“Just Pets” or “Members of the Family”?

North American Urban Animal Survey Highlight

The 2009 North American Urban Animal Survey (NAUAS), presented at the 2009 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies, revealed that dog owners fit into four main categories:

· Engaged Dog Lovers (30%)

· Dog Pleasers (21%)

· Canine Traditionalists (22%)

· Canine Pragmatists (27%)

Why is this important to know and understand?

Recognizing that not all dog owners share the same level of affinity for their canine companions is vital for the animal welfare and animal services industries. It should influence how (and why) we market various goods and services to the general population.

While we would all like to believe that all dog owners view their pets as valued members of the family, this research validates that this is not the case. Canine Pragmatists, for example, have only a moderate emotional connection with their dogs and Canine Traditionalists are less bonded with their dogs, when compared to Dog Pleasers and Engaged Dog Owners.

In addition to providing a thorough analysis of how each of these four dog-owner segments and three cat-owner segments viewed their pets’ status in the family unit, the 2009 NAUAS also delved into various aspects of pet ownership, such as their roles and responsibilities as animal care providers, their understanding of spaying and neutering, the level of training they have provided for their pets and much more.

This timely and targeted research could prove to be an invaluable tool to help you with your marketing efforts!

Find out how to subscribe to the North American Urban Animal Survey.

Learn more about the National and Regional Summits For Urban Animal Strategies.

Why Are There Two Types of Summits?

In effort to meet the needs of various stakeholders in the companion animal industry, there are two types of Summits for Urban Animal Strategies held each year. Although the topic for both Summits is the same, the attendance criteria are different.

Regional Associate Summits for Urban Animal Strategies (RASUAS):

· Attendance is open to individuals working in animal control/legislation, animal health/wellness, animal welfare and animal services. An invitation from an industry peer is not required. Once a delegate has attended, they have the status of Summit Associate.

· To accommodate participation of a variety of attendees each year, the location of Regional Summits changes annually.

National Alumni Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (NASUAS):

· Attendance is restricted to executive-level industry thought leaders in the companion animal industry. All potential delegates must be nominated by a current Alumnus and be approved by the Summit Nominating Committee.

· The 2010 NASUAS will be held at Lake Louise, Alberta. The 2011 Summit is tentatively scheduled to be held in Central Canada.

For more information contact:

Judi Canon, NASUAS Program Manager

(P) 705.930.7387 (E) event@tsuas.com

Why Become a Summit Alumnus?

Because the National Alumni Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (NASUAS) gives you the tools you need to bring practical solutions to your organization and inspire industry stakeholders to work collaboratively to create a healthier community for pets and people.

The NASUAS attracts some of the brightest minds in the North American companion animal industry. Your attendance allows you to participate in executive level discussions, hear world-class speakers and network with others who face similar challenges.

By being part of the alumni group, you become part of the solution. This results in significant benefits for you, as an individual, for your organization and for your community.

What does this mean for you?

As an Alumnus, you have access to a proprietary ‘Alumni Only’ section of the tsuas.com website that provides a wealth of information, including:

Directory: Published to encourage and facilitate continued dialogue and is for exclusive use of alumni in good standing. Includes the names and contact information for more than 160 thought leaders from all four sectors of the companion animal industry.

Resources: Designed to facilitate information sharing and the implementation of ideas and concepts discussed at the NASUAS. This information is updated and added to on a regular basis, so be sure to check it out every few weeks to learn what’s new!

Discounts: Special consideration is given to the Alumni group, for such things as event registration and subscriptions to the annual survey.

To maintain your Alumni status, it is essential that you attend at least one NASUAS every two years. If you cannot attend, then you must apply for special consideration to maintain your status or have another alumni nominate you as a delegate.

For more information contact:

Judi Canon, NASUAS Program Manager

(P) 705.930.7387 (E) event@tsuas.com