NOTICE - National Urban Animal Report for 2010

Executives in the companion animal industry concerned about the impact of the Internet and the other matters impacting their business are invited to attend an OpenSpace on this matter at the Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies, 13 - 19 April 2011 in Toronto, Halifax, Red Deer and Vancouver.

The proliferation of the Internet is having a remarkable effect on the companion animal industry. In 2006 and 2010 Mike Dover contributed to the understanding of the new Internet paradigms through his involvement on the "Wikinomics" and "Macro Wikinomics" team. In 2011 he launched his own book "WikiBrands" to investigate the impact of the Internet and social media on branding.

OpenSpace:
Retailers, Humane Societies, Veterinarians, Breeders, Licensing Agencies, Internet and other Service providers are invited to attend one of four Summits and to participate in a facilitated discussion of wikibrand principals. Mike Dover, author of "WikiBrands", principal of Socialstruct Advisory Group is delivering the National Urban Animal Report for 2010 and will speak to the issues of online brand development and maintenance.

Other Summit Conversations:
Patricia Cameron, Executive Director, Calgary Humane Society, will be leading a conversation that looks at the four waves of the humane movement. Joe Mauro, will be leading a conversation on voluntary compliance and best practices for breeders. Louis McCann, Chair, National Companion Animal Coalition, will be leading a conversation on the new National Codes of Conduct governing all aspects of the companion animal industry.

Registration:
The specific venues and dates, as well as registration, for this event can be found at http://www.tsuas.com/ or by contacting Judi Cannon:

NOTICE - Voluntary Compliance & Best Practices for Breeders

Executives in the companion animal industry concerned about the definition for compliant sources of dogs and cats are invited to attend an OpenSpace on this matter at the Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies, 13 - 19 April 2011 in Toronto, Halifax, Red Deer and Vancouver.

Background:
The advent of the Internet has allowed non-compliant sources of cats and dogs to escape detection and bring thousands of pets into our communities with homing episodes that are below acceptable standards. The companion animal industry has recognized this problem and has come together to develop a solution that will reduce or eliminate two sources of pets; unintentional and intentional non-compliant breeders; while providing official recognition for compliant sources. A new national seal of approval will help service providers like Kijiji, pet stores and breeders to help pet families acquire a pet from a compliant source with confidence.

OpenSpace:
Retailers, Humane Societies, Veterinarians, Breeders, Licensing Agencies, Internet and other Service providers are invited to attend one of four Summits to participate in a facilitated discussion of the proposed qualifications. Joe Mauro, is leading this national conversation with the support of the other national industry leaders.

Other Summit Conversations:
Louis McCann Chair, National Companion Animal Coalition, will be leading a conversation on the new National Codes of Conduct governing all aspects of the companion animal industry. Patricia Cameron, Executive Director, Calgary Humane Society, will be leading a conversation that looks at the four waves of the humane movement. Mike Dover, author of 'WikiBrands' principal of SocialStruct Advisory will deliver the National Urban Animal Report for 2010.

Registration:
The specific venues and dates as well as the registration for this event can be found at http://www.tsuas.com/ or by contacting Judi Cannon
E: event@tsuas.com; P: 705.749.6607.

NOTICE - The Humane Movement - Where we're coming from and Where we're going

Executives in the companion animal industry concerned about the Future of the Humane Movement are invited to attend an OpenSpace on this matter at the Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies, 13 - 19 April 2011 in Toronto, Halifax, Red Deer and Vancouver.

Background:
There have been four waves in the development of the Humane movement. The future may be challenging as the Internet expands the reach of pseudo Humane organizations who may not deliver any legitimate services in the areas where they raise funds. The companion animal industry has recognized this problem and has come together to develop a solution that will provide official recognition for compliant agencies. A new national seal of approval together with changes to the legislation governing Not For Profit Status may help identify the legitimate Humane organizations.

OpenSpace:
Retailers, Humane Societies, Veterinarians, Breeders, Licensing Agencies, Internet and other Service providers are invited to attend one of four Summits and to participate in a facilitated discussion of the Humane Movement. Patricia Cameron, Executive Director, Calgary Humane Society is leading a conversation that looks at the four waves of the humane movement.

Other Summit Conversations:
Joe Mauro, will be leading a national conversation on Voluntary Compliance and Best Practices for Breeders. Louis McCann, Chair, National Companion Animal Coalition, will be leading a conversation on the new National Codes of Conduct governing all aspects of the companion animal industry. Mike Dover, author of "WikiBrands", principal of Socialstruct Advisory Group will deliver the National Urban Animal Report for 2010.

Registration:
The specific venues and dates, as well as registration, can be found at :

http://www.tsuas.com/ or by contacting Judi Cannon;
e: event@tsuas.com or p: 705.749.6607.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

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. 

How Has Domestication Changed the Cat?

Delegates at the Vancouver and Toronto 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies were provided with with a rare opportunity to gain research-based insight into how genetics have played a role in the evolution of the cat.

A total of 92% of delegates who responded to a survey agreed that Dr. Leslie Lyons, Associate Professor of Genetics at the University of California Davis,  was "considered to be an expert" and "conveyed information in her presentation in a way they could relate to."

2010 Regional Summit Highlight: The "Year of The Cat"

The 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies were successfully delivered in four locations across Canada during the week of April 19. And, according to delegates who attended the Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax or Toronto events, the Summits provided education, inspiration and excellent value.

Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien's presentation in Edmonton and Halifax met with rave reviews. Dr. O'Brien presented a synopsis of the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA's 2008 special promotion called "The Year of the Cat."

More 2010 Regional Summit Highlights

"Intelligent, forward thinking... such a welcome change and a breath of fresh air!" was how one delegate described the presentation given by Bill Bruce, Manager of The City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services, at the 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies. The events were held in four cities across Canada the week of 19 April.

More than 85% of delegates who completed the post-Summit survey said that Bruce was: 

• an effective and engaging speaker
• an expert on the subject matter
• delivered relevant and useful content, and
• conveyed information in ways they could relate to.

Bruce's lecture focused on the success of The City of Calgary's cat licensing program and provided attendees with insight on how they can effectively duplicate the program in their own communities.
"We did our research before implementing cat licensing," explained Bruce. "We recognized that we had an average of 9,000 cats a year entering the shelter system in Calgary. Of these, only about 17% had traceable identification. As a result, the return to owner and euthanasia rates were dismal. The problem, we recognized, was not necessarily one of pet overpopulation but a need for people to become more responsible pet owners. Once we understood the problem we developed a program to get the public to understand it."

Since introducing voluntary cat licensing in June 2006, and mandatory licensing in January 2007, The City of Calgary has exceeded its initial estimate of having about 20,000 licensed cats. More than 50% of cats in Calgary are now believed to be licensed. Licensing has resulted in returned to owner rates increasing to about 60% and euthanasia rates changing from 36% to 18%.

Want to learn more about how you can connect with other thought leaders in the companion animal industry? Check out the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies to be held at Lake Louise, Alberta, 13 - 16 October 2010.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

Regional Summit Provides Platform to Share Statistics

The Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies, held in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Halifax the week of 19 April 2010 provided Larry Evans, President and CEO of PetLynx Corporation, with an opportunity to share highlights of the 2009 Urban Animal Survey.

The survey --  Urban Cats - Our Biggest Opportunity -- was conducted in the fall of 2009. This in-depth research proved to be extremely insightful for manufacturers of pet food and animal health products, veterinary associations, shelters, animal control agencies and retailers of pet care products. This research provides a comprehensive measurement of pet owner attitudes and the behavior exhibited towards their animal companions.

Although presenting statistical data can be a challenge, Evans did not disappoint! Delegates commented that the presentation was "Entertaining, interesting and enjoyable."

Another delegate remarked: "Given the huge amount of information in the survey, it was valuable to hear the conclusions that followed."

A total of 82% of delegates felt the presentation conveyed the information "in a matter I could relate to" and 74% felt the "information was relevant to me."

WHY CONDUCT AN NORTH AMERICAN URBAN ANIMAL SURVEY? 

At the first Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in 2006, delegates clearly indicated that they required clarity of thought on how to manage urban animals. A lack of reliable statistics and information on constituent’s views hampers municipal leaders and legislators in their efforts to develop urban animal strategies and thus create and sustain a healthy community for pets and people

Want to learn more about how you can connect with other thought leaders in the companion animal industry? Check out the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies to be held at Lake Louise, Alberta, 13 - 16 October 2010.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

2010 Regional Summits A Resounding Success

The 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies were successfully delivered in four locations across Canada during the week of April 19. And, according to delegates who attended the Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax or Toronto events, the Summits provided education, inspiration and excellent value.


When asked to rate The Regional Summits on a scale of 1 - 9, with six-to-nine being "agree" to "strongly agree", 100% of respondents gave it top ranking for inspiration.

When asked if they had "gained at least one new idea to take back to their workplace," 92% ranked it 6 and above.


95% of delegates felt the mid-April scheduling of the event was desirable and 74% said they would attend next year.

In the comments section of the delegate survey, one satisfied attendee wrote: "It was an honour to be in a room and hear these speakers that are so like-minded. They have truly inspired me and given me much-needed encouragement to carry on the work that our Foundation does in our community."


Another delegate summed it up by saying: "[The Summit] was extremely well-organized and had great presenters with a great sense of humor. It made it fun to be there."


Want to learn more about how you can connect with other thought leaders in the companion animal industry? Check out the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies to be held at Lake Louise, Alberta, 13 - 16 October 2010.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

Last Chance RSUAS Registration

This is it!  The cross Canada tour of the Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies is about to begin.  Thursday April 15th is your last chance to register for your regional summit.

Pacific Regional Summit ~ Monday April 19th, Vancouver 

Prairie Regional Summit ~ Tuesday April 20th, Edmonton 

Atlantic Regional Summit ~ Thursday April 22nd, Halifax 

Central Regional Summit~ Friday April 23nd, Toronto

These events foster collaboration with all pet industry stakeholders in the region and help to find solutions for current companion animal issues.  All delegates will have a chance to participate in a valuable continuing education program that focuses on the business case "Cat Licensing in Calgary." This program will be delivered by Bill Bruce from The City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services.

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 International 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.

Speakers 
Bill Bruce ~ Manager Animal & Bylaw Services, City of Calgary
Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien ~ DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
Dr. Leslie Lyons ~ Associate Professor of Genetics UC Davis Veterinary Medicine

Registration

$150 plus taxes includes your breakfast, lunch and reception. 

A Destron Fearing microchip scanner will be awarded as a door prize!

Click here for the agenda for each event.     For more information contact:

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

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

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

Fur Flying in Los Angeles Over Dog License Drive

A recent news report on KTLA TV, featured on L.A. Times video, reported that the cash-strapped city is going to the dogs — literally.

The Los Angeles City Council voted February 23, 2010, to have two departments share information in order to track down people who haven't licensed their pets.

The City of LA estimates that two-thirds of the city's canine are unlicensed. Licenses cost $15 for a sterilized dog and $100 for an unaltered pet. Getting all dogs licensed would mean at least an additional $3.6 million in fees to the city.

The Department of Animal Services has eight full-time people whose job is to find and license dogs. The Department of Water and Power keeps a meter-reader database of homes with dogs. The council ordered the departments to coordinate to find (and license) those dogs that are currently not bylaw compliant.

This unusual use of a civic database would make for lively discussion during networking opportunities at the upcoming Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies!

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

Agenda for 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies

Plans are well underway for the four 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies (SUAS), to be held across Canada this Spring.

The Regional Summits gather industry leaders (unit and branch managers) from the four primary stakeholder groups of the pet industry: animal welfare, animal control & legislative enforcement, animal health & wellness and animal services.  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.   

Topics to be covered during the 2010 series include:

• An in-depth look at the 2009 Urban Animal Survey
• An introduction to the Homing Canada Initiative
• Case Study: Cat Licensing in The City of Calgary
• Feline Geonomics (Vancouver & Toronto)
• The Year of the Cat Initiative (Edmonton & Halifax)
• HomeSafe/RDog Launch

Plan to attend the Regional Summit nearest you:

Pacific Region ~ Vancouver, Monday, 19 April

Prairie Region ~ Edmonton, Tuesday, 20 April

Atlantic Region ~ Halifax, Thursday, 22 April

Central Region ~ Toronto, Friday, 23 April

Please register online at www.tsuas.com.
We regret that it is necessary to limit registrations to the first 60 delegates this year.

For more information contact: Judi Cannon
The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies 
Direct: 705.930.7387

Office: 403.219.1088

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

Regional Summit Dates Announced

The 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies are being held:

• April 19th Vancouver
• April 20th Edmonton
• April 22nd Halifax
• April 23rd Toronto

The Regional Summits gather industry leaders (unit and branch managers) from the four primary stakeholder groups of the pet industry: animal welfare, animal control & legislative enforcement, animal health & wellness and animal services. 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.

Please register online at www.tsuas.com.
We regret that it is necessary to limit registrations to the first 60 delegates this year.

For more information contact:
Judi Cannon
The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies
Direct: 705.930.7387

Office: 403.219.1088