The Challenges of the Pet Experience

Preventative animal healthcare is a top priority for all sectors of the urban animal industry. With decreasing vet visits, increasing judgement and the emergence of "Dr. Google", the industry is facing challenges which will require communication and collaboration across the board. 

Dr. Brenda Bonnet has studied the pet experience around the globe. At Summit 2013, Bonnett presented some of her findings to Summit Delegates as part of the Facts & Evidence sessions. Her lecture focused on the Challenges of the Pet Experience citing breeder suppositions, veterinary expectations and assumptions and the complex interplay of human and animal factors as dilemmas to the pet experience. 

To help refactor these dilemmas into opportunities, Bonnett suggested three action items:  

1. Commercial pet industry - "The general public is the engine that drives the pet breeding industry." Bonnett considered a strategy to 're-align educational, practice, regulatory, health management strategies and attitudes to recognize the reality'. She also noted that 'Breeders' shouldn't be lumped into a single category as good/bad, commercial/hobby, etc.  
2. Define a model of humanely conservative care and an education program around it - Citing studies focusing on the gap between veterinary professionals and pet families, Bonnett suggested 'spectrums of care' options, focusing on outcomes rather than just actions and reconsidering the vet/pet owner relationship from a multi-stakeholder/ evidence based and reality/based perspective.  
3. Explore partnerships and sharing with U.S. organizations already practicing these opportunities 

LINK TO PRESENTATION 

Brenda Bonnett to speak during Summit Session III: The Challenges of the Pet Experience

The urban animal industry is facing a variety of challenges in communities around the world. Several factors determine each experience and every challenge but many maintain underlying similarities. Collaboration, education and communication throughout the industry is a necessary step to creating healthy communities for people and pets.

Which trends are challenging the urban animal experience? Are these challenges best defined as problems addressed by a 'solution' or as dilemmas requiring innovation to convert them into an opportunity.

Dr. Brenda Bonnett has studied the pet experience around the globe. Her multifaceted international experience and research will be explored during her Summit 2013 Facts & Evidence Session III: The Challenges of the Pet Experience presentation.

Formerly tenured faculty at the Ontario Veterinary College, Brenda is now a Consulting Epidemiologist. Her research and projects in Europe and North America include development of national and international programs with kennel clubs, numerous pet welfare initiatives spanning the National Council on Pet Population and the recent American Humane Association Cat Welfare Forum.  

Summit 2013 Agenda Announced

Urban Animal thought leaders will be focused on the pet experience this October.

Thursday morning will showcase six Innovations from the Regional Innovation Showcases across the continent last April. Members of the Urban Animal program voted these six innovations as the most note worthy in North America.

Three of the Urban Animal industry’s leaders with global recognition for their subject matter expertise will bring their unique perspective on the pet experience. Program elements include: The Pet Healthcare Experience,presented by Dr. David Goodnight; The Pet Dilemma, presented by Betsy Banks Saul; and, Challenges of the Pet Experience, presented by Dr. Brenda Bonnett.

  

VIEW AGENDA  

  

Encouraging a more mindful pet owner, understanding the opportunities and challenges faced by the Urban Animal industry and defining a more positive pet experience is the goal of Summit 2013.

“We need to put the 'PEOPLE' back into the industry mission to create healthy communities for people and pets," said Larry Evans, CEO, PetLynx Corporation.

  

The 2013 Friday Forum requires diligent listening, openness to other values/beliefs and the discipline to create an industry consensus. 

Among the Summit Alumni and 2013 Delegates are the brightest minds of the urban animal industry. As an industry leader and executive thought leader, you are cordially invited to participate in the 2013 Summit*.  

  

2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies

Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta

16 - 19 October 2013

  

 REGISTER NOW!

  

Get the facts, have YourSAY™, move the industry.

*Delegate positions are determined on a first-come first-served basis.