We're an all-inclusive facility providing daycare, boarding, and grooming services 365 days a year, with one mission: creating the best experience for our four-legged guests and their families. We're looking for mature, responsible high school students who love dogs, embrace learning, and genuinely enjoy helping wherever they're needed.
If you're someone who approaches every task with a positive attitude and finds satisfaction in doing a job well--whether it's playing with puppies or cleaning kennels--we'd love to meet you.
What Makes Working Here Special
At The Homestead Nottawa, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in pets' lives every day while gaining valuable work experience. You'll work in an active outdoor environment where no two days are the same, learning from our experienced team and developing skills that will serve you well in any future career.
This isn't just a job--it's a chance to be part of a small, dedicated team where your reliability and positive attitude truly matter.
Why We Love Pet Care (And Why It's Great for Learning)
Pet care is hands-on, active work, and we want you to know exactly what you're signing up for. The right person sees every task--even the unglamorous ones--as an opportunity to contribute and learn.
Active, Hands-On Work That Builds Character
You'll be fully engaged--feeding dogs, cleaning kennels, helping with playtime, and keeping our facility spotless. This means staying on your feet, working outdoors in all weather, and tackling whatever needs to be done without complaining. You'll learn what it means to be part of a team that depends on each other, and you'll develop the kind of work ethic that impresses future employers and builds confidence.
If you're someone who can say "sure, I'll do that" with a smile--whether it's scooping poop or helping with a fun photo shoot--you'll fit right in.
Learn From Experience, Grow With Responsibility
You'll start by learning our routines and safety procedures, but as you prove yourself reliable and capable, you'll take on more responsibility. You might help train a new junior team member, learn about dog behavior, or get involved in special projects. We value people who want to grow and improve, not just collect a paycheck.
Real Impact, Real Experience
You'll see the direct results of your work: happy dogs, grateful clients, and a clean, safe facility. You'll also learn what it means to be truly reliable--showing up on time, doing what you say you'll do, and being someone your teammates can count on. These are the skills that will set you apart in school, future jobs, and life.
Who Thrives Here
We're looking for junior team members who are:
Eager to learn
- Open to feedback, willing to ask questions, excited to develop new skills
Positive and flexible
- Can shift from cleaning to dog play to helping with client pick-ups without complaining
Genuinely reliable
- Shows up on time, ready to work, and doesn't cancel shifts at the last minute
Mature for their age
- Handles responsibility seriously and maintains professionalism even when the work is hard
Good communicators
- Not shy about talking to clients or asking staff for help when needed
Hard workers
- Takes pride in doing any job well, whether "fun" or not
Team players
- Understands that everyone depends on everyone else
"No task too small" minded
- Willing to do whatever needs doing without being asked twice
Physically active
- Comfortable being on your feet, working outdoors, getting dirty
Available when needed
- Including weekends and holidays when most students are off
What You'll Do
Dog Care & Supervision:
Help supervise dogs during playtime and ensure they're safe and happy
Feed dogs, provide fresh water, and follow feeding instructions carefully
Learn to recognize dog behavior and when to ask for help
Provide comfort and attention to nervous or lonely dogs
Facility Maintenance:
Clean kennels, play areas, and outdoor spaces thoroughly
Help with laundry, dishes, and general facility upkeep
Take out trash and keep all areas organized
Notice what needs doing and do it without being told
Client Service:
Greet clients warmly and professionally during pick-ups and drop-offs
Help with basic check-in and check-out procedures
Communicate clearly and politely with dog owners
Capture fun photos of dogs for social media and client updates
Team Support:
Follow instructions from senior staff members
Ask questions when you're unsure (that's how you learn!)
Jump in to help teammates when things get busy
Maintain a positive attitude even when tasks aren't exciting
Schedule Requirements (Important!)
MINIMUM 2 SHIFTS PER WEEK
1 weekend shift MANDATORY
(Saturday or Sunday, typically 3-4 hours)
At least 1 weekday afternoon shift
(3pm-6pm or 3pm-7pm)
Must be available for holidays (we operate 365 days/year)
Shifts typically 3-4 hours
- We're a small team and depend on you showing up for your shifts. If you commit to working Saturday, you work Saturday--no last-minute cancellations
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OWN TRANSPORTATION REQUIRED
- High school bus stops here but we're not on regular transit routes. You need a reliable way to get here
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GOOD COMMUNICATOR
- Not shy talking to clients or staff members. Can speak clearly and professionally
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INDEPENDENT WORKER
- Able to complete tasks without constant supervision once trained
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HARD WORKER
- Not afraid to get dirty, stay active, and do physical work. No complaining about "gross" tasks
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COMFORTABLE WORKING OUTDOORS
- In all weather (rain, snow, heat, cold)
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PHYSICALLY CAPABLE
- Can handle dogs, lift 25-30 lbs, bend down repeatedly, stay on your feet for 3-4 hours
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MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE
- Can be counted on to follow instructions and safety rules
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POSITIVE ATTITUDE
- Approaches every task willingly, even the unglamorous ones
Bonus Points If You Have:
Previous experience with dogs (pet sitting, volunteering, own dogs)
Farm or outdoor work experience
First aid/CPR certification
Younger siblings (shows you can handle responsibility and chaos!)
Experience on a sports team or in clubs (shows teamwork and commitment)
Interest in animal care, veterinary work, or related careers
What We Offer
Great first job experience
in a professional, active environment
Learn valuable life skills
- responsibility, reliability, teamwork, communication
Work with awesome dogs every day!
Small, supportive team
that will train you and help you succeed
Flexible scheduling around school
commitments during the school year
Potential for increased hours
during school breaks and summer
Strong references
for future jobs or college applications (we write great letters for reliable team members!)
Real responsibility
- you're not just folding towels, you're an important part of operations
Casual dress code
- jeans and t-shirts are perfect
What Makes You Successful Here
This role is perfect for someone who:
Genuinely loves dogs and wants to learn about animal care
Understands that reliability isn't optional--it's everything
Takes pride in doing even the "boring" or "gross" tasks well
Wants to prove they're mature and ready for real responsibility
Can handle constructive feedback without getting defensive
Shows up ready to work, not just scrolling their phone
Enjoys being active and doesn't mind getting dirty or sweaty
Values being part of a team that counts on each other
Wants work experience that actually teaches them something valuable
Important Things to Know
Reliability is EVERYTHING
- Our dogs and team depend on you. If you commit to a shift, you need to be there. Last-minute cancellations because you "forgot" or "don't feel like it" won't work here.
This is PHYSICAL, OUTDOOR WORK
- You'll be on your feet, outside in all weather, cleaning poop, lifting bags, getting slobbered on, and staying active. If you're looking for an easy job where you can be on your phone, this isn't it.
WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS ARE REQUIRED
- We're open 365 days/year, so you need to be available when most students have time off. Yes, this means some Saturdays when your friends are sleeping in.
You'll work with ALL SIZES of dogs
- From tiny puppies to 100+ pound dogs. Some are energetic, some are nervous, some are stubborn. You need to be comfortable with all of them.
TRANSPORTATION IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
- We're in a rural area. The high school bus stops here, but there's no other public transit. You need a reliable way to get to and from work.
This isn't just "playing with puppies"
- That's part of it, but there's also cleaning, maintenance, feeding, organizing, and lots of tasks that aren't glamorous. If you can't handle the unglamorous parts with a good attitude, this isn't the job for you.
You're part of a SMALL TEAM
- When you don't show up, someone else has to cover for you. When you do a poor job, someone else has to fix it. Your actions directly affect your coworkers.
Ready to Apply?
If you're a responsible, hard-working student who loves dogs, can commit to a reliable schedule, and approaches every task with a positive attitude, we want to hear from you!
TO APPLY:
Send your resume (or a brief summary of any work/volunteer experience, sports teams, clubs, or responsibilities you've had) and tell us:
Why you want to work with dogs
- What draws you to this work?
Your typical availability
- Which afternoons work best? Which weekend day can you commit to?
What makes you reliable and responsible
- Give us specific examples from school, sports, family responsibilities, etc.
How you'll get to work
- Do you have reliable transportation?
Why you're mature enough for this job
- What experiences have taught you responsibility?
Email:
[Your email here]
Please include "Junior Attendant Application" in the subject line
Job Type:
Part-time
Pay:
$16.20 per hour (Ontario student minimum wage)
Expected hours:
6-15 per week (more during school breaks)
Location:
In person, Nottawa, ON
We're looking for someone special - could that be you?
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.60-$17.60 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 6 per week
Benefits:
Casual dress
Flexible schedule
On-site parking
Store discount
Application question(s):
Are you located within a 35 minute drive of Collingwood?
Are you available to work Weekends and some Holidays?
Work Location: In person
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