necessary, while communicating concerns to management or vet team.
- Communicating with behaviourists on behaviour modification and training plans.
- Carrying out training to improve the welfare of dogs, and setting up enrichment activities.
- Assisting in rehoming and matching of dogs by conducting meet-and-greets with potential adopters, delivering excellent customer service, and demonstrating strong communication skills.
- Train and support volunteers to make them feel valued, as this time enhances the dogs welfare.
- Support and provide knowledge to work experience students.
- Offer training and behaviour advice to customers when covering reception for RSPCA.
Dog Walker
Self-Employed
2023.04 - 2025.10
- Delivered punctual service from pick-up to drop-off, maintaining excellent customer satisfaction ratings.
- Built strong customer and canine relationships by continually treating dogs with love and care.
- Tailored training programmes to help aid the dogs welfare.
- Fed animals following dietary requirements.
- Adapted walking routes for stimulating and enjoyable experiences for the dogs.
- Scheduled initial consultation with clients to establish needs and requirements.
- Cared for animals with compassion for home-from-home support.
- Provided regular updates to dog owners, including photos and behavioural observations.
Veterinary Receptionist
Nene Vets
2024.04 - 2024.09
- Welcomed patients and visitors with professionalism and courtesy, ensuring exceptional level of service.
- Optimised clinic flow by managing patient appointments through effective scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations.
- Addressed patient queries in person and via telephone to ensure understanding and satisfaction.
- Calmly address patients in distress while expertly managing medical emergencies.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of reception area throughout day, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
- Scheduled, confirmed and re-scheduled appointments using booking system.
- Handled confidential patient information with discretion to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
- Delivered prompt responses to customer emails and calls, ensuring professional front-of house service.
- Coordinated emergency appointments to prioritise cases based on medical necessity.
- Handled and restrained animals during examinations and treatments, ensuring safety of staff and patients.
- Handled animals safely and responsibly.
- Cleaned and disinfected animal cages, exam rooms, and surgical areas, adhering to hygiene standards.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) Level 5
L5 Diploma - Canine Behaviour
The International School For Canine Psychology and Behaviour
Dog Trainer -
Professional Association Of Canine Trainers
2025.08 - 2026.05
Dog Walkers And Sitters Association Certificate
British College Of Canine Studies
08.2024
IMDT
Skills
- Registered Animal Training Instructor with ABTC
- Accredited member of Professional Association Of Canine Trainers
- Strong communication skills to carry out meet and greets with clients Promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership at all times
- Problem solve for private clients with training or behavioural issues as well as knowing when to refer for veterinary guidance
- Create social media content to promote animals for rehoming
- Extensive customer-facing experience
- Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, weekends, and in various weather conditions
- Work Ethic: Diligent, reliable, punctual, and showing commitment Always willing to learn
- Relationship building skills with a wide range of people
- Animal nutrition understanding
- Animal enrichment knowledge
- Experienced in basic animal health checks
Certification
- Dog Training Instructor: Professional Association Of Canine Trainers
- Training Instructor Course - Practical and Theory Assessments accredited by ABTC.
- IMDTAccredited Dog Training & Behaviour Open College Network OCN Level III Qualification.
- Learning, Motivation and Reinforcement.
- Breed & Predatory Motor Patterns
- Learning Theory
- BCCS
- DWSA Certificate: Dog Walkers & Sitters
- UK Sniffer Dogs
- UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Award - Distinction
- UK Sniffer Dogs GoldAward - Current
Hobbies and interests
Powerlifting keeps me strong!, Reading and researching all things dog-related!, Walking my own dog and learning new skills and tricks, Sitting with my cat watching a good movie
Awards
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Award - Distinction
UK Sniffer Dogs Silver Award - Distinction
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Instructor
Driving licence
Category B+E
Timeline
Dog Trainer -
Professional Association Of Canine Trainers
2025.08 - 2026.05
Dog Trainer
Self-employed
2025.08 - 2026.07
Animal Care Assistant
RSPCA
2024.10 - 2026.07
Veterinary Receptionist
Nene Vets
2024.04 - 2024.09
Dog Walker
Self-Employed
2023.04 - 2025.10
IMDT
Dog Walkers And Sitters Association Certificate
British College Of Canine Studies
Advanced Diploma - Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) Level 5
L5 Diploma - Canine Behaviour
The International School For Canine Psychology and Behaviour