Playful Paws

Meet the Team

Kylie – Operations Manager

Kylie has been a valued member of our team for over 10 years, bringing a wealth of experience, dedication, and heart to everything she does. With a lifelong love for animals, Kylie grew up surrounded by pets and turned that passion into a career. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Biology and Animal Science, which deepens her understanding of the animals in her care.

Kylie currently shares her home with Arya, a sweet rescue dog, and she’s deeply committed to fostering dogs in need—giving them a safe and loving environment until they find their forever homes. When she’s not working with animals, Kylie loves to travel and explore new places.

Her combination of professional knowledge and personal passion makes her an incredible asset to both our team and the pets we serve every day.

Alex – Head Groomer

Alex Gilmour is a certified dog groomer with over eight years of experience at Playful Paws, six of those as a dedicated groomer. Known for a calm and caring approach, Alex is passionate about creating a safe and relaxing environment where dogs of all breeds receive the best care possible. With a deep love for animals and a strong commitment to their well-being, Alex takes pride in building trust with both pets and their owners to ensure every grooming experience is positive and stress-free.

Outside of work, Alex leads an active and balanced lifestyle—having completed two half marathons, enjoys regular running and gym sessions, and values time spent at home with Finley, a beloved dog. Whether traveling or relaxing locally, Alex also finds fulfillment in volunteering as a youth leader at a local church, bringing mentorship and encouragement to the next generation. 

Grounded yet adventurous, Alex brings warmth, professionalism, and dedication to every area of life.

Hannah – Office Manager

Hannah has been an essential part of the Playful Paws team since September 2022, bringing warmth, organization, and a genuine love for animals to everything she does. As Office Manager, she plays a key role in keeping the daycare running smoothly—managing daily operations, coordinating with the team, and maintaining clear, friendly communication with every client.

Whether she’s answering questions, scheduling visits, or helping a new pup feel right at home, Hannah is always ready with a warm smile and a can-do attitude.

At home, Hannah enjoys relaxing with her chocolate-colored dog and cat—two cuddly companions who fill her days with fun and affection. When she’s not curled up with them on the couch, she enjoys peaceful visits to the farm, where she can unwind and recharge.

Shyanne – Acreage Kennel Manager

Shyanne has been a dedicated member of the Playful Paws team for the past three years, bringing her lifelong passion for animals, especially dogs, into every aspect of her work. She began her journey working across both the Urban and Acreage locations, where her commitment and natural leadership quickly led to a promotion to supervisor at the Urban site.

Recognizing where her strengths and heart truly belonged, Shyanne eventually transitioned full-time and took on managing the Acreage location. Her deep understanding of canine behavior and her calm, confident approach make her especially skilled at working with dogs who benefit from more individualized attention and care. She finds purpose in the challenges that come with supporting these dogs and is rewarded by the progress and trust they build over time.

With a lifetime of pet ownership, currently sharing her home with four dogs, Shyanne has always known she was meant for a career working with animals. Under her guidance, the Acreage has become a safe, enriching space for dogs who thrive in a quieter, more personal setting.

Cameron – Urban Kennel Manager 

If your dog has spent any time at Playful Paws, chances are they know Cameron, and probably adore him. As our dedicated Kennel Manager, Cameron is not only the friendly face your pup sees daily at the park, but also the calm and confident presence that helps them feel safe and cared for. With a natural ability to connect with animals and a patient, steady demeanor, Cameron has become an essential part of our team and a favorite among our four-legged guests.

Cameron leads our pack both literally and behind the scenes. He organizes our busiest weekends with care and precision, ensuring that every dog has what they need to feel at home, from comfort items brought from home to consistent routines and personal attention. He’s the go-to person when it comes to group play and park time, and his experience and attentiveness allow him to read dog behavior.

What truly sets Cameron apart is his passion for animal well-being. Whether he's spending time getting to know a shy newcomer or leading a high-energy playgroup, Cameron creates a safe and enriching environment for every dog in our care. His leadership, patience, and love for animals are the heartbeat of Playful Paws.

Owners, Playful Paws Kennel & Care

With over 12 years of hands-on experience in the world of animal care, my journey with the pets at Playful Paws has been deeply personal and incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and caring for thousands of dogs, many of whom hold a special place in my heart and feel like an extension of my own family. Since stepping into a management role at Playful Paws in 2018, I’ve made it my mission to create a safer, more enriching environment for every pet in our care, because to me, they’ve always been family.

My passion for working with animals truly took root when I welcomed a dog with behavioral challenges into my life. He tested my patience, taught me invaluable skills, and ultimately shaped my approach to compassionate, individualized care. That experience continues to influence everything we do at Playful Paws today.

Today, as proud owners of Playful Paws, my husband, Gaetan, and I are excited to build on the foundation that has made this facility such a trusted part of the community. Together, we are committed to providing exceptional care while continually improving and growing our facility. Gaetan, a skilled finishing carpenter, brings his craftsmanship and creativity to enhancing our space, helping us create an environment that is welcoming, safe, and comfortable for both pets and their people.

As a family, we love spending time outdoors camping, canoeing, hiking, and making memories with our dogs. They’re included in as many of our adventures as possible, and when they can’t join us, we have complete confidence knowing they’re safe, comfortable, and cared for by our incredible team at Playful Paws. Our love for animals extends beyond our own pets, and fostering homeless dogs has become an important part of our lives. Giving dogs a second chance and helping them find loving homes is something we are passionate about, and it's especially meaningful to share that experience with our daughter.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead Playful Paws into its next chapter. Our goal is to continue creating a place where pets feel loved, families feel confident, and every pet in our care is treated as if they were one of our own.

Robin & Gaetan Lalonde