A Receptionist and Animal Care Attendant is a key member of the Nova Scotia SPCA Shelter team, helping to create a positive experience for people while ensuring the health, comfort, and well-being of animals in our care. This role combines exceptional and compassionate customer service with animal care, supporting both front-of-house operations and the daily needs of shelter animals. The successful candidate will help maintain a welcoming, protected, and sanitary environment for visitors, staff, volunteers, and animals.

This position has the opportunity to respond to urgent animal by-law-related calls on behalf of the Halifax Regional Municipalityfor additional compensation, and requires flexibility as it includes on-call shifts as scheduled on holidays and overnights. Provides outstanding customer service with a friendly can-do attitude. Educate adopters on animal care, behaviour, medical history and post-adoption resources.

Answers general inquiries by phone, email and in person and provides support and options in a variety of sensitive matters. Provide a wide range of administrative and clerical duties and work well with low supervision. Maintaining positive interactions with the public, staff and volunteers in a fast-paced, sometimes hectic and noisy environment while remaining calm, focused resourceful and efficient is critical to this role.

Responsible for all duties related to the care of animals (cleaning of the holding areas, assuring that animals receive food and water, bathing and basic grooming). Provides humane handling and restraining techniques. Observe animals for signs of illnesses or injuries and report symptoms to the appropriate personnel.

Maintain accurate records for animal inventory, health,



medications, treatments, procedures, behaviour and adoption information. Demonstrates animal control knowledge, including proper restraining techniques. Knowledge of animal behaviours, and basic obedience training methods Ability to identify species, breeds, age and sex of animals.

Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses, diseases and injuries. Ability to identify different medications and methods of administration. Ability to perform the SPCA’s basic medical intake process and other duties as outlined in SPCA Manuals Employee must demonstrate ability to work effectively with others (including co-workers, customers, volunteers and others) by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; 1-2 years of experience in customer service. ~ Previous animal care experience in a Veterinary clinic, Grooming, Doggy Daycare or other pet-related experience is an asset.

Physical ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday required.

Working conditions include working alone, working outside in varying weather conditions, frequent interruptions, and some meetings.

Employee Assistance Program

This position requires a flexible schedule. Evenings and weekends will be part of the regular weekly schedule, must be willing to work a flexible schedule. Nova Scotia SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, or disability.

SPCA provides a competitive salary and a rewarding work environment. Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community.

📌 Receptionist & Animal Care Attendant - Dartmouth SPCA Shelter
🏢 Nova Scotia SPCA
📍 Dartmouth