Could You Save Your Pet’s Life?

Dr. Bernadine Cruz  on Pet Life Radio

If an earthquake, fire, flood or storm were to affect your neighborhood, would you be able to save your human and animal family members?  But you have time.  What are the chances that you need to worry about it? 

As emergency situations seem to be affecting more and more people more frequently, fire, police and emergency first responders can easily become overwhelmed.  You need to prepare and you need to prepare NOW. But what do you need…at home, at work and in your car?

My guest is an expert in emergency preparedness.  Sadly, she has recently been involved in too many events that have put her knowledge into action in her hometown area of Southern California.  Darlene Geekie is a registered veterinary technician, veterinary practice owner and president of VEMA, Inc., Veterinary Emergency Medical Assistance, makers of the only pet emergency kit  made specifically for animals by veterinarians.

BIO:


Darlene Geekie has worked in the veterinary industry since 1996 and received her RVT certificate from Pierce College in 2001.  After working in small animal and emergency practice for years, Darlene became a licensed falconer and found a passion for exotic animal nursing.

In 2005, Darlene also became co-owner and practice manager of a veterinary clinic which exposed her to all aspects of practice management.  In 2008, Darlene undertook a new challenge as a consultant and project manager in the construction of Fixnation, a non-profit feral cat program. She worked with the California Condor Recovery Program helping coordinate and perform field examinations which included administering vaccinations for West Nile Virus in cooperation with the Center for Disease Control in a study on the effects of a vaccine for endangered California Condors.  In addition, she holds a Board of Directors position at the Monterey Zoo in Salinas Ca.

As an owner of a veterinary practice, Darlene learned that staff education is a critical element in a veterinary practice’s success.  Throughout her career, Darlene has had a special interest in the fields of dentistry, anesthesia and exotic care which inspired her to lecture. She has lectured for companies and organizations such as Webster, PDX Biotech, Midmark, IM3, AZVMA, AHAA and SCVMA. Darlene enjoys the opportunity to share her expertise and professionalism to improve nursing care and overall staff knowledge in general practice.

Founded Veterinary Angels in 2012, The Little Angels Project (a 501c3) in 2016 and VEMA Inc in 2019. She has been awarded 40 under 40, Top Ten Business Women and most recently Women of the Year and Home Town Hero with the American Red Cross.