Learning about pet care
Emily Georges, a PPRC job seeker, has always had a soft spot for animals—especially dogs. So, when a high‑school co‑op opportunity came along, she jumped at the chance to work in a dog daycare. As she recalls with a smile, “My grandmother was the one who brought me into it. She used to stay for a long time at the daycare, and then she would want to leave. But I said I didn’t want to leave.”
That early experience stuck with her. After graduation, Emily found herself wondering whether pet care might be the field where she could build a future—somewhere she could use her talents, her patience, and her genuine affection for animals.
Pet care is a wide and lively world, filled with many possible paths. For Emily, two stood out: dog grooming and dog daycare. Deciding between them led her to PPRC Connect, a mentoring service offered by Performance Plus Rehabilitative Care Inc. (PPRC). The program pairs job seekers with disabilities with experienced mentors who help them explore career options and gain real‑world insight. Through PPRC Connect, Emily met two mentors: Deb Baston‑Scott, dog groomer and owner of Completely Mutts, and Kelly Kostjuk, founder of Beamer’s Buddies Daycare.
Walking into each business, Emily was greeted not only by her mentors but by a chorus of wagging tails and eager snouts. The world of pet care is warm, energetic, and full of personality—but it also demands commitment. As Deb put it plainly, “A lot of people think that grooming is great because you just play with dogs all the time. There’s a lot more to it than that.”
Dog groomers need a wide range of skills: bathing techniques, coat trimming, choosing the right shampoos and conditioners, spotting potential health issues, and teaching owners how to care for their pets’ skin and fur. Many groomers take online courses or follow respected professionals to sharpen their expertise.
At Beamer’s Buddies, Emily discovered a different side of the industry. Kelly explained that dogs come to daycare not just for supervision, but for enrichment. They need social time, outdoor play, exercise, and a safe environment where they can thrive. Staff members make sure dogs get regular bathroom breaks, fresh water, and plenty of stimulation. And while the days are full of fun, employees must also know how to calmly and safely separate dogs if tensions rise.
Despite their differences, grooming and daycare share important skills. Both require reading a dog’s body language, understanding temperament, maintaining a clean environment, and offering excellent customer service. As Deb emphasized, “The psychology side of the dog is really important.” Kelly echoed this, noting that when she hires, she looks for people who love animals, aren’t afraid of dogs, have strong interpersonal skills, are eager to learn, and as she puts it “are all‑round good spirits.”
After exploring both paths, Emily felt clarity settling in. At the end of her visit to Beamer’s Buddies, Kelly asked, “Do you think you would want to work part‑time in a dog daycare?”
Emily didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” she said with confidence.
With her passion guiding her and new knowledge under her belt, Emily is ready to take her next steps. We wish her all the best as she begins her employment journey.
Join us at PPRC and find out more about how you can find your career. www.pprc.ca
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