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.