Agenda Set for the 2011 Regional Summits April 13-19

Great Presenters. Compelling content. Stimulating conversations.
The 2011 Regional Summits will deliver all this and more!  

'Collaboration, change and progress' are not words usually associated with the many challenges we face in the companion animal industry. Yet they are now being used to describe the various initiatives resulting from conversations that started at the October 2010 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS) and are continuing in communities across Canada!
   
We invite you to attend the 2011 Regional Summit (RSUAS) event in the community nearest you. The Regional Summits are the 'Reader's Digest' version of the International Summit. These events allow you to gain insight on what transpired at the International Summit, review industry metrics and and to join in conversations that are moving the companion animal industry in exciting new directions!
  
This year's Regional events will focus on the ever-challenging issue of 'animal homing'. A line-up of dynamic speakers will deliver a synopsis of presentations from the 2010 ISUAS and an interactive 'Open Spaces' program will be facilitated by Karen Dawson, Create Now Inc.  Open Spaces is a proven networking strategy that puts all industry stakeholders in one room and fosters a spirit of respect, trust and open communication. Karen's role as moderator is to support us as we get 'unstuck' and engage in meaningful and productive conversations. 

Summit Story in PIJAC Canada's Newsletter

"Did you ever wonder how, when and why the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies got started? Now you can read all about it in the December 2010 issue of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Canada's (PIJAC) e-newsletter, 'The Voice'.

Learn how Larry Evans and the PetLynx Corporation's team's vision of opening the lines of communication amongst all sectors of the companion animal industry is making a difference for pets and people in communities across Canada and gain insight into how pet retailers feel about the important role they play in the companion animal industry.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

The 2010 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies is on now!

THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED SPONSORS!

CLICK HERE for more info on the International Summit For Urban Animal Strategies.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

2010 Summit Speaker Synopsis Part XII

The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Presents:

A Framework for National Codes of Conduct 

Presenter: Louis McCann 

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Canada (PIJAC Canada)

The welfare of urban animals in Canada is the common link between all sectors of the pet industry.  With a long history of philosophical differences these sectors have frequently found it a challenge to collaborate.  This presentation will discuss the reality the industry is currently facing and why national codes of conduct are desperately needed to help address homing issues.

Louis McCann will propose a step by step plan on how to work together and explain why a cooperative pooling of resources is the path to progress.  He will offer evidence of other success stories and discuss how existing materials can help pave the way to developing codes of conduct.  Louis will share his experiences from both the SPCA and business sides of the industry to illustrate why a unified approach is the key for success.

2010 Summit Speaker Synopsis Part XI

The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Presents: 

Responsible Homing Practices at Retail

Presenters: Kieth Burgess, PIJAC /Pet Paradise

and Robert Brissette, Petland Canada Inc.

As a community based source for pets and pet care information Canadian pet retailers have an integral role in helping to ensure pets find good homes.  Pet stores have come a long way since they first appeared in the 1950’s. 

As the emotional value of pets has sky rocketed in the last decade owners are becoming more conscious and open to the needs of their animals. A respected, easily accessible source for information, retail stores are well positioned to educate owners about the responsibility and work involved in caring for their pets.  This presentation will take a brief look back at the evolution of pet retail and what drives it today.

Keith Burgess and Robert Brissette will explore the challenges faced by both independent and large operations, as well as, share the homing initiatives they use in their business models to illustrate how reputable retailers are working to advance the well-being of pets in their communities.

2010 Summit Speaker Synopsis Part 1

The International Summit For Urban Animal Strategies Presents:

2010 National Survey on Retail Puppy Sales

There have been numerous media reports covering stories regarding the sale of puppies in stores. Questions about sources and care practices are frequently brought up. Subjective facts and figures have resulted in wide spread misinformation.

To help develop a clearer picture of how the retail model functions PIJAC Canada conducted the 2010 National Survey on Retail Puppy Sales as a way for stores to share their methods of operation. PIJAC Canada's Susan Dankert's presentation of the survey results will offer an insightful look into the sale and care of puppies in pet shops around Canada.  This talk will offer data on topics such as, average number of cages, sales, sourcing, care and warranties.

Regional Summit Update

It is with great pleasure that the organizing committee for the Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies announces the sponsors and collaborators for this year's events that are happening across Canada the week of April 19th, 2010.

The Regional Summits gather industry leaders (unit and branch managers) from all sectors of the pet industry.  These one day events deliver content from the previous National Alumni Summit, promote industry collaboration in each region, provide Continuing Education for industry management and expand the number of collaborators working toward common goals and urban animal strategies in the companion animal industry.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Iams Canada 

SESSION SPONSORS:

Petsecure

CDMV

GENERAL SPONSORS:

Petsmart Charities of Canada

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) Canada

Canadian Kennel Club

Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

Destron Fearing

The collaborators play an important role in their region bringing new delegates to the events while fostering collaboration in their communities.  We would like to thank the Edmonton Animal Services, BC SPCA, OVMA, Ontario SPCA, Calgary Humane Society, and the Moncton SPCA.

We thank the sponsors and collaborators for sharing the vision of the Summits.  Without their support these events would not be possible.  Feel free to speak with a sponsor or collaborator regarding their reasons for participating in the Regional Summits.

This year's agenda is packed with high quality speakers and industry metrics never seen before.  We also have an exciting game that involves a door prize for each event - a microchip scanner from Destron Fearing.  Unfortunately we are limiting the number of delegates to 60 per event.

Register today to avoid disappointment.

Judi Cannon
The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies
Direct: 705.930.7387     Office: 403.219.1088

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

H1N1 Confirmed in Canadian Ferret and American Cat

November 6, 2009: Yesterday, PIJAC Canada received notice that the first confirmed case of H1N1 in a ferret was reported to the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association.

In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) put out a press release yesterday stating that there has been one confirmed case of a cat in Iowa contracting the H1N1 virus from the owners.

Please take notice of this PIJAC Canada bulletin to learn more on what you should do.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has also posted an information sheet on their website for pet owners.

Questions for PIJAC Canada?
(p) 1-800-667-7452 or 1-613-730-8111
(e) memberservices@pijaccanada.com.

Future Thought Leader Scholarship Winners Selected

Pet Lynx Corporation is pleased to announce the winners of this year's National Summit on Urban Animal Strategies (NSUAS) Future Thought Leaders Scholarships.

The NSUAS Future Leader Scholarship program, established in 2008, provides $1500 in funding to enable recipients to attend the Summit. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills in the companion animal industry and a specific interest in urban animal strategies.

"As usual, a number of highly qualified individuals were nominated by their peers," said Larry Evans, President of PetLynx Corporation. "And, as usual, the task of choosing the two winners was a challenge. It is inspiring to read about the good work that so many people are doing in various communities across Canada."

The 2009 scholarship winners are.....

Johanne Tasse
Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec (caacQ)

Johanne Tasse has worked tirelessly for more than a decade, in an effort to reduce the high numbers of healthy and adoptable companion animals euthanized in Quebec each year and to "push for change as a united voice."

In 2008, Johanne was instrumental in establishing a non-profit society -- Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec (caacQ). Since its inception, Johanne and her peers at caacQ have lobbied all levels of government, presented education programs to the general public, aggressively promoted spay/neuter awareness and launched a campaign to encourage the people of Quebec to consider "The Adoption Option" when acquiring a pet.

When nominating Johanne for this award, Louis McCann, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), said; "The situation [relating to companion animals] in Quebec is dreadful. Johanne would welcome the opportunity to network [at the NSUAS] as she often feels that she is alone in this battle, with no other leaders in her province."

"I am honoured to receive the scholarship funding," said Johanne. "I am excited to have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the companion animal industry, to learn from their successes and to be able to take this information to Quebec. This opportunity for networking will help me continue to campaign to change attitudes and legislation relating to management and care of companion animals in Quebec. Change is desperately needed here."

Pierre Filiatreault
Pierre's Alley Cats Society

He may have recently retired after 31 years of service with the Canadian Navy but Pierre Filiatreault continues a life of service... for the feral cats of Halifax.

A champion of "Trap, Neuter, Release" (TNR) programs for cats, Pierre feeds and monitors a colony of about 50 "fixed" cats in the Halifax dockyards. He is proud to report that not a single kitten has been born there in over three years and that all of the cats are well-fed and healthy.

In addition to looking after "his" cats, Pierre gives lectures on the virtues of TNR, supports other groups with funding whenever possible, and has mentored others in how to start their own TNR programs, including one at HRM Halifax.

On behalf of his registered non-profit organization - Pierre's Alley Cats Society -- he is working closely with the City of Halifax in an effort to secure funding for other TNR programs. Pierre also volunteers on the Board of Directors of his local SPCA as well as the Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Network.

Congratulations Johanne and Pierre!

The Countdown to the Summit is on!

The 4th Annual National Summit for Urban Animal Strategies is now just four weeks away! In addition to orchestrating an outstanding roster of speakers, your PetLynx Corporation team has been busy organizing all the fine details -- from meal selections to transportation to entertainment. (We are there to learn, network and plan.... but we have to eat, too!)

As we check off our calendars for the final countdown, we are constantly reminded that organizing this national event simply could not be possible without the continued and valued support of our corporate sponsors.

We extend sincere thanks to:

• IAMS Corporation
• Pet Secure Insurance
• Canadian Kennel Club
• PetSmart Charities
• PIJAC Canada
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
• Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.