2014 Central Innovation Showcases Revealed!

On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Canada wide 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference tour will launch. 

Members from all levels and sectors of the Urban Animal Industry will gather together in Toronto, Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver for the 8th annual edition of these regional events.

The 2014 Regional Conferences are a strategic component of Urban Animal™ programs in North America. They feature the Pet Experience Workshops led by Dr. Jason Coe, Innovation Keynotes providing tools for replication and a strong cast of local presenters showcasing innovative projects from across North America. 

Today, the first of four InfoStream posts will reveal the 2014 Innovation Showcase lineup. Central Region Showcases: 

Municipal TNR – Esther Attard (Toronto Animal Services)

Imagine: a municipality turning its focus to TNR instead of euthanizing to better serve the feral cat population and the community as a whole.

iAdopt – Stephanie Johns (OSPCA)

Imagine: a year-round adoption campaign available to organizations from all industry sectors at a global level.

LifeLearnX – Adam Little

Imagine: a bold new initiative challenging animal health by accelerating technology through entrepreneurship.

Animal's Voice Pawdcasts - Kevin MacKenzie & Katie Leonard (OSPCA)

Imagine: an Internet channel that features the country’s leading experts, volunteers and information about the Pet Experience.

Shelter Medicine at Boreal College – Tanya Firmage (OSPCA)

Imagine: a partnership between a leading Canadian college and a humane society resulting in the first ever shelter medicine program.

To register for a Conference in your region, CLICK HERE. 

If you have not received an affiliate voucher code (valued at $100 towards Conference Subscription), please contact Lisa Milton at 403-809-4630 or Shannon Woodward at 403-208-1972. 

Toronto Animal Services staff recognized for homing efforts

Eric Coulson (Pets Plus Us) & 
James McLean (Toronto Animal Services)

Toronto Animal Services has been a major player in the Urban Animal industry. Their municipal licensing compliance rates, mobile chip truck and collaboration with local cat TNR groups has earned them respect within the Care and Control sector and across the entire industry.

James McLean, Animal Control Officer with TAS, secured the esteem of his colleagues for his drive and commitment to homeless dogs, not only at work but also during his free time. For this, McLean was presented with a 2013 Summit Award for Homing during the 2013 Summit Award Tour in October. 

His nominator, Animal Services veterinarian Esther Attard, who received the 2012 Summit Award for Individual Achievement, said McLean is a great resource for Toronto Animal Services and is often called upon to find homes for some harder to place animals. 

"James is a remarkable individual who devotes his work and home life to rehoming as many animals as he possibly can," she said. "He has developed a barn program for cats and can even find a spot for chickens, ducks and doves. The mill dogs are his latest triumph - he can see past their hopelessness and has the ability to match them up with incredible people for a truly storybook ending." 

The 2013 Summit for Homing, sponsored by IAMS Canada, recognizes an organization that demonstrates innovation, commitment and success in the homing of animals through adoption, sale, return-to-owner, rehoming and/or fostering programs.