She’s only 17 years old, but Shamica Cottreau has shown more kindness, selflessness and dedication than many of us can claim for a lifetime. She’s choosing to use her time to learn, to invest in herself and to help make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.
Growing up, Shamica was surrounded by pets. She said “Animals have always been a big part of my family life. At one point, I had three dogs, 2 cats, a few fish and a turtle all at the same time! They definitely inspired my love of animals.”
This spring, Shamica decided to put her passion for animals to good use. She completed an unpaid 80-hour Cooperative Education Work Placement at the SPCA’s Yarmouth Shelter through her high school, Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial. Perhaps it was fate that brought Shamica to the SPCA’s doorstep. She explained “I consulted with my Co-op teacher who suggested I do a placement at a daycare or with the SPCA. Given that I had previous experience working with children, I decided to try something new and chose the SPCA placement.”
The decision turned out to be a great one. Shamica related “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the SPCA, where I had the opportunity to learn a lot about animal care. This experience not only allowed me to fulfill my graduation requirements but also opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career involving animals in the future.” During her placement, Shamica was responsible for a variety of duties including assisting with the intake process for animals, ensuring that each new arrival was properly documented and settled into the shelter. She also played a crucial role in daily care routines, including scheduled feedings for both cats and dogs.
“In addition to basic care, I contributed to enrichment of the dogs by engaging them in activities such as walks, playing fetch and other exercises designed to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated,” said Shamica. “This was an important aspect of their care, as it helped to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being while at the shelter.”
Equally as important, Shamica helped maintain a sanitary environment by cleaning cages, kennels, litter boxes, and cat carriers. This is essential to prevent the spread of disease and to ensure that the animals live in a comfortable and hygienic space. Shamica summed up her work placement – “My time at the SPCA not only strengthened my understanding of animal care but also deepened my compassion for animals in need.”
Shamica was so inspired and enjoyed her experience so much that she decided to enroll in the new Veterinary Assistant Program that started this September at the Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare. Remarkably, even though Shamica’s work placement was completed, she decided to volunteer at the Yarmouth Shelter during the summer to deepen her knowledge and skills in animal care before her program of studies started. She shared “Being a volunteer at the SPCA offered me a chance to expand on what I had previously learned, allowing me to continue working with animals in a more in-depth and practical way. This experience was not only fulfilling but also aligned with my growing interest in pursuing a future career in the field.” Shamica ended up volunteering at the Yarmouth Shelter anywhere from 3-5 days every single week!
Amazingly, Shamica’s dedication to becoming her best self doesn’t stop with helping animals. In summer 2023, she worked at the Cadet Training Centre in New Brunswick. She explained “As an army cadet leader and instructor, you learn invaluable skills such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. You develop the ability to guide and mentor others, fostering a sense of community and respect among your peers. The experience teaches you the importance of leading by example and the value of perseverance and commitment.”
In 2022, Shamica participated in Camp Courage, designed to offer young female leaders a unique experience that empowers them through hands-on training in emergency services like firefighting, policing, and paramedicine. She shared “The camp teaches confidence, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions fearlessly. Through the camp, young women learn to overcome challenges, work collaboratively, and emerge as strong, capable leaders ready to make a difference in their communities. This is especially important to me as a young Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Mi’kmaq youth.”
I asked Shamica what advice she’d give to other young people who care about animals. “Volunteering at the SPCA is an amazing way for teens to make a real difference in the lives of animals. It’s a chance to learn valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and discover the joy of caring for animals in need. Not only will you be helping cats, dogs, and other pets find loving homes, but you’ll also be part of a community that shares your passion for making the world a better place for animals. Plus, the experience can open doors to future opportunities and careers in animal care. Take the first step—your time and effort can make a huge impact!”
Given Shamica’s passion for animals, her caring nature, team spirit and strong work ethic, we know that she will excel in the SPCA College of Animal Welfare’s new Veterinary Assistant Program. Please join me in giving a round of ‘a-paws’ to this outstanding young woman.