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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Explore partnerships and sharing with U.S. organizations already practicing these opportunities
