Staff Spotlight: Trina Vicente
Trina Vicente has been an invaluable asset to the shelter’s receiving team for over four years. Her passion for animal welfare is evident in her genuine approach to community members seeking pet support. Trina also possesses a deep knowledge of canine behavior, holding professional certification from the Northwest School for Canine Studies. This expertise allows her to quickly and compassionately adapt to meet each animal’s individual needs.
Get to know Trina:
Q. Tell us about your role at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. What does a day in your life at the shelter look like?
A. I am a receiving clerk. As animal intake personnel, I have to be extremely adaptable. In the receiving lobby, you may catch me educating community members about community cats and advising them to attempt all reunification efforts before bringing a healthy lost animal to the shelter. I also intake ill or injured pets while alerting our vet team for urgent matters, perform basic intake exams including vaccinating all pets entering the shelter, and microchip owned pets on behalf of owners. Additionally, I compassionately console owners whose pets have passed or require our end-of-life services. My personal favorite duty is reuniting lost, loved pets with their people.
Q. What inspired you to work at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
A. I attended the Northwest School of Canine Studies where there were many thought-provoking conversations about the tough work of animal sheltering. I learned about the increasing demand for work in this field, especially for those knowledgeable in animal learning theory. But, ultimately, it was a gut-wrenching conversation about animal sheltering and pioneering veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Sophia Yin, that inspired me to begin my journey in animal welfare.
I’m passionate about the work we do because, while we’re all here for the animals, we cannot help them if we aren’t educating the people who care for and love them. I am proud that our shelter is committed to maintaining an inclusive space for our community where everyone and every situation is met with kindness.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at the shelter?
A. I enjoy helping our community understand our practices, reuniting pets with their people, being there for animals in need, working with shy and fearful dogs when I have a chance, and the comfort of community in my coworkers. Working in this field can be emotionally taxing, and having a support system in our peers is important and necessary.
Q. Could you share a memorable story from your experience, whether it’s about a particular animal in our care that stole your heart or a moment when you made a significant impact on a community member?
A. This past January, a gorgeous 5-month-old cream standard poodle was surrendered to the shelter. I immediately knew he was meant to be part of my family. We adopted him and named him Hunter, as an ode to what standard poodles were originally bred for: bird hunting. While his training has been an enormous undertaking, he has brought us so much joy!
Interested in a career at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County? Check out our careers page for opportunities and apply today!
