Alumni Spotlight: Monica Pajuelo

Monica Pajuelo received her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences with a concentration in animal behavior and well-being, and she is now an Associate Pet Operations Manager at Chewy.

Pajuelo said her love for animals pushed her to pursue a degree in animal sciences. More specifically, she wanted to find a program that focused on animal behavior, and that is the reason why she chose to attend Purdue. 

“Ever since I was little, I’ve loved animals, and my parents always knew I would end up working with them. It wasn't until I got my first dog that I began learning about animal training,” Pajuelo said. “I competed in dog sports like agility, flyball, rally and barn hunt, which I’ve enjoyed for many years. After joining my local Dog Scout troop and taking training classes with my dog, I developed a deep passion for animal behavior. I then worked for various animal training companies, furthering my education and eventually earning my CPDT-KA certification.”

After graduating from Purdue, Pajuelo worked as an Enrichment Specialist at a municipal shelter. In this position, she focused on behavior cases involving fearful and aggressive dogs. 

She thought she wanted to go into a career in research, but she then started learning about other career opportunities. 

Her current position came about when her dog, Biscoff, was invited to model for Chewy, a retailer of pet food and other related products. 

“My dog has been featured on dog food bags, the company website, social media and even a billboard,” Pajuelo said. “He loves being in front of the camera and knows just how handsome he is. As the perfect model, he’s highly trained, friendly with everyone and confident in new environments. I've never seen a dog so excited to go to work every day.”

At Chewy, Pajuelo initially joined their Pet Team and helped with handling the animals on set. Later, she shifted her focus to analytics and process management. 

Today, Pajuelo’s main job responsibilities include tracking pets booked for projects, processing payments for pet parents, handling documentation and managing inventory. Additionally, she works on streamlining processes to support data analytics across different departments and integrating systems to make daily tasks easier. She still gets to interact with animals as she assists on set with the pets and oversees a training program that prepares animals for productions. In addition to her current role with the company, she is now pursuing her MBA.

During her time at Purdue, Pajuelo was involved in several organizations, research teams and more. She served as a peer mentor in the Disability Resource Center and assisted in a lab led by Candace Croney, Ph.D. Additionally, she was a member of the honors college leaders’ team and represented the club as a delegate. 

She explained that her club and organization experiences at Purdue were beneficial for her current role with Chewy.

“I gained a lot of experience organizing and leading a team which was valuable while working on the training program,” Pajuelo said. “I learned how important clear and concise communication is for sharing ideas in my role. These experiences also helped me figure out how to plan events strategically, making it easier to handle challenges as they come up.”

Additionally, her experience studying animal sciences helped prepare her for her career.

“The career services and classes were super helpful for me,” Pajuelo said. “I learned how to market myself to employers through engaging conversations. I also picked up skills for writing cover letters and resumes that highlight my strengths and help me land interviews. Plus, I gained confidence in my interview skills, making it easier to explain how my experiences make me a great fit for any role.”

Pajuelo mentioned that organizing a career fair for students interested in careers with companion animals was her greatest accomplishment as an undergraduate student.

“I noticed there was a lack of employers focused on companion animals at the career fairs, so I decided to change that. With Barry's support, I organized a Companion Animal Career Fair to bring in those employers and create new opportunities for everyone interested in this field. 

Pajuelo said the greatest strength of the Purdue Animal Sciences undergraduate program was the community it created.

“It created a welcoming environment where I could connect with other animal lovers,” Pajuelo said. “It was great to meet people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences, and I got to interact with professionals in the field too. These connections not only helped me make friends but also gave me valuable insights and networking opportunities. It really deepened my understanding of animal care and reinforced my passion for the community we share.”

Pajuelo shared advice for current students.

“Seize every opportunity that comes your way,” Pajuelo said, “Join clubs, travel abroad and engage with your professors. Once you enter the job field, it will be much more difficult to find free time. Build your network by connecting with as many people as you can. You never know how those connections might open doors for you. Plus, you might discover a new passion that leads you down an unexpected career path.”

She also mentioned that simplifying processes is a valuable skill for students entering the workforce.

“It not only makes your life easier but also shows employers that you’re proactive and value efficiency,” Pajuelo said. “Keeping up with new technologies is very important. Finding innovative ways to use them in your role can really boost productivity and make things run smoother. Employers will appreciate your initiative and flexibility, which can give you an edge in a competitive job market. 

The Purdue Animal Sciences Department is celebrating 125 years! As a part of the celebration, Pajuelo was asked to upload a video congratulating the department.