InfoStream Newsmakers of 2013

2013 was an exciting year for the urban animal industry. A refactoring of the Urban Animal Program; the introduction of the Pet Experience Project; industry insight to the power of social media; and countless stories of success from across the nation all played a part in collective achievements celebrated by Urban Animal associates this past year. 

Here are a few InfoStream highlights (in order of top pageviews) from 2013:  

Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge at Atlantic Regional Conference: The story of Tiny, an overweight cat left on the steps of the Fredricton SPCA made global news headlines as the FSPCA team launched a social media campaign based around the cat's weight loss program. With nearly 6,000 Facebook 'Likes' and Tiny headlines on CNN, CTV, People Magazine and more, the FSPCA discovered a way to capitalize on the campaign and succeeded in raising thousands of dollars for special needs animals though the Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge Medical Fund. 

Interview with Randy Valpy: Twenty thirteen was a busy year for Randy Valpy as he launched Canada's newest entry to the pet insurance market, Pets Plus Us. Randy's dedication to the Urban Animal industry and his commitment to creating healthy pet communities resulted in a successful inaugural year for Pets Plus Us. Randy was also recognized by the Urban Animal Program for his efforts with a 2013 Summit Award for Individual Achievement. 

Planet Paws Pet Essentials recognized as leading retailer: Planet Paws co-owner Rodney Habib recognized an opportunity to connect with pet families on a personal level as well as a professional one. His Nova Scotia pet supply shop has received awards for its quality products and professional staff but Rodney's ability to build trust and relationships with pet owners through his Pet Nutrition Blog has allowed the company to reach a new and much larger audience. 

2013 Regional Conferences: The Regional Conferences were refactored in 2013. The improved program was designed to capture stories, successes and barriers where the rubber hits the road. The launch of the Regional Innovation Showcases and the restructuring of the Summit Award nomination process to begin at the regional level helped develop a widely successful 2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies and allowed Urban Animal associates at the local level an opportunity to network and become involved in the Program. 

Dog Dazed: Dog Dazed was instrumental in developing Pet Experience Project conversations in 2013. This CBC documentary gathered insight from both pet owners and non-pet owners and created an unbiased and neutral narrative revealing the social and environmental impact of our four-legged companions. 

PetLynx adds financial resources: In October 2013, PetLynx Corporation welcomed Dr. Drew Van Niekerk to a leading role in the management of the company. Since 2001, PetLynx has met each new challenge with understanding, agility, tenacity and a commitment to PetLynx Core Values. The expansion of management and addition of capital will allow PetLynx to continue bringing value to large brands while lowering PetLynx acquisition costs, delivering the largest share of the identification/recovery market in Canada (with plans for global emergence) and driving positive cash from operations.

Free recovery for YYC pets: The 2013 Alberta Flood displaced thousands of people and hundreds of pets. Recognizing the need for a global recovery system and central database, partners of the Urban Animal program and PetLynx offered free recovery services to pets and families affected by the floods. Weeks later, the same was offered to pets affected by the Lac Megantic train disaster.  

Summit Award winners: The 2013 Summit Awards program was the most successful to date. Winners of the Summits included individuals, agencies and organizations from all sectors of the Urban Animal Industry. With 56 nominees in 12 categories, 1,642 eligible voters and just under 700 ballots cast in the process, this year's program signified the most involvement ever from urban animal subscribers.

Thank you to everyone who made this a successful year. Your collaborative efforts, forward thinking and commitment to the industry will undoubtedly lead to an even more successful 2014.

Happy New Year!