Animal Behaviour & Enrichment Facilitator - Full Time

Sunday to Thursday | 37.5 hours per week | Combination of days and evenings The Animal Behaviour and Enrichment Facilitator ensures every shelter animal receives individualized behavioural support grounded in science-based analysis and humane care. They focus on increasing adoptability, reducing shelter stay duration, and guiding staff, volunteers, and foster parents in implementing behaviour plans. They collaborate across departments to assess behavioural challenges, mitigate risks, and, when necessary, make compassionate euthanasia recommendations.

Core Responsibilities Behaviour Assessment & Pathway Planning

- Gather and summarize behavioural history from owners or other sources; conduct socialization sessions if needed.
- Identify risks, concerns, and training opportunities to improve adoptability.
- Consistently assess and document animal body language, stress levels, and emotional states.
- Develop structured, measurable plans to mitigate risks and improve each animal’s skill set.
- Provide enrichment suitable for developmental needs.
- Assign training/enrichment tasks to Animal Care Staff, Behaviour Buddy volunteers, and Foster Parents.

Safe Handling & Plan Execution

- Ensure safe human-animal interactions by recognizing stress and enforcing proper handling techniques.
- Act as a handler or observer during medical exams as required.
- Support staff, volunteers, and foster parents in executing behaviour and stress-reduction plans.
- Monitor animal progress, adjusting plans to optimize outcomes.

Communication & Documentation

- Maintain accurate records of behavioural history, observations, and training plans in the shelter database.
- Collaborate with relevant teams (Foster, Adoption, Animal Care, Animal Health) to align plans.
- Provide behaviour assessments and recommendations to the Manager of Behaviour.
- Educate adopters about an animal’s needs, training plans, and post-adoption recommendations.

Training & Education

- Train staff, volunteers,



and foster parents on behaviour management, body language, and safe handling.
- Respond to behaviour-related inquiries from the public.
- Identify and recommend post-adoption training resources.
- Performing behavioral consultations to adopters and members of the public.

Program Development & Resource Management

- Design and implement individualized behaviour management and stress reduction plans.
- Develop and maintain resources to ensure consistent application of behaviour protocols.

Core Competencies

- Robust understanding of animal behaviour science and humane, evidence-based training methods that minimize stress and promote animal well-being
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Exceptional communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Objective and data-driven approach, particularly in euthanasia decision-making.
- Ability to remain adaptable and composed in emotionally difficult situations.

Position Requirements

- KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA or IAABC accreditation (preferred).
- Training approaches that align with CHS’ position statements and prioritize humane, evidence-based methods that minimize stress and promote animal well-being.
- Minimum high school diploma.
- At least one year of hands-on animal care experience (e.g., veterinary clinic, shelter, boarding facility).
- Proficiency in interpreting and analyzing animal behaviour.
- Public speaking confidence and strong conflict management skills.
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean abstract and a minimum of three years’ driving experience.




- Ability to pass a police information check (arranged by CHS at the candidate’s expense).

Physical Requirements

- Comfortable handling various species, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, rodents, and reptiles.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive motions such as sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, squatting, bending, and pulling.

What We Offer:

- 100% employer-paid health and dental benefits for employees and their eligible dependants.
- Vision coverage and a Wellness Spending Account.
- Employer-matched RSP contributions.
- Paid vacation, sick time, wellness days and flex days, plus a paid day off for your birthday.
- Professional development and career-growth opportunities.
- Discounts on CHS products and services, including adoption fees.
- Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program and reduced-rate counselling services.
- Free on-site parking.
- A meaningful, mission-driven workplace where your work directly supports animals and people in the community.

Our Commitment to Inclusion: The people and families we serve are diverse, and Calgary Humane Society is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the community around us. We believe that different identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and abilities strengthen our organization and help us better support animals and the people who care for them. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from people who have historically faced barriers to employment. We are committed to an accessible and equitable recruitment process, and accommodation is available at any stage upon request.

Closing date: Posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. To ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process, we are unable to respond to telephone or email inquiries regarding applications.

📌 Animal Behaviour and Enrichment Facilitator - Full Time (Calgary)
🏢 Calgary Humane Society
📍 Calgary