Fawn Howard
Fawn Howard is a dedicated animal care professional with over 20 years of experience in the field, beginning as a young volunteer at a wildlife rescue. Her early work involved rehabilitating a wide range of animals—from bobcats and raccoons to hawks and vultures—either releasing them back into the wild or providing long-term care when necessary. This formative experience inspired a lifelong passion for animal welfare, particularly in advocating for bully breeds and understanding canine behavior.
After earning her Veterinary Assistant certification from Pima Medical Institute in 2020, Fawn quickly advanced in her career at Vetco, moving from veterinary assistant to clinic lead in just four months and later into operations management. She played a pivotal role in establishing and running multiple clinics in Alabama, overseeing mobile and community programs that delivered vaccines and preventative care to underserved areas. Her work included managing teams of veterinarians, coordinating with state veterinary boards, and educating pet owners about critical aspects of animal health.
Currently serving as Assistant Manager at Social Pet Hotel and Daycare in Charlotte, North Carolina, Fawn focuses on canine behavior, rehabilitation, and the socialization of pets. She recently became a certified dog trainer and is actively pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior at Unity Community Environmental University. Her professional philosophy emphasizes individualized care, behavior-focused training, and owner education, with the ultimate goal of running her own training and rehabilitation business for dogs, particularly those breeds often misunderstood or overlooked.
• Certified Veterinary Assistant
• Certificate, Peer Support Certificate
• Wildlife Rescue (early career volunteer work)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to over 20 years in animal care, starting with volunteering at a wildlife rescue and later working in shelters. Adopting my first pit bull sparked my advocacy for bully breeds and deepened my expertise in animal behavior.
One of my most rewarding accomplishments has been rescuing and rehabilitating dogs with severe behavioral challenges, transforming them into happy, healthy companions. This hands-on experience inspired me to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal behavior and become a certified nutritionist, particularly to help breeds prone to food allergies.
As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve learned resilience and the importance of following my passion—principles that guide me in both my personal and professional life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a career you truly love—one that brings you joy and aligns with your passions. It reminded me that pursuing work that excites and motivates you is not only possible but essential for long-term fulfillment and success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is simple: you can do it—just stay the course and trust yourself. Remember, most animals are scared, not aggressive, and approaching them with patience and understanding can make all the difference. Confidence, consistency, and compassion are key.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, I’m pursuing my bachelor’s in Animal Behavior and certification as an animal nutritionist, with the goal of eventually starting my own business. I recently became a certified dog trainer and have begun working with clients on the side, focusing on breeds that are often misunderstood. My ultimate aim is to demonstrate that, with time, patience, and understanding, any dog can be rehabilitated. This period presents both challenges and opportunities: the challenge of building experience and credibility, and the opportunity to create a business that combines training, behavior expertise, and nutrition to make a real difference in animals’ lives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value in my work is making a difference in the lives of animals. I’m proud of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs with behavioral challenges, helping them thrive through care, training, and education. I’m passionate about teaching owners about preventative care and ensuring pets receive the best medical support.
Outside of work, I find balance in nature—hiking and exploring waterfalls—and in cooking, inspired by my diverse Native American, Sicilian, Cajun, and Creole heritage. As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve also learned the importance of self-care, resilience, and following my passion in both life and work.