Name: Autumn Sebastian

Position: Animal Care Lead

What you were doing before you came to ARL: Before I came to the ARL, I was working at a campground as a groundskeeper, activities assistant, and housekeeper. On my free time I was rescuing animals out of my own home and also pet sitting for friends and family on the side.

Pets at home: At home I have three Cats, Luna who is an 8 year old female DSH. Junior who is an 11 year old male DSH, and Milo who is a 4 year old male DSH. I also have a 10 year old Male Chihuahua named Bobby. I have some Exotic pets as well such as two rabbits and two lizards. I have a 6 year old Lionhead named Peaches, and another mix rabbit who is 6 years old named Haley. I have  a 6 year old Bearded Dragon named Hank, and a 2 year old Uromastyx named Bean.

Tell us about some of the roles you and your team take on to help the animals under our care.
Some of the roles my team and I take on to help the animals are not only cleaning their kennels, but feeding, monitoring their health, and making sure they have the best care while they are here. As the lead animal care specialist I also aid in moving animals through the shelter to be placed up for adoption, train volunteers, new employees, and overall be there to support the team. 

How long have you been working in animal welfare for? What made you want to work in this field? 
I have been working in animal welfare for almost a year and a half now. I was rescuing animals out of my own home, but I wanted to help animals on a larger scale and use my knowledge to help the community. 

An animal you’ll never forget.
An animal I will never forget was a sweet senior cat named Boots. She was with us a long time before getting adopted and I remember spending 10 minutes a day brushing and petting her.

What is your favorite memory at ARL?
My all time favorite memories at the ARL are all the adoptions events I’ve gotten to work and to see all the great animals we take care of everyday go to their new forever homes.  

If you could cross one thing off your bucket list right now, what would it be? 
If I could cross one thing off my bucket list right now it would be to travel to Australia and visit the Australia Zoo. 

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job? 
One thing I wish people knew about my job is how physically and mentally taxing it can be, most of us giving up time with our friends and family to dedicate it to animals in need. 

Any last words of wisdom?  
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”