Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Instructor Profile: Jennifer Blackman of Wag Canine Recreation Centre


Jennifer Blackman first contacted us by phone a few years ago about our distance learning programs. We had a great chat about the possibility of bringing Walks 'N' Wags to Nova Scotia and the rest is history!

Here is Jennifer's story:

From Amherst Nova Scotia, Jennifer Blackman has always been passionate about pets. Her house has been home to dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and rabbits. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology where she developed an interest in ethology and learning theory. From there it was off to Japan for four years to teach English.

Then a few years after returning to Canada Jennifer moved with her husband and daughter to the Northwest Territories. This is where her interest in pet first aid started. Living in a remote community where the vet only came to town once every 6 weeks, and having three dogs, necessitated that she educate herself to be better prepared in an emergency. During her time in the North she also volunteered with the local SPCA and spent one year as president. That meant she also wanted to be prepared to assist the shelter animals if need be.

Upon returning to Nova Scotia, Jennifer noticed a lack of opportunities for dog owners in her town and opened Wag Canine Recreation Centre in 2012. Part of her business plan involved offering educational opportunities to pet owners in the form of seminars and courses. She completed her own Walks ‘N’ Wag Pet First Aid certification to protect her clients and her instructor certification in 2014. Jennifer now teaches pet owners and pet professionals in Amherst and Halifax NS twice a year and is working on securing a regular venue on Prince Edward Island.

Jennifer says the best part about teaching Walks ‘N’ Wags Pet First Aid is having participants finish the course feeling like they can handle anything. They come away from the program with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle any emergency situation which could mean the difference between life and death for an injured pet.

We couldn't be happier to have Jennifer teaching both our Pet First Aid and our OFF THE GRID programs. She is kind, thoughtful, detail-oriented and committed to quality. Nova Scotians are lucky to have her. And so are we!

For more information about Jennifer's course dates and other locations please visit our web site.