Passionate about dogs since childhood, Lisa Brooks began her career in the 1970s working alongside renowned breeders of German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, developing extensive expertise in training, care, and canine behaviour. In 1980, she moved to Alberta to further specialise in professional grooming and show dog presentation. She bred and exhibited her own huskies, winning more than 75 championship titles across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

In the early 1990s, she also created the first government-accredited professional dog grooming school in Canada, the Alberta Academy of Dog Grooming. Returning to her home region in 1996, she fulfilled her lifelong dream by creating a dog resort that has since become a regional benchmark for pet owners seeking high-quality care for their animals.

Unlike a traditional kennel, dogs live here without cages, in a space designed to allow them to run, play, and swim freely and safely.

Volunteer Role

Within this unique setting, the volunteer program allows participants to actively contribute to the happiness and comfort of the dogs through various tasks such as park walks, playtime, supervision, space maintenance, and general support to the on-site team.

The work mainly involves cleaning accommodations, maintaining outdoor play areas, checking water stations, and keeping the site clean and well organised to ensure the animals’ comfort. Depending on the season, tasks may also include gardening, snow removal, or other light outdoor maintenance work. Volunteers are in constant contact with the dogs and must feel comfortable in a dynamic environment where animals move freely.

The commitment is approximately 20 hours per week, spread over four days, leaving several free days to explore the region.

The day starts at 8:30 am with a review of the daily schedule, and work begins at 9:00 am. Depending on the organisation of the day, activities may run continuously and finish around 2:00 pm, or include a lunch break with a finish time between 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Schedules may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, the number of dogs, and seasonal tasks.

Beyond helping at the centre, this experience helps develop a sense of responsibility, gain new skills, and discover the workings of a professional animal welfare facility. For anyone passionate about dogs, this volunteering opportunity offers a unique way to travel while giving meaningful purpose to their stay in Canada.