Our Story
Throughout the past two decades, our South Side Edmonton acreage has been the foundation of our journey. In 1998, we built our family home, welcoming our daughters Hanah and Abbie and a pair of city kitties. My career as a hairstylist led to the decision to create a personal salon in our garage, allowing me to work from home while being with our family.
Our venture into pet care began naturally, with friends and clients asking us to care for their dogs while they were away. This circle of pet parents appreciated our space and our genuine love and care for their furry family members.
An unshakable desire to fill our yard with joyful dogs led to the creation of the Second Pup in 2011. Our vision was to create a family-friendly space where dogs could roam freely and play.
Our journey started with core values that continue to guide us today, exemplified by our commitment to put the care of your pet above all else. Investing in training and education specific to the pet boarding and daycare industry became integral to our commitment to excellence.
Our dedicated team, more like family than staff, sets us apart. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a loving and caring environment for your furry family members.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
JANET DONS - FOUNDER & OWNER
OUR FAMILY
Meet our incredible team at the Second Pup! Here, our staff isn’t just a group of colleagues; we're a close-knit family dedicated to creating a loving and playful environment for your furry friends. Meet the faces that ensure your pup receives the utmost care. Each member of our team brings their unique passion and expertise to create a home away from home for your pups.
Brittany S
Position: management / Puppy mama
YEARS OF SERVICE: 8.5
Fun Fact: I perform at the number 1 electronic music festival in Canada every summer.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: I have so many memories with all the pups. The first time Qeba gave me a kiss or the 3 minute video of me rubbing scout’s belly lol, pawing at me every time I stopped or Minnie who’s worked her little paws into my heart. I think if I was to choose just one, it would maybe be when Benny would get all crazy in the big yards, he was the sweetest angel to ever live and I’ll never forget when the sun would “blind” him for a split second (he had cataracts) and he’d grab my coat or my leash to make sure I was there to get crazy with him. I think about him often when working, rest in paradise Benny boy. Miss you always. An honorary mention to my guy Cooper P & my own girl Athena, who have grown with me at the daycare over the years.
Brittny G
Position: management / puppy mama
YEARS OF SERVICE: 10
Fun Fact: When I was a kid I lived on an acreage and trained my samoyed Lars to go get the newspaper from the entrance of our property, this was inspired by Lady & the Tramp. I also love doing photography for the second pup!
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: I loved coming into work when Lily the collie was boarding. She was a senior and deaf who was very low-key but when she saw me first thing in the morning she would bark & run laps outside, I miss that and her. One of my other favourite ongoing moments is when Briar gives me her hugs!
Cassidy
Position: Management / puppy mama
YEARS OF SERVICE: 7
Fun Fact: I’m convinced I’ve been haunted for most of my life and on rare occasions will sleepwalk.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: I love when I’ve been working to build a relationship with a very shy dog and they start showing that they trust me and get excited to see me! Some of my favourite breakthroughs have been with Mickey, Millie S, Minuette, Alouette, and Obi!
Kaya
Position: Canine coach
YEARS OF SERVICE: 5
Fun Fact: I absolutely love music. I’ve played piano and sang since I was 8, and I love song writing!
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: Coming into daycare is such a joy every single day seeing all our fur babies. But It makes my heart so full when I come back from vacation and the pups just scream when they realize I’m back! It makes me so happy to know they miss me and love me just as much as I do! Tumnus, Xiao Gou, Maverick, Olive, Otis, Neo, Theo, Rocco, Winnie, & Prince to name just a few of the pups that have stolen my heart!
Tiffany
Position: canine coach
YEARS OF SERVICE: 5.5
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I enjoy narrating what I'm doing out loud. Additionally, I'm a Reiki master and love practicing Reiki on myself and my animals.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: Every day is special, but I absolutely love it when my Shepherds x Huskies, Crocket and Sable, howl at the moon for me. And my man Harley, a Staffordshire, eagerly awaits me at the gate when he sees me walking down – his boundless joy just melts my heart. Of course, I can't forget about all my Frenchie pals and Pugs; they always know how to make the day unique.
Camryn
Position: pup care attendant & birthday pawty queen
YEARS OF SERVICE: 3
Fun Fact: Fun Fact about me is I have a 16 year old Shitzu who I got for my 5th birthday... I’m 21 now, she’s still got lots of spunk lol.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: My favourite daycare moment is hard to narrow down, I love watching the pups enjoy the first fluffy snow fall, seeing all the pups zooming around having a blast is the best feeling!
CC
Position: pup care attendant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 1.5
Fun Fact: Fun fact about me is that I danced for 6 years and know how to dance jazz, tap, ballet and hip hop.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: My favourite doggy moment is when I come into work and I’m greeted by so many happy doggos and it just fills your heart with so much love!
Alysha
Position: pup care attendant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 1.5
Fun Fact: Fun fact is I had a goat named Gossimer trained to play tag
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: My favourite daycare moment happens every time I see white Sam. Whenever I sit down he’ll jump up and put his paws on my shoulders and rest his head like he’s giving me a big hug.
Lisa
Position: pup care attendant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2.5
Fun Fact: I am from London and recently just received my Canadian citizenship.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: Everyday is special, but I especially love it when Ruby the Basset howls her sweet songs to me.
Kloe
Position: Pup care Attendant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2.5
Fun Fact: I am an animal science student.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: Every single day at the Second Pup brings me joy. I have a special love for Border Collies and Heelers, as I own one, like Zorro, Leon, Max, and more. I recall a time at work when I was feeling down, and Leon wouldn't leave my side. He's such a sweetheart and made me feel so loved.
Chelsey
Position: pup care attendant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 1
Fun Fact: I am very superstitious and if someone says anything risky I absolutely have to knock on wood lol.
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: When my favourite dog Wicklow started reciprocating the love and now gets excited to see me in the mornings and gives me kisses and cuddles in group.
Nikki
Position: pup care attendant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 6 months
Fun Fact: My love of theatre comes from growing up singing, dancing and performing, specializing in Tap and Musical Theatre, even performing a production of "Annie' at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: Being a new Puppy Mama at Second Pup, everyday is special as I get to meet a new fur baby everyday. Learning and seeing their personalities as new fills my heart everyday.
Darren
Position: pup care attendant
YEARS OF SERVICE: 12
Fun Fact: Loves golfing and grocery shopping with his wife
Favourite Doggy Daycare Moment: Everyday is a great day, having fun and playing with all the pups is joyful!
Core Values
At the Second Pup, we operate based on a strong foundation of core values that guide our every action and decision:
01.
We put the care of your pet above all else.
02.
To provide a safe and clean environment.
03.
Treat each animal with respect and kindness.
04.
We create a fun and happy experience for our clients.
05.
We build client trust with open communication, integrity, and honesty.