PetLynx Summit Series Receives Vet 2011 Accreditation

The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies receive Accreditation as Vet 2011 Events.

2011 was declared 'World Veterinary Year' to celebrate 250 years since the birth of veterinary science and the contributions of the professionals in this industry.  In announcing this accreditation, Dr. Jim Fairles, Vice President, presented the official Vet 2011 Video and brought greetings from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association [CVMA] to the delegates of the Central Regional Summit in Toronto.  The CVMA has been a major contributor to the Summit series and to the National Urban Animal Survey since 2007.

Through this accreditation the PetLynx Summit Series joins events throughout 2011 to celebrate veterinarians, veterinary science and the contributions of these health professionals to our lives.  The International Summit in Montebello will focus on Urban Animal Health. 

To read more about the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies or to register attend the Summit website

To read more about the events planned during 2011 attend this link  Vet 2011

Nestlé first-quarter sales: continuation of strong momentum

• Sales of CHF 20.3 billion, 6.4% organic growth, 4.9% real internal growth
• Growth in developed markets, double-digit growth in emerging markets
• Market share gains in all three Zones
• Full-year outlook unchanged: organic growth of 5-6% combined with margin increase in constant currencies

Paul Bulcke, Nestlé CEO: “We achieved growth in all categories in the first three months of 2011, maintaining last year’s momentum. We continue to invest for the future, particularly in R&D and consumer-facing marketing, while addressing the challenge of higher input costs by accelerating the pace of innovation as well as ensuring the appropriate balance between savings from Nestlé Continuous Excellence and pricing. In view of the strong start to the year, we are able to reconfirm our guidance for 2011 as a whole.”

HOUSEHOLD CELL PHONE PENETRATION AT 78% IN CANADA

More than three-quarters (78%) of Canadian households indicated they had a cell phone in 2010, up from 74% in 2008, according to Statistics Canada's new Residential Telephone Service Survey. The proportion of households with cell phones was highest in three western provinces – Alberta (87%), Saskatchewan (83%) and British Columbia (82%) – and in Ontario (81%).

In addition, more households are abandoning their traditional landline telephones in favour of wireless phones only. In 2010, 13% of households reported they used a cell phone exclusively, up from 8% in 2008. This was particularly the case for young households. In 2010, 50% of households in the 18-to-34 age bracket were using only cell phones, up from 34% two years earlier.

The Residential Telephone Service Survey monitors residential phone penetration rates across all provinces in Canada. Approximately 19,000 households were surveyed in December 2010 as a supplement of the Labour Force Survey.
STATS CANADA REPORT

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Breeder Codes of Practice - Release 01.2

Toronto, 07 April 2011

The first iteration of the Breeder Codes of Practice is now released for comment. Click here to obtain your copy from the newsroom.

Members of the task force will be travelling to Toronto, Halifax, Red Deer and Vancouver to gather comments from the companion animal industry at the Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies during the next two weeks.

Breeders, retailers, humane organizations and municipal agencies are invited to attend and participate in an OpenSpace session to discuss these codes and the industry move towards voluntary compliance.  Register for the Summit nearest you at http://www.tsuas.com/ or contact Judi Cannon 705.749.6607 or judi.cannon@petlynxmail.com

The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies convenes to discuss industry issues and develop industry consensus for strategies that will create and maintain healthy communities for pets and people with input from  all four sectors of the industry: Animal Welfare, Animal Health and Wellness, Animal Control and Enforcement, and Animal Services.

2011 Continuing Education Program Unveiled for Regional Summits

The vision of the Summit Continuing Education Program is to support the professional development of Thought Leaders, Collaborators, Associates, Alumni, Mentors and Advocates in the Companion Animal industry. The Summit CE Program provided Certificates of Merit to delegates of the 2010 Regional Summits in collaboration with the City of Calgary ecucation and professional development staff.

 

In 2011 the program was expanded to integrate contributions from industry leaders at the Ontario SPCA, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada, Apex Publishing, Canadian Kennel Club, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and SocialStruct Advisory Group as well as from the commercial sponsors of the Summit programs such as Western Financial Insurance Company, Procter and Gamble Total Petcare and others.

Among the enhancements to the program are the following proposed elements:

The establishment of a LinkedIn Group to support registered participants with recognition for their career experience and CE credits.

The establishment of a system of credits to recognize peers as they move along their path in professional development:

• Leadership role in a Community program - 1 Credit
• Attendance at a Regional Summit - 2 Credits
• Attendance at an International Summit - 3 Credits
• Challenge Exam if offered (75% score or better) - 3 Credits
• Challenge Essay (70% score or better) - 5 Credits
• Experience - Up to 20 Credits as determined by the Awards Commitee

The establisment of a system of badges which recognizes CE credits and industry experience with Summit designations: 

• Collaborator - 2 Credits
• Associate - 3 Credits
• Alumni - 6 Credits
• Mentor - 12 Credits
• Advocate - 24 Credits

 

The establishment of prerequisites for conveying a Certificate of Merit:

• Register in the Summit CE program on LinkedIn
• Delegate at a Regional or International Summit
• Challenge Exam (not offered in 2011)

Challenge Essay (offered in 2011):

• Provide essay of 800 - 1,500 words and right to publish with credit to source
• Provide in electronic format (MSWord or PDF)
• Executive Summary - 20 marks
• Discussion of evidence in support of your conclusion - 20 marks
• Discussion of views contrary to your conclusion - 20 marks
• Presentation of your conclusion - 20 marks
• Writing style, illustrations, clarity and quality of rhetoric - 20 marks

 

The 2011 Certificate of Merit will be awarded to each challenger presenting an essay that achieves a score of 70% or more in one of four subject areas:

• Industry trends
• National codes of Conduct
• Breeder codes of Practice
• Future of the Humane Movement

 

The 2011 Adjudicator is Mike Dover, SocialStruct, 416.305.9080 or mike.dover@petlynxmail.com

Mar's first Mutt Census reveals US Mixed Breed Population

Mars Veterinary National Mutt Census Identifies the German Shepherd Mix as America's Most Popular Mutt

Launched in March 2010, the Mutt Census conducted by Mars Veterinary, the leading authority in dog DNA analysis took a paw print of America's mixed breed population and aimed to help strengthen the pet-owner bond. Mixed breed dogs account for more than half (53 percent) of all pet dogs in the U.S. and until now, their breed makeup has been largely guesswork. The results are now in and the German Shepherd is officially the most common breed identified in America's mutts.

Mars Veterinary collected samples from around the country from more than 36,000 mixed-breed dogs. These samples underwent genetic analysis by the Mars Veterinary team to determine the breed history of each dog. This genetic data was combined with more than 16,000 responses to a Web survey from mixed breed owners. The Mutt Census survey asked questions about their dog's size and weight, his feeding and exercise habits, whether he was adopted from a shelter as well as questions about the dog's health.

"The Mars Veterinary National Mutt Census provides a vivid snapshot of past and present trends in mixed breed dogs," said Dr. Angela Hughes, Veterinary Genetics Research Manager at Mars Veterinary. "Thanks to the Census, we know what breeds are wide-spread, as well as how people are caring for their dogs and what health concerns they may have. The hope is that the pet community will use this information to provide better care for the nation's mixed breed dogs."

Mars Veterinary, a global leader in pet care and a division of MARS(R) Incorporated, is the industry's gold standard genetic analysis provider for mixed-breed dogs. Their Wisdom Panel Insights test a "do-it-yourself" cheek swab test is the most comprehensive mixed breed test on the market, capable of detecting from among more than 185 breeds that make up a mixed breed dog with unparalleled accuracy.

The Mars Veterinary National Mutt Census is the most comprehensive analysis of the nation's mixed breed dog population ever conducted. While the data collected was vast, a few key findings emerged:

Pet Trends: Pure Breed vs. Mixed-Breed

While German Shepherds prove popular as both a pure breed and mixed-breed, the most common breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) are not necessarily the most common breeds found in mixed breed dogs. The top 10 most popular breeds found in the nation's mutts include:

1. German Shepherd (# 2 most popular AKC registered breed)

2. Labrador Retriever (#1 most popular AKC registered breed)

3. Chow Chow (#63 most popular AKC registered breed)

4. Boxer (#6 most popular AKC registered breed)

5. Rottweiler (#13 most popular AKC registered breed)

6. Poodle (#9 most popular AKC registered breed)

7. American Staffordshire Terrier (#70 most popular AKC registered breed)

8. Golden Retriever (#4 most popular AKC registered breed)

9. Cocker Spaniel (#23 most popular AKC registered breed)

10. Siberian Husky (#22 most popular AKC registered breed)


Mutt Census data shows that the DNA of America's mix-breed dogs tells a story of which breeds were popular in past decades. If a breed was trendy in the past, but has fallen from popularity, it may still represent a large portion of the mixed breed population. For example, the Chow Chow breed popular in the 1980s is commonly found at the grandparent or great grandparent level in tested mixed breed dogs. The American Staffordshire Terrier in contrast, is a breed that appears to be growing in popularity against a trend of declining breed registrations overall.

A Paw-Print of Pet-Owner Trends

Shelter Dogs Rule: Shelters are the most frequently cited place (46 percent) where people obtain mixed breed dogs, followed by a friend/neighbor or relative (18 percent).

Mutts Nibble on Kibble: Dry dog food is the most popular feeding choice (65 percent), surpassing mixed food (wet and dry - 21 percent), wet food (5 percent) and raw food and scraps (9 percent).

Doggy/Owner Sleepover: Nearly half of owners (48 percent) reported that their dog slept with them.

Small Dogs Rule: For most mixed-breed dog owners, bigger isn't necessarily better. Breeds weighing more than 80 pounds represent less than 11 percent of all mixed breed dogs.

Bugs Bite: Flea and tick prevention is important for dogs living in most areas of the country, but 69 percent of respondents reported that they don't use flea and tick control medicines regularly.

Population control: Nearly nine out of 10 (89 percent) mixed breed dogs are neutered.

The Science Behind Wisdom Panel

With a simple swipe of a cheek swab, the state-of-the-art Wisdom Panel Insights dog DNA test can determine the ancestry of a mixed-breed dog by testing for more than 185 breeds, the largest database on the market all for the low price of $69.99. Within three weeks, dog owners will be e-mailed an official Ancestry Report that reveals the dog's genetic background that may help owners make sense of obvious and not-so-obvious physical traits plus behaviors like digging, herding and barking that can all come from the various breeds in a dog's family tree. Once an owner understands a dog's natural tendencies, it's possible to create a tailored training, exercise and nutrition program to fit his one-of-a-kind needs.

Wisdom Panel canine DNA analyses are based on nearly a decade of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organizations throughout the world. This science has not only yielded the swab-based Wisdom Panel Insights, the most comprehensive swab product on the market, but also Wisdom Panel Professional, the only blood-based canine DNA analysis available exclusively through veterinarians. Wisdom Panel development included the analysis of more than 19 million DNA markers from more than 13,000 dogs, enabling the detection of breed composition of a mixed-breed dog with unprecedented accuracy.

About Mars Veterinary

Mars Veterinary is a division of MARS(R) Incorporated, a company known for innovative consumer and pet food brands that are trusted by people around the world. Its mission is to facilitate responsible pet care by enlightening pet owners and communities with valuable insights into their pets as individuals through innovative, science-based discoveries. For nearly a decade, Mars Veterinary has researched and developed state-of-the-art genetic tests for mixed-breed dogs, revolutionizing personalized pet care. By discovering a mixed-breed dog's ancestry, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to tailor wellness programs that fit the one-of-a-kind needs of a mixed-breed dog. For more information, visit http://www.wisdompanel.com/

BCSPCA illuminates need for Industry Standards and Codes of Practice

Craig Daniell, CEO of BCSPCA, today applauded the recommendations of the Sled Dog Task Force report, which proposes standards of care and codes of practice.  While these recommendations were focused on sled dogs, Daniell noted these recommendations also open the door to codes of practices for other types of animal-related operations in B.C.  Read the entire article

The Industry Drives to Eliminate Illegimate Breeding Practices

According to the 2008 and 2009 National Urban Animal Surveys there are more than a million cats and dogs being placed into Canadian homes each year.  Of these homing episodes it appears that adoptions from legitimate animal welfare organizations account for 11%, registered breeders account for 8% and compliant retail establishments are thought to add another 16% of these placements.  Only these 35% of placements come from inside the industry system of compliant homing organizations.

If these numbers are accurate, almost 65% of the cats and dogs placed into Canadian homes may come from breeders who could fly under the radar for business licenses and taxes, whose litters are not identified in any industry system and whose operations may not be compliant with accepted industry standards. It is these irresponsible breeder activities the industry wishes to elminate for the good of pets and pet families.

The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October 2010 brought the industry together to consider how animals are homed and gave rise to the OpenSpace conversation about this problem.  To move forward with strategies that will support voluntary compliance, the industry has identified and segmented breeders in to three categories:  Unintentional, Intentional Non-compliant and Intentional Compliant breeders.  Each of these breeder segments represents a set of circumstances that requires a careful yet considered response. 

The first iteration of a voluntary Breeder Code of Practice that responds to these circumstances will be presented for comment by Joe Mauro at the Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies.  Joe is the former CEO of the Canadian Kennel Club and in addition to leading this industry conversation has intimate knowledge of the breeding community.  The national surveys show the total population of cats and dogs in Canada is more than 14.5 million and trending slightly upward.  A more responsible approach to breeding and homing animals will improve Canadian communities and make them healthier for pets and people.

On behalf of the Summit alumni and the national agencies, you are invited as a thought leader to attend and add your comments to this first iteration of the Breeder Codes of Practice at one of the four Regional Summits in Toronto, Halifax, Red Deer or Vancouver.  The industry hopes to introduce the first iteration of these new codes of practice during the third quarter of this year.  We hope you will come and have YourSAY!

To register click on the regional summits link above or contact Judi Cannon, Summit program manager directly (705) 749-6607  or  judi.cannon@petlynxmail.com

Eurail.Com to Offer People & Pet Packages

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS, April 1

Recent studies show that pet owners are less likely to take long trips than those with no animals to care for. The stress of finding appropriate pet care seems to outweigh their desire to travel, experts say. "We were surprised by the results, but it has helped us change our perspective," says Jeroen de Bruin, Sales & Marketing Director for Eurail.Com. "More than anything, we want to help people take their dream trip to Europe. We can make that easier by thinking about their dogs and cats."

Ask the experts

Pet Psychologist Faros Ipoll, PhD, supports the study's findings. "Pet owners know they can't bring their animals with them to Europe, but both pets and owners can feel traumatized by long separations," Ipoll explains. "The key is to have as much fun planned for the pet as a European holiday will offer the human," he says.

With this in mind, Eurail.Com went on a search for exciting, safe, affordable pet accommodations in the US, Canada and Australia. Key search criteria included relaxing environments, good food, social interaction, new adventures and convenient accommodations. "Not surprisingly, the ideal doggie vacation is much like the ideal human one," de Bruin says. "It wasn't difficult to bring the spirit of Eurail.Com to our four-legged audience - we simply focused on convenience, comfort and quality."

The holiday of nine lifetimes

Thanks to a special partnership with 728 pet care facilities worldwide, Eurail.Com will soon be offering People & Pet Packages - a local spa holiday for pets, while owners are off travelling Europe by rail. "We gave priority to facilities that were environmentally friendly, to keep with our 'green' Eurail identity," de Bruin explains.

Dr. Ipoll continues: "pet owners can enjoy their European vacations without worrying about their pets, and the facilities will ensure that pets stay active and healthy during their stay - both animal and human will go home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and totally pampered."

Free try-out

"Now that the system's in place, we want to make sure it works," de Bruin says. "That's why we're asking pet owners to send us photos of themselves with their pets. We'll then select the 10 best pictures and offer the winners free accommodations at one of our new pet spas with the purchase of a Eurail Pass. It's an ideal combination: the trip of a lifetime for the human, and a relaxing spa visit for the pet."

Interested pet owners can begin sending their photos on April 1. Winners will be announced on May 1.

More information: http://www.facebook.com/eurorail

About Eurail.Com
Eurail.Com BV is a private company, owned by 30 European railway and ferry companies. The Eurail trademarks are managed by the Eurail Group GIE.

Through our websites, we sell train passes worldwide, and offer the planet's best information about Eurail train travel. Eurail.Com is winner of the Mashable Award for Best Social Media Customer Service.

For further information:
Press contact: Chantal Sukel, Campaign Manager for Eurail.Com, +3130-7516507, pressinfo@eurail.com