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Puget Sound Wildcare
A subsidiary of South Sound Critter Care
Building Awareness, Providing Care
A subsidiary of South Sound Critter Care
Interns
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Leeza Schwartz
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Pet First Aid Certified
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National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) Member
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International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) Member
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Vaccinated against rabies
"I have always had a deep passion for animal care and conservation. My journey began at the Humane Society of Seattle King County through the Humane Teen Club program, followed by several years of volunteering at Seattle Humane’s Annex, where I worked with medically complex, undersocialized, and traumatized cats. I also served as a counselor for the Animal Adventures Camp, helping to educate young animal lovers. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for my lifelong dedication to animal welfare. I expanded my clinical experience while working at the Animal Hospital of Newport Hills, where I assisted in caring for both cats and dogs, gaining valuable skills in animal handling and medical care. At 16, I began attending Bellevue College before transferring to Washington State University (WSU), where I studied Applied Mathematics in the Honors College. At WSU, I participated in leadership programs such as the Emerging Leaders Program and the Crimson VIP Leadership Program, mentoring future leaders and spearheading events to educate students about animal adoption, foster connections with local rescues, and raise awareness about animal welfare. During my time at WSU, I also conducted undergraduate research, applying the theory of linear difference equations to model population growth. I hope to apply mathematical principles to real-world situations to better understand and address the complex dynamics of animal populations, ultimately aiding in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts. My passion for wildlife conservation deepened when I traveled to Costa Rica to complete an internship at Santuario de las Lapas, an animal sanctuary specializing in the care and rehabilitation of native wildlife as well as confiscated trafficked exotic animals. There, I worked with a wide range of species, including macaws, jaguars, kinkajous, monkeys, tapirs, and sloths, gaining invaluable experience in the care, rehabilitation, and enrichment of wild and exotic animals. Currently, I am completing the prerequisites for veterinary school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian specializing in wild and exotic animals and obtaining my wildlife rehabilitation license.
Carol Wang
*Volunteer*
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PADI Advanced Open Water Diving certification
"I am a fourth-year undergraduate studying Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management with a focus on wildlife conservation. Before coming to Puget Sound Wildcare, I volunteered at PAWS and was able to work with some raptors, birds, and small mammals. I also have an interest in the marine ecosystem, so I earned my PADI Advanced Open Water Diving certification, and hope this will be useful for me to get hands-on experiences in the related field in the future. While I am uncertain about what I will be doing in the future, if I choose to continue in this field, I will strive to attend veterinary school. If not, I will still devote some time in my life to wildlife care because I love it!"
Aubrey Van Allen
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Rattlesnake Handling Certification
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Wildlife Ecology Certification
"I graduated with my bachelors of science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and my certification in Wildlife Ecological management from Northern Arizona University. I've volunteered with Wild at Heart, World Wildlife Zoo in the education department and briefly with Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. My current goal is to get a permanent position at a facility doing conservation work or participating in a study working closely with flying vertebrates."
Jamie Chubbuck
"I'm graduating from OSU with a bachelor's in zoology. Before moving to Tacoma, I fostered kittens with my local humane society and earned a 500-hour badge. My dream job is working with big cats in a species survival plan."
Kelly Murnane
"I am a senior at the University of Washington studying Biology and Environmental Studies. I love the outdoors and spend most of my free time backpacking, climbing, or being in the water. I have had previous experience handling and doing minor procedures on my dogs and other farm animals. In addition to this, during high school, I had an internship at the local veterinary clinic where I shadowed the vets, helped administer vaccines, and assisted in restraining animals during nail trimmings and teeth cleanings. Looking forward, I am hoping to either go to graduate school to pursue a degree in conservation biology/ecology or attend veterinary school for wildlife medicine and rehabilitation."
Pre-Veterinary
Alexis Gault
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U.S Military Veteran
"I am a veteran of the armed forces. I currently work as a contractor for the U.S Navy. I am a student at ASU pursuing a bachelors in Pre-veterinarian medicine. I worked at a horse farm for a short period providing safety lectures, guided tours, feeding animals, grooming, tack cleaning and storage, and bedding for the night. This is my last year in school and I hope to apply to University of Arizona’s veterinarian program. My long term goal is to work in wildlife management or wildlife rehabilitation with the state of Arizona."
Anabel Delalanza
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U.S Military Veteran
"My name is Anabel Delalanza, and I'm currently enrolled in Arizona State University, to complete my bachelor's degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. My career goal is to be a licensed veterinarian and specialize in zoological medicine. I served in the U.S navy in which I specialized in aviation maintenance. Before joining the Navy, I studied early childhood education and got the opportunity to be a kindergarten teacher for a school full year. I also worked at a doctor's office that specialized in infectious diseases, I was as a receptionist and specialized in billing and medical records. Even though I have had many opportunities in many different career paths, my love for animals and their welfare has always been my passion. I have volunteered at various animal shelters throughout the United States and tried to be involved in animal conservation organizations.
Jessica Gearhart
"I have a B.S. in General Biology from the University of Washington with four years of research experience at the UW Medical Center. I’ve shadowed doctors, worked as a TA, and tutored students, developing both clinical insight and teaching skills. My background in lab work has strengthened my analytical and problem-solving abilities, and I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in a pre-vet setting as I prepare to apply to either medical school or vet school!"
Lily Dall'Era
"Hi I'm Lily! I'm one of the spring/summer 2025 pre-vet interns! I'm currently a senior at UW studying Oceanography, and I'm so excited to graduate in June 2025! I previously volunteered at the Seattle Aquarium for 2 years, sharing messages of marine conservation and monitoring the health and well-being of tidepool animals. I also had the opportunity to shadow veterinarians at the UC Davis Small Animal Hospital, where I was able to gain some experience in a hospital setting. I will be applying to veterinary schools in September with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work and school, I love hiking around Washington and watching new movies with my roommates! "