Responsible breeder education

A Canadian Bulldog provider came under fire earlier this week when news articles questioning its legitimacy began to surface. Formerly Perfect Bulldog Puppies, Canada Bulldogs appears to be a 'broker' rather than a breeder and suffers a nostaligic reputation for selling puppies with health problems. 

Valina Pope, co-founder of Starstruck Labradors feels strongly that families need to do their due diligence when looking for a family pet. Startstruck Labs carries various accreditation, including 2012 Summit award for Responsible Breeder, the  to help potential purchasers make the right choice. 

"Many breeders don't spend the money on health testing," said Pope. "Each breed has faults, so good breeders are testing all of their breeding stock for these issues. This can be verified by their veterinarian, along side certified documentation from laboratories and animal health foundations." 

Other signs Pope suggests looking for when researching a breeder include:

• cost - lower prices could be a sign of cutting corners 
• veterinarian references 
• availability of kennel tours and meeting breeding stock
• return policy and warranty 
• breed knowledge

"We want to set an example for other breeders, and for potential buyers," said Pope. "The standards we uphold are transferable to any species, breed and breeder. Anyone who produces animals purposefully needs to be responsible for the lives they bring into this world." 

Nominate a Responsible Breeder for a 2013 Summit Award

Prairie Showcase Summary

As the Urban Animal Conferences moved to the Prairies, innovation showcases took on a 'green' theme. Collaborations, concepts and relationships built in Alberta have resulted in dog friendly parks, the rehoming of thousands of animals and the beginning of a critical industry conversation. 

Calgary's Pet Friendly Parks:
Once complete, the Rotary Greenway Project (Parks Foundation Calgary) will include 138 kms of pathways and parks encircling and linking numerous areas of the city. Dog parks, off-leash areas and agility parks. 

Carbon Pawpring, Greening the Pet Experience: 
Dogs present several environmental challenges - waste, toys, poop bags - which pose a threat to our environmental sustainability. Patricia Cameron suggests purchasing organic toys, composting or flushing waste and education on pet food as possible ways to Green our Pet Experience. 

Petland/Alberta Animal Services:
A unique partnership between Alberta Animal Services and Petland Canada has saved the lives of more than 400 animals. Not only does Red Deer Petland adopt out shelter animals, they also contribute a significant amount of fundraising. Red Deer Petland is currently building an AAS Adoption Centre - funded by Petland, staffed by AAS.  

Pet Ownership for the Elite?:
With rising veterinary, food and caregiving costs, Edmonton Humane's Executive Director recently questioned the financial ability of lower and middle classes to keep pets. Her blog post sparked healthy debate and conversation among industry professionals at the 2013 Regional Conference in Calgary. 

Post Mortem, Vernon BC Puppy Ban: 
With the support of PIJAC Canada, Lisa Badach, owner of AJs Pets in Vernon B.C. was able to educate the community and city council on responsible breeding and the incurred retail of puppies in pet stores. As a result, the City voted no on a retail puppy ban. 

Following the Innovation Showcases, attendees were asked to select the two presentations they felt should be invited to the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies. As a result, Calgary's Pet Friendly Parks and Petland/Alberta Animal Services will receive invitations to showcase their successes at the national level in October. 

Atlantic Showcase Summary

Halifax, Nova Scotia played host to the second stop on the 2013 Regional Conference tour. The Atlantic Conference supported one of the strongest Regional Innovation Showcase line-ups of the year with a wide variety of presentations ranging from feline weight loss to sustainable energy. The Atlantic Canada Showcases highlighted many innovative and interesting concepts which could be introduced in other regions across the country. 

Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge: 
Through the power of social media, the Fredericton SPCA succeeded in internationalizing the story of an overweight cat. Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge raised money for animals FSPCA animals and inspired a nation of people and pets to lose weight. 

Tuxedo Stan for Mayor: 
Tuxedo Stan's campaign platform included increased awareness for feral and stray cat issues in Nova Scotia. And while his name may not actually be on the ballot, the Tuxedo Party has raised more than $12,000 for cats and continues to make international headlines. 

Sustainable Wind Energy: 
The Nova Scotia SPCA stands to earn $100,000 - $200,000 in annual revenue for the next 25-30 years thanks to its partnership with RMS Energy to develop sustainable wind energy in the province. 

Prince Edward Island TNR Program:  
More than 8,000 feral, stray and barn cats have been spayed and neutered on Prince Edward Island since 2000. This very successful initiative is a collaborative effort between the Cat Action Team (CAT) and the Atlantic Veterinary College. 

Working On Our Future (WOOF):
WOOF pairs shelter dogs with behavioral issues with offenders to assist both the dogs and the men mutually achieve goals of skill development and socialization. 

Following the Regional Innovation Showcases, delegates were asked to select the two presentations they felt should be invited to the Urban Animal Summit. As a result, WOOF and Prince Edward Island TNR Program will receive invitations to showcase their successes at the national level in October. 

2013 Regional Conference Keynote Address on YouTube

Presented across Canada at the 2013 Regional Conferences in April, Dr. Drew Van Niekerk shared his theories regarding the Pet Experience Project as a means to create happy and healthy communities for pets and people is a must-watch for industry professionals, pet owners and the public at large. In his address, Dr. Drew asks industry sectors to come together to identify and then break down the barriers that work against a positive pet experience. 

To join the conversation or to register for Summit 2013 or the 2014 Conferences, visit www.urbananimal.com.