Job Description

Position

: PEI Humane Society Animal Protection Officer

Term:

Permanent Full Time - 40 hours/week - Weekend and evening work required in addition to rotating on-call shifts.

Start Date:

October 15, 2025

Rate of Pay:

$19.75/hour; at 6 months of employment $22.32/hour

Benefits:

Paid vacation days; paid sick days; optional health/dental care coverage

Reports to:

Lead Animal Protection Officer/Executive Director

Member:

LIUNA Local 900 Union Position

Essential Duties and Primary Job Purpose:

The position of Animal Protection Officer represents a key role at the PEI Humane Society. The Officer enforces municipal and provincial laws and bylaws concerning the care, treatment, licensing and impound of companion animals in areas where the PEI Humane Society has jurisdiction. As required, the Officer conducts investigations and inspections under the appropriate legal authority. The Officer provides after hours, on-call emergency services for lost and/or injured animals on a rotational basis with other Animal Protection Officers.

Primary Responsibilities

Working collaboratively with Animal Protection and Shelter teams the Officer:

Routinely patrols designated areas enforcing provincial animal protection legislation including PEI Animal Welfare Act, PEI Dog Act, as well as contracted municipal bylaws. Responds to dispatched calls in priority order and determines appropriate action. Arbitrates disputes if possible. Issues warnings or citations when necessary and works with police or public health agencies when required. Appears for scheduled court dates and testifies as required. Coordinates efforts with other community professionals such as municipal administrators, municipal police officers/RCMP, court officials and veterinarians Conducts general investigations of companion animal-related complaints such as barking, at-large and possible humane concerns. Ensures accurate, timely reporting in database. Prepares investigative reports and documentation that may be required as evidence. Transports confined stray dogs, and injured companion animals in the safest and most humane manner possible. Administers emergency first aid when necessary. Transports animals to sheltering or medical treatment facilities. Disposes of dead companion animals, when animals are determined to be dead-on-arrival at scene of complaint. Receives and responds to emergency calls after regular business hours. Attempts to establish ownership and contact owners of stray, injured and impounded animals. Takes complaints and assists callers with information regarding companion animal issues related to laws and by-law enforcement. Answers questions about animal welfare Educates the public regarding responsible pet ownership and animal legislation and bylaws. Maintains records for vehicle mileage, patrol frequency, closed complaints and summary of open complaints in a timely fashion.

Responsible for the initial care of impounded animals at the Shelter.

Inspects, cleans and maintains Society vehicle(s) and equipment daily and reports issues of maintenance or operation promptly to Executive Director. Represents the Society at public or private events to help promote responsible pet ownership and increase community education on animal welfare, as requested by Executive Director from time-to-time. Other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

Overall

Support the vision and direction of the PEI Humane Society. Ensure positive public relations and customer service practices. Collaborate to create a positive and respectful work environment.

Education and Experience Required

Post-Secondary education/training in animal protection, animal handling, and/or enforcement is preferred. Hands-on training in animal or policing services with at least 1 year of experience handling difficult animals. Knowledge of Provincial animal protection legislation and bylaws would be an asset. Knowledge of provincial geography. Experience with de-escalation of difficult situations.

Abilities, Competencies and Knowledge

Knowledge of law enforcement techniques, principles and practices including search warrants. Knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal animal laws and of court procedures on PEI Skill in animal capture and restraint methods and the ability to interpret animal body language. Ability to work in a fast-paced, physical and often stressful environment while maintaining composure, accuracy, efficiency and a high level of customer service Able to evaluate situations and make determinations independently and in consultation with Executive Director, Shelter Manager and/or Shelter Veterinarian when require Superior conflict resolution skills - Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training preferred. Computer literacy, particularly in working with electronic databases Effective communication and writing skills. Able to take detailed notes, collect evidence, and to capture information quickly and accurately for use by others. Demonstrated animal health and well-being knowledge, skills and abilities to include: Care of companion animals, basic knowledge of animal diseases, ability to determine breeds, species, sex and age. Ability to recognize signs of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty. Must be self-directed, with ability to manage time and set priorities

Environment:

Unpredictable, often loud and stressful environment.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to safely and humanely handle animals with potentially unknown medical or behavioural histories, weighing upwards of 50 kilograms.

Psychological Demands:

Frequently the job is emotionally demanding. The incumbent may be exposed to distraught, hostile or abusive members of the public. Must be able to deal with emotionally charged members of the public and manage a fast paced and changing workload. The PEIHS is a managed admission shelter. Animals may be euthanized when necessary for health or behavioural reasons. Officers must be able to discuss this outcome with those involved.

Security Clearance:

As a condition of employment, the Officer must undergo a complete reference check, criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening. Driver's abstract to be provided, and the Officer must be approved by PEI Humane Society automobile insurer.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $19.75-$22.32 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-05-15
Expected start date: 2025-05-28