MIA KEMP
Epping,Essex
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in animal handling and restraint, basic nursing, and health monitoring. Proficient in behavioural observation and record keeping, with a strong understanding of welfare legislation. Demonstrates excellent communication skills and public interaction abilities, complemented by a commitment to clinical hygiene and biosecurity awareness. Known for teamwork, reliability, time management, and organisation. Aspires to contribute to animal welfare initiatives through effective application of skills and knowledge.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Vet care Assistant Volunteer
Walton Lodge Vets
Ware
2026.01 - 2026.05
- Assisting with daily care of inpatients, including feeding, watering and providing basic grooming and enrichment.
- Cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages and animal areas, changing bedding and managing laundry in line with hygiene protocols.
- Safely handling and moving animals between wards, exercise areas and consult rooms under staff supervision.
- Observing animals for changes in behaviour, appetite or comfort and promptly reporting concerns to veterinary staff.
- Supporting the team with dog walking, socialisation and stress‑reduction activities for inpatients.
- Restocking consumables (bedding, cleaning products, gloves, food) and keeping treatment and prep areas tidy..
Intern
UmPhafa Nature Reserve
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
2025.01 - 2025.02
- Awarded a competitive internship through Colchester Zoo supporting wildlife conservation and reserve management activities.
- Conducted monthly game counts, including identifying, aging, and sexing various species to monitor population dynamics and habitat carrying capacity.
- Recorded key animal sightings and births, monitored health and behaviour to support welfare and research objectives.
- Led behavioural observation studies to better understand wildlife activity and interactions.
- Assisted with security patrols to safeguard the reserve, report any issues with fencing or livestock intrusion.
- Conducted vegetation surveys and contributed to maintaining biodiversity records.
- Managed camera trap deployment and data analysis for elusive and endangered species monitoring.
- Supported daily operations alongside reserve management and conservation staff to rehabilitate and protect native habitats and fauna.
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Intern
YanaChoca
Ecuador
2025.06 - 2025.07
- Served as Student Ambassador for International Internships while completing an awarded BSc (Hons) Animal Science placement rehabilitating trafficked wildlife in the Amazon. Tasks included:
- Feeding, cleaning, and enriching enclosures for species such as parrots, monkeys, kinkajous, and sloths
- Supporting veterinary staff in monitoring animal recovery and preparing for release
- Participating in environmental education and sustainable conservation efforts in rural Ecuador
- Learning about illegal wildlife trade and ethical wildlife handling practices in a global context
Animal Care Worker
Wags & Scruffs
Romford
2023.02 - 2023.07
- Provided care and supervision for a range of domestic dog breeds in a busy, social daycare setting, supporting the team with daily routines and client communication.
- Supervised groups of up to 15 dogs, monitoring behaviour, and ensuring safe social interaction.
- Supported feeding routines, ensured water availability, and assisted with basic grooming tasks.
- Maintained cleanliness throughout the facility, including kennels, play areas, and feeding spaces.
- Recognised early signs of distress, illness, or injury, and reported to senior staff appropriately.
- Built rapport with regular clients and learnt to communicate clearly about animal needs and wellbeing.
Volunteer Zookeeping Assistant
Paradise Wildlife Park
Broxbourne
2021.10 - 2022.10
- Worked closely with animal keepers to support the daily care and welfare of exotic species, particularly primates and reptiles, within a professional zoo environment.
- Assisted with cleaning and maintaining enclosures to high welfare and hygiene standards.
- Prepared and distributed species-specific diets, following feeding schedules accurately.
- Performed basic health observations, reporting behavioural changes, or potential health concerns.
- Shadowed zookeepers during behavioural enrichment sessions, learning how to promote mental stimulation and natural behaviours.
- Engaged in routine handling and training tasks under supervision, using low-stress techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science BSc (Hons) - Animal Science Zoo and Wildlife Conservation
Anglia Ruskin University
Writtle /2023 - 2026.01
Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma - Animal Management
Writtle University College
WrittleLevel 2 Technical Certificate - Animal Management
Writtle University College
WrittleGCSE's -
St John's Secondary School
EppingSkills
- Animal Handling and Restraint
- Basic Nursing and Health Monitoring
- Behavioural Observation and Record Keeping
- Clinical Hygiene and Biosecurity Awareness
- Understanding of Welfare Legislation
- Communication and Public Interaction
- Teamwork and reliability
- Time Management and Organisation
Certification
- DBS Certified
- Food Safety & HACCP
- Animal First Aid – In Progress
Additional Work experience
• Student Ambassador – Anglia Ruskin University| Sep
2026 – Present
• Baker & Store Assistant – Co-op | Sep
2023 – Present
• Waitress – Wildwood Restaurants | May
2023 – Sep 2023
• Receptionist – Accor Hotels |
Aug 2021 – May 2023
• Retail Sales Assistant – Piccola | Feb
2020 – Oct 2021
Timeline
Vet care Assistant Volunteer
Walton Lodge Vets
2026.01 - 2026.05
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Intern
YanaChoca
2025.06 - 2025.07
Intern
UmPhafa Nature Reserve
2025.01 - 2025.02
Animal Care Worker
Wags & Scruffs
2023.02 - 2023.07
Volunteer Zookeeping Assistant
Paradise Wildlife Park
2021.10 - 2022.10
Bachelor of Science BSc (Hons) - Animal Science Zoo and Wildlife Conservation
Anglia Ruskin University
/2023 - 2026.01
Level 2 Technical Certificate - Animal Management
Writtle University College
GCSE's -
St John's Secondary School
Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma - Animal Management
Writtle University College