Staff Spotlight: Amanda Nemier, LVT
Amanda with Shar Pei, Benjamin.
Meet Amanda Nemier, one of our dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. In the following Q&A, Amanda shares the rewards and challenges of a typical day in shelter medicine. From assisting in life-changing surgeries to seeing animals recover and thrive, she provides a glimpse into shelter work—and the immeasurable impact it has on animals and our community.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you at the shelter?
A. Every day is different and that’s one of my favorite things about working at the shelter! Depending on where I’m scheduled I could be working as the surgery LVT accomplishing anywhere from 20-60 surgeries a day. I prepare the anesthetic drugs, induce, intubate, and monitor the animals on anesthesia throughout their procedures. These range from a neuter to more complex operations, like scrubbing in on foreign body surgeries, amputations, etc.
I can also be scheduled as the medicine LVT, assisting a shelter veterinarian with medical cases for all of our animals in the shelter and in foster homes. I love being able to watch an animal go from feeling sick and hopeless to thriving with proper nursing care, eventually moving to the adoption floor to find a new, loving family.
Q. How long have you been part of the team at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, and what was your motivation to work at the shelter?
A. I started doing relief work at the shelter in March 2023 and immediately fell in love with shelter medicine. I was lucky enough to be officially hired a month later!
There is a huge need in shelter medicine for dedicated employees, and I know every day that I am making a positive difference in so many animals’ lives. It’s extremely fulfilling work—more than just a job to earn a paycheck.
Q. What do you love most about working at the shelter?
A. Seeing firsthand the difference we make in animals’ lives. Working alongside staff and amazing volunteers to help keep these pets cared for and as happy and comfortable as possible until they find their new, loving families. The updates we get from the community are my absolute favorite, especially for pets who initially struggled medically or behaviorally in the shelter environment. Hearing about or seeing updates of them living their best lives outside the shelter makes it all worth it.
Q. What inspires you most about the shelter’s impact within the community?
A. For a lot of people, pets are a part of their family, and knowing we can make a difference in their lives is very rewarding. I especially enjoy being able to work directly with the community during our monthly Vaccine and Wellness Clinics.
Amanda assists a shelter veterinarian administer vaccines and parasite preventatives during a Vaccine and Wellness Clinic.
Q. Could you share a special story that unfolded at the shelter that stands out to you–whether it’s about an animal in our care, helping a community member, or something else meaningful?
A. There are so many! About a year ago Benjamin, a Shar Pei, was transferred to one of our wonderful rescue partners. He came to us with severe skin issues and he struggled mentally in the shelter environment. I fostered him until he was transferred to the rescue. He was the cuddliest squish in a home environment, and his fur started growing back so quickly with proper care and medication. Seeing him blossom with one-on-one care and being there for him until he could find placement with a rescue that could provide him the specialized medical and behavior support he needed was very rewarding.
Interested in a career at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County? Check out our careers page for opportunities and apply today!
