New to doggy daycare? Every new dog starts with an assessment. Learn how to join →

Meet the crew

Pet people, through and through

Meet the friendly people behind the pet store, daycare, grooming, and training services at Jollytails locations throughout Halifax and Dartmouth.

Chris from Jollytails Intercolonial with a dog Katie from Jollytails Lady Hammond with her dogs Cayden from Jollytails Dartmouth sharing a happy moment with the daycare dogs

The founders

Built from a lifelong love of dogs

Tristan Flynn and Pamela Smith opened Jollytails in July 2012. Their shared respect for the bond between people and dogs continues to shape the business today.

Jollytails co-owner Tristan Flynn beside a Bernese mountain dog

Co-owner & trainer

Tristan Flynn, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Tristan’s background spans dog training, behaviour consultations, seminars, media appearances, and professional education. Before Jollytails, he operated Golden Rule Training and taught adult and puppy classes in the Halifax area.

Jollytails co-owner Pamela Smith smiling with two dogs

Co-owner

Pamela Smith

Pamela brought a public-sector background and a lifelong love of dogs to Jollytails. Her appreciation for the human-canine bond helped inspire the welcoming local business that she and Tristan opened together.

Halifax

Intercolonial Street team

Meet the store, daycare, and grooming team at 3484 Intercolonial Street.

Chris with a curly-coated dog

Store Manager & Trainer

Chris

Chris was born in the tiny town of Bathurst, and moved here in 2002. Chris has always had a love and passion for animals of all shapes and sizes. They have worked with dogs and cats since 2010 at a different facility.

Read moreRead less

They share their home with Charlie the sheltie, Pig the Shepherd mix and two lovely felines.

When not at JT Chris is also a certified Holy fire and Usui Reiki Master. They also have a background in training classes for puppies and adolescent dogs.

Chris also enjoys sneaking back into the daycare to see your pups! Oliver is showing off his fresh groom and Chris even matched their outfit to Oliver’s bandana!

Twyla from the Jollytails Intercolonial daycare team

Daycare Supervisor

Twyla

Twyla was born and raised on the Peggys Cove Road and currently shares her home with a wonderful dog of her own, Buddy. She has always wanted to work with dogs her entire life and being a part of the Jollytails team has made that dream a reality.

Read moreRead less

She is excited to have the opportunity to do something she absolutely LOVES for many years to come!

Twyla is one of Jollytails’ longest-serving employees, and we’re thrilled to have her love of dogs, experience, and skills as part of the team.

Jenah from the Jollytails Intercolonial daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Jenah

Jenah was born in Great Village and has been raised there and in Debert for the first many years of her life. She's always lived with many different types of animals like chickens, ducks, bunnies, iguanas, etc.

Read moreRead less

She has had many dogs and has always loved animals.

While exploring career paths she always had a huge interest in animal care. As a child, she would always tell her Mom she was going to be a dog breeder! She enjoyed learning new things about animals and worked around pets for years often trying to help educate people about them.

Once Jenah found Jollytails she was thrilled to be able to join their team as this was a dream job for her.

Ty from the Jollytails Intercolonial daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Ty

Ty was born in raised in north end Halifax and has always loved all animals. She likes to read and create art in her free time, but her favorite thing is to spend time with her family dogs .

Read moreRead less

Ty has had a love of history since she was 6 and studied history in university. Growing up she was a certified “horse girl” now her love of horses has translated to a love of big dogs with long snouts!

Angie, a Jollytails groomer, with a dog

Groomer

Angie

Angela spent all of her life fanatical about dogs, and other pets, growing up alongside many animals. In 2005 Angela moved to Calgary, Alberta and worked in animal retail.

Read moreRead less

In 2009, she began working as a bather/brusher, and she liked it so much she decided to become a dog groomer. Shortly after graduating from grooming school in 2010 under certified master groomer Jeanette Embree, Angela was hired by her teacher to work at “A Royal Touch” (Calgary, AB).

In 2011, Angela began work at “Hair of the Dog” (Calgary, AB), under master groomer Michelle Skinner. Angela credits her knowledge and skills to both of her former mentors, and is looking forward to acquiring new experience at Jollytails in Atlantic Canada. While Angela enjoys working with all breeds of dog, some of her favourites to groom include: Pomeranians, Shelties, Poodles and Yorkies.

Angela is a proud owner of several amazing dogs: Her two lovely Pomeranians, Vixie and Cricket, Indigo, her Australian cattle dog, and Elvira, her Standard Poodle.

Halifax

Lady Hammond Road team

Meet the store, daycare, grooming, and social team at 6390 Lady Hammond Road.

Katie with four dogs outdoors

Store Manager & Trainer

Katie

Katie was born and raised in Nova Scotia and has always had a love for everything animals! She has 4 dogs Diesel, Obie, Casper and Jane.

Read moreRead less

Katie brings 10 years of doggy daycare experience, and 2 years of experience working in the vet industry! She has her Pet first aid certification.

Katie is currently studying to become a certified dog trainer with Cloverfield. When not working Katie enjoys photography, hiking with her dogs and expanding her knowledge of everything dogs, especially dog food and training!

Jordan from Jollytails Lady Hammond with a pet

Assistant Manager

Jordan

Jordan was born and raised in Nova Scotia, and as a child always envisioned herself working with animals! She has a husky named Monty and her cat, Olive.

Read moreRead less

She is a certified veterinary assistant, and comes to Jollytails with 8 years of experience in doggy daycare, along with time spent working in pet stores and vet clinics!

When not working Jordan enjoys exploring trails with Monty, reading and continuing to educate herself and gain more knowledge on pet products and healthy options for her pets!

Evan from the Jollytails Lady Hammond team

Customer Service

Evan

Evan was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He’s had a deep love for animals his whole life, having grown up with a border collie named Mavrick who was a big part of his world until sadly he passed away in 2017.

Read moreRead less

These days, he shares his home with a 7-month-old Himalayan Ragdoll kitten named Gojo. Although not a dog, he definitely thinks he’s the boss of the house! Starting at Jollytails has given Evan a great way to stay connected with dogs and provide a safe, happy space for them while giving owners peace of mind.

Outside of his work with animals, Evan is pursuing his dream of becoming a music producer. He’s also a passionate Minnesota Wild fan, enjoys playing video games, and also enjoys video editing.

Sarah from the Jollytails Lady Hammond daycare team

Daycare Supervisor

Sarah

Sarah has always been crazy about animals, dogs in particular. She has been working in the dog daycare field for the past 7 years and before that was an SPCA dog attendant volunteer.

Read moreRead less

She's also spent some time behind the front desk learning about nutrition and products at Jollytails! Eager to be as involved with the dog community as she can, Sarah attends and enters in dog shows, handling different dogs in conformation and working on rally obedience.

Sarah hopes to continue in the dog daycare field for as long as possible, having been with Jollytails for multiple years now and is happy to be part of the team!

You might recognize her silly boy Cobbler from behind the desk (loudly) barking his hellos or smiling in pictures!

Athena-Dané from the Jollytails Lady Hammond daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Athena-Dané

Originally from beautiful British Columbia, Athena-Dané has been surrounded by dogs for as long as she can remember—growing up in homes that were never complete without multiple furry companions.

Read moreRead less

Now working at Jollytails, she brings her lifelong passion for animals to everything she does, with a special love for dogs of all breeds and personalities.

Always eager to learn more, Athena-Dané hopes to one day return to school to become a veterinarian, but no matter where life takes her, one thing is certain: she’ll be working with animals. She has a beloved dog of her own, Sativa, who currently lives with her uncle while she works toward finding a pet-friendly place for them to be reunited. Until then, she channels all her love and care into the dogs she gets to see every day at Jollytails.

Camryn from the Jollytails Lady Hammond daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Camryn

Camryn was born and raised in Prospect, Nova Scotia, and has pretty much grown up with dogs by her side. These days she shares life with her 9-year-old Great Dane/Boxer mix, Capone (also known as Pony), who is equal parts couch buddy and gentle giant.

Read moreRead less

Ever since she was a kid, Camryn has had a huge love for animals and always knew she wanted to work with them.

Starting at Jollytails means she finally gets to do what she’s always dreamed of — spending her days caring for dogs and soaking up all the puppy love.

When she’s not at work, you can usually find her out with friends, curled up with Pony at home, or gaming with her younger sister and older brother.

Gracie from the Jollytails Lady Hammond daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Gracie

Gracie grew up in Spryfield here in Halifax and recently wrapped up high school. She’s got a loyal boxer who keeps her busy and is the reason she has such a soft spot for every dog she meets.

Read moreRead less

She spent her school years as captain of her softball team and also played rugby, building the kind of grit, leadership, and teamwork that carries into everything she does.

Right now, Gracie’s all about gaining new experiences and doing what she loves most being around dogs before she begins her career with the Canadian Military as a Marine Technician. When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find her outside with her pup, hanging out with friends, or cruising around with her music turned way up.

Nicole, a Jollytails groomer, with a dog

Groomer

Nicole

Nicole has always had a huge passion for animals, and working with them was a dream for her. She rescued 2 dogs, Jack and Spirit (see photo). In her arms is Nicole’s sister’s pup Maisy and on the right is her parents’ big guy Sisu (who crossed rainbow bridge in April 2017)

Read moreRead less

Now after grooming dogs for the last 4 years in the Annapolis Valley, Nicole has decided to join the Jollytails team and get to know some of the dogs in Halifax. She is happy to watch the dogs have so much fun while their humans are at work.

Oksana, a Jollytails groomer, with a dog

Groomer

Oksana

Oksana was born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine and she has always had a love for animals! Oksana worked in television for a while, but decided that it was more fulfilling to be a dog groomer.

Read moreRead less

She has been doing what she loves for more than 6 years now. She is constantly learning and acquiring new knowledge about raising and grooming dogs. At home she has two Bichon Frisé whom she adores, Nisa & Kitty.

Alayna, a Jollytails groomer, with a dog

Groomer

Alayna

Alayna brings warmth, experience, and a lifelong love for animals to every grooming session. Growing up in a home filled with dogs, she developed a deep appreciation and passion for animal care at an early age.

Read moreRead less

Today, she channels that same devotion into her work as a professional groomer. When she’s not pampering pups, Alayna enjoys spending quality time with her kids and her beloved dog, Pepper.

Her gentle touch, patience, and genuine connection with animals make her a favorite among pets and their owners alike.

Karina from the Jollytails social team with a dog

Social Attendant

Karina

Karina was born and raised in sunny Bermuda, moved to NB for high school and then NS for college, where she finally settled in Halifax. Karina has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember.

Read moreRead less

From volunteering at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo to helping out at the SPCA, she is always happy when surrounded and interacting with animals. These days, her little crew keeps her busy at home—Dani the spunky Pomeranian, Mustang the mischievous Morkie, and her two elderly felines, Missy and Sprocket.

When Karina isn’t hanging with her furry family, you’ll probably find her at the gym, scaling a rock wall, or cruising around in one of her favourite rides—with Dani and Mustang as her trusty co-pilots, of course!

Dartmouth

Burnside Team

Meet the store, daycare, and grooming team at 40 Joseph Zatzman Drive.

Bronwyn's Bernese mountain dog

Senior Manager

Bronwyn

Bronwyn was born and raised right here in Nova Scotia and has always had a love for animals. With over 15 years of experience in the doggy daycare and pet retail industries, she’s been part of the Jollytails team since early 2016.

Read moreRead less

Bronwyn is passionate about canine nutrition, so if you’re ever looking for a true dog food enthusiast to chat with, she’s your girl!

When she’s not at work, Bronwyn loves spending time with her Australian Shepherds, Lennox, Suri, and Radish plus Aria the Papillon. Together, they enjoy competing in conformation, sprinter, rally obedience, and barn hunt events. But their favorite pastime of all? Exploring the great outdoors on long hikes with Dog Dad!

Lee from the Jollytails Dartmouth customer service team

Customer Service Representative

Lee

Lee was hatched in Ontario but was raised in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia. Pets have been a crucial part of their upbringing (from poodles to gerbils).

Read moreRead less

They always love making best friends with animals and adores working with them.

Emmy, Lee’s 4-legged sister, is an adorable Standard Poodle that agrees that Lee is one cool cat…um.. Dog? Lee graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Commerce yet has always known animals would somehow be a part of their future! Lee is a creative individual, they love drawing and crafts! In their free time, they are an affiliate Twitch streamer!

They love playing video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and other nerdy games! However, most importantly they love DAD JOKES….. Why was the dog stealing shingles?.......He wanted to become a WOOFER!

Sydney from the Jollytails Dartmouth customer service team

Customer Service Representative

Sydney

Sydney has loved animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up surrounded by pets of all kinds, she’s always been fascinated by their unique personalities and the joy they bring to our lives.

Read moreRead less

Her lifelong passion for animals has led her to a career where she gets to spend every day caring for and connecting with them. Sydney believes every pet deserves kindness, patience, and a little extra love.

She enjoys helping people find the best for their furry (and not-so-furry) family members and is always happy to share her knowledge and experience.

Outside of work, Sydney loves spending time with her goofy dog, Cooper. The two can often be found going for drives, exploring trails, or taking a swim on warm days.

Sarah from the Jollytails Dartmouth daycare team

Daycare Supervisor

Sarah

Born in Vancouver and raised in Halifax! Sarah is crazy about animals and when she was a kid she would always tell people she would work with them someday.

Read moreRead less

Sarah has a digital marketing background but working with dogs is her true passion!

In her spare time Sarah teaches her cat tricks and does stand up comedy around the city (and is pretty hilarious)!

Jordan from the Jollytails Dartmouth daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Jordan

Jordan grew up in Lunenburg, NS and moved to the Dartmouth for school. While obtaining her Bachelor’s of Science she decided to work with dogs because of her continuing love and passion for them.

Read moreRead less

When not at work she’s spending time with her dog Empire probably at the beach, hiking or hanging out reading. Empire is a foster fail…. or win! Empire is more then happy to call every person his best friend as long as your willing to give belly rubs. You can always find Empire ether zooming around over a stick, seaweed or snow or fast asleep. If you see him don’t forget that belly rub!

Alexandra from the Jollytails Dartmouth daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Alexandra

Give a Jollytails welcome to Alexandra! Anytime Alexandra was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up she said, “a zookeeper or a vet!”, but that didn’t go to plan.

Read moreRead less

She took a Bachelors of Science at MSVU, then a Bachelors of Education at Acadia University.

Animals have always played a big part of her upbringing - from hamsters, to bunnies, to rats or cats. She’s spent over two decades living in Eastern Passage & during her time in Wolfville, she started pet sitting which furthered her love for dogs. When she’s not working she enjoys; crafting, baking, modelling/photography, as well as spending time with her 4 cats, and hamster, Bean.

Vicky from the Jollytails Dartmouth daycare team

Daycare Attendant

Vicky

Vicky is an animal lover - no matter what kind, she loves them all! She is a proud cat mom to a 14 year old cat named Pandora who she loves so much.

Read moreRead less

Welcome to the Team Jollytails, Vicky!

Kayla from the Jollytails Burnside daycare team with three dogs

Daycare Attendant

Kayla

Kayla was born in North Bay, Ontario and moved to the Maritimes during elementary school, where she spent most of her childhood surrounded by animals. Growing up with pets of all kinds (from cats and dogs to lizards and mice) helped shape her love for animal care and sparked a passion that has stayed with her throughout her life.

Read moreRead less

Kayla attended college in Fredericton NB to become a Veterinary Assistant, giving her valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in animal health, behavior, and care. Working with animals has always been more than just a job for her—it's something she genuinely enjoys and feels privileged to do every day.

At home, she has a puppy named Arlo and two cats, Ivy and Midas, who keep her life fun and full of personality! In her spare time, you'll find Kayla walking the trails of Shubie off leash dog park, or cozied up reading or gaming with cuddles from Ivy and Midas. As a pet owner she understands how important it is to find people you can trust to care for your furry family members.

Autumn from the Jollytails Burnside daycare team with two dogs

Daycare Attendant

Autumn

Hi, I’m Autumn! I’m originally from Cape Breton and recently moved to the Halifax area. I grew up surrounded by dogs and have always had a huge love for them. From a young age, I was the person who wanted to say hello to every dog I met and learn all about their little personalities.

Read moreRead less

I love that every dog is different, and I enjoy getting to know what makes each pup special; whether they’re playful and full of energy, a little shy at first, or just looking for some extra love and attention.

When I’m not working, I enjoy gaming, watching shows, and spending time relaxing with the people and pets I love. I’m so excited to meet all of your pups and help make their days happy, fun, and full of tail wags!

Katrina, a Jollytails Dartmouth groomer

Groomer

Katrina

Katrina grew up next to the ocean in beautiful Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia. She has been grooming for almost four years right here in HRM.

Read moreRead less

She started out her career with Jollytails when the new Dartmouth location opened, and has been receiving many repeat grooming clients since she joined our team. Katrina is the proud pet mom of Borat the Chihuahua mix, Ty the Min Pin mix, Addy the Yorkie mix, Julep the Yellow Lab and Biggie the Rabbit.

When she isn’t grooming (and snuggling) your dogs, she can be found spending time with her husband, going on all sorts of adventures across the beautiful province. In addition to many years of experience and training, Katrina most recently completed her Fear Free Groomer Certification.

Cayden, a Jollytails Dartmouth groomer, with a dog

Groomer

Cayden

We are thrilled to introduce Cayden, a passionate and dedicated member of our team! Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, Cayden has spent over 8 years working in the pet industry, gaining valuable experience at a local vet clinic, as well as in the dog daycare here at Jollytails, and most recently graduating from grooming school in Moncton.

Read moreRead less

Cayden’s approach to grooming is all about creating a positive experience for every dog. He takes his time to ensure each pup can feel as comfortable as possible, making grooming a stress-free and enjoyable process.

Cayden is a pet lover who finds joy in every moment spent with his five dogs! Whether he's training them for new tricks, engaging in dog sports, or simply hanging out, Cayden is all about building a strong bond with his furry companions.

When he's not working on training sessions or having fun with his pups, Cayden enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. Nature is where he feels most alive, often with his dogs by his side, whether it's a rugged trail or a peaceful campsite.

Cayden also has a deep interest in pet health and nutrition, always seeking the best ways to keep his dogs happy, healthy, and thriving. He’s passionate about educating himself and others on proper care and feeding, ensuring that every dog has the best chance for a long, healthy life. Cayden is also trained and certified in Pet First Aid, and is a Certified Fear Free Groomer.

Janika, a Jollytails Dartmouth groomer, with a dog

Groomer

Janika

Hi, I'm Janika, a dog groomer at Jollytails. I've been a huge dog lover my whole life and have been surrounded by dogs since I was a young girl. Because of that, I always knew I wanted to work with animals and make caring for them my career.

Read moreRead less

I'm pet first aid certified through Walks N Wags and I'm currently working toward becoming Fear Free certified. My goal is to make every grooming experience as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible for every dog that comes to see me. I truly love what do and enjoy building trusting relationships with both pets and their owners.

Join the Jollytails Team

Love making pets’ days better?

See current opportunities to work with the Jollytails store, daycare, grooming, and training teams.