About Makenna (Whitney) Gwaltney

Makenna’s journey in animal welfare began at a young age, kickstarting as a Veterinary Assistant at a Fair Oaks, CA veterinary hospital. This ignited her passion, leading her to collaborate with respected local vets in spay and neuter clinics and private practices across Sacramento.

Transitioning to human healthcare in 2018, Makenna coordinated community outreach and marketing for organ, eye, and tissue donation. However, her true calling led her back to animal welfare in 2021 as the Executive Director for a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue.

Makenna’s credentials include an Emergency Medical Technician license and a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Sacramento. Notably, she’s an American Animal Welfare Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 2023 National Ambassador and a CalAnimals 2023 Emerging Leader.

Off-duty, Makenna serves as a Board Member for a local animal rescue, focusing on newborn kitten and puppy care. Her downtime involves backpacking with her husband and dog, Moose, in the Tahoe National Forest or playing a game of tennis and golf.

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