U of Guelph Seeks Input from Animal Shelter Management

Dr. Tyler Flockhart is performing research on understanding the capacity of animal shelters for cats and dogs,  the length of time animals stay in the shelter, and the size of the municipalities/towns/cities that the shelter serves.

All shelter managers/operators are asked to participate in this one-time survey, comprised of 9 questions that should take 5-10 minutes to complete, about your organization and the geographic area that you service.

The purpose of this survey is to gain valuable information to more effectively and accurately estimate the current shelter capacity for dogs and cats to address overpopulation of companion animals. The information gained from this survey will be used in statistical models of companion animal populations that concurrently consider owned animals, unowned (feral, stray) animals and the movement of animals through the shelter system. Information gained from the models will be used to help inform responsible and cost-effective solutions to address companion animal overpopulation.

Please share this information with your peers so Dr. Flockhart may include information from across North America and the world in this study.

If you are interested in participating, please TAKE THE SURVEY

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this research please contact Dr. Flockhart

U oF Guelph survey seeks dog owner input

Researchers at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, are conducting a survey to investigate the effect of a dog's environment and personality on their behaviour. We are interested in hearing about you and your dog's life.

Please note the following:

• In order to participate you must be 18 years of age or older and be a dog owner
• We anticipate this survey to take approximately 30 minutes to complete
• In appreciation of your time, you will be entered into a draw to win one of four $150 Visa gift cards. Estimated chances of winning are 1 in 1000.
• All information provided will be kept confidential

Take the Survey!

Seven Research Projects accepted for 2014 Regional Conferences

The newest element of the Urban Animal(tm) program, Research Posters, has received seven submissions from Canadian sources.

In Toronto, Tuesday, 22 April 2014:

1. Julia Campbell, University of Guelph: A Study to Develop a Print Resource to Promote Dog Walking among Dog Owners
2. Tyler Flockhart, University of Guelph: Responsible and cost-effective solutions to address the urban cat overpopulation crisis
3. Rachel O'Connor, University of Guelph: Exploring adopters’ concerns and anticipated challenges prior to acquiring a dog or cat from an animal shelter

In Calgary, Monday, 28 April 2014:

1. Taryn Graham, University of Calgary: Housing and Health Equity: Pet-Related Restrictions and Surcharges in Calgary’s Rental Market
2. Melanie Rock, University of Calgary: Policies on pets for healthy cities: a conceptual framework
3. Ann Toohey, University of Calgary: Dog-walking and sense of community in neighborhoods: Implications for promoting regular physical activity in adults 50 years and older

In Vancouver, Wednesday, 30 April 2014:

1. Leila Kullar, University University of Exeter: The Role Each Plays in the Dog-Human Relationship in British Columbia, Canada

The 2014 Research Posters, cover a broad range of Urban Animal subject matter like:

• 'Adoptions, Adopters and Adoptees - The role each plays in the Dog-Human relationship'; and,
• 'How Dog Walking is related to a Sense of Community and/or Regular Physical Activity in the over 50 Crowd'. 

All abstracts have been published at urbananimal.com.

The 2014 poster presenters are competing for an opportunity to present their research ideas to the 2014 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies at Lake Louise in October. Those selected by delegates at each Regional Conference will receive a full scholarship and travel subsidy to attend Summit 2014. In addition, to being able to illuminate their research ideas, presenters have the opportunity to meet and work with invited thought leaders (100) as they discover new strategies and tactics at this annual event.

By adding this research component to the Urban Animal™ program organizers expect to add understanding and uncover ideas that can benefit the experience of all Urban Animals (human and non-human). For more information about the Urban Animal Conference in your area go to urbananimal.com.

An Interview with Dr. Jason Coe, Urban Animal program Facilitator

Terri Perrin
InfoStream Staff Writer 

Who is Dr. Jason Coe?

And why will his presence at the Regional Conferences be so important to you?

With his impressively long list of credentials and accomplishments relating to research and education in the urban animal industry, Jason Coe, DVM, PhD was first invited to be a part of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in 2011. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Regional Conferences and annual Summits’ experiences and has been instrumental in orchestrating the events’ Automated Response System, which facilitates the collection and analysis of data.

“When I first heard Jason speak I realized that he had a very different view of the world,” explains Larry Evans, President of PetLynx Corporation. “His research and work is as if he is examining the very DNA and genetics of the urban animal experience through the eyes of a veterinarian, a sociologist and an epidemiologist. What he is discovering is helping the industry move forward in its understanding of the gaps in the Pet Experience.”

This year, OVC 2001 graduate Dr. Jason Coe, who is now an Associate Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and the Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada Chair in Communication, will be the Facilitator for the 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences. InfoStream staff writer, Terri Perrin, caught up with Dr. Coe at the University of Guelph campus to discover what drives his passion for the Pet Experience. 

InfoStream (IS): Jason, you have an impressive list of professional accomplishments, achieved in a relatively short time, what life experiences started you down this path of being a veterinarian, a teacher and a researcher?

Jason Coe (JC): I grew up with animals constantly being part of my life. I became a vet as a result of many positive animal experiences that created in me a desire to be able to take care of them. I have also always been interested in education and communication. My current position at the OVC allows me to fulfill all of these interests by working to improve the relationship between companion animals and people through research and education. It’s perfect!

IS: You worked in a clinical setting after graduating from vet school and then, in 2008, earned a PhD in the area of veterinary communications. What inspired you to take this extra training?

JC:  I always had plans to return to graduate school after a few years in mixed-animal practice.  I’ve always been curious about the relationship between people and animals and wanted to explore this further.  When I returned to OVC they had just started a program designed to assist veterinary students in their communications with clients.  As I became involved in this program I quickly recognized the importance of our human-to-human interactions on the health and wellbeing of animals.  Recognizing the importance, I wanted to be a part of this important area of the veterinary profession.

IS: For those readers who don’t know about your work, can you give us the ‘Reader’s Digest’ version of what it is you are exploring?

JC: I guess you could say that I’m looking at the pet experience from three angles. The first would be through my Research Chair, generously supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada, to further our understanding of pet overpopulation and pet relinquishment through research and education. Second would be my work examining the role of interpersonal communication within veterinary practice and the impacts this has on the outcomes of veterinary care for all involved (e.g., animal, client, veterinarian and staff). Third would be my interest in veterinary education and looking at how to best prepare today’s veterinary student for tomorrow’s society. 

IS: You say that you had pets while growing up. Were there any in particular that made an impact on you?

JC: I am staring at two pictures on my wall right now. One is of a black cat we called Optimus. He was named after the Transformer Optimus Prime. He lived to be about 19 years old and saw me through many stages of my life, from adolescence right through to my first job as a veterinarian. I also need to mention a special German Shepherd Dog named Duke. He was my first pet. Both of these animals played extremely influential roles in my life. The other picture I’m staring at is of Max, a St. Bernard, who was the most recent of the many animals that have had an influential role in my life.

IS: Do you share your home with any animals now?

JC: This is an interesting question and one I get asked often! A few years ago Optomis and Max passed away … ironically on the same day and from similar ailments. At the time, my wife and I were at a point in our lives when we had to decide whether to get another pet or start a family. We opted for children. We are making a very conscientious decision as to when will be the right time to introduce a pet into the chaos that is currently our lives … with three young kids under the age of five! While we would love to have a pet, our decision to not have one right now is a conscious one influenced by my work experience and understanding of companion animal relinquishment and the need to be prepared for the life-long commitment that is made when acquiring a pet.

IS: Your research and your appointment as the Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada Chair in Communications is putting you in high demand for speaking engagements in both North America and around the world. How do you feel about this and what do you gain from this exposure?

JC: It is really exciting to be able to travel because it provides me with opportunities to understand different cultural urban animal experiences and to share my research findings. In May, I will be addressing the Australian Veterinary Association’s Annual Convention. I’m looking forward to that.

IS: Do you ever miss the hands-on work as a veterinarian in a clinical setting?

JC: While I am not clinically practicing right now, I have been quite involved with forwarding primary care veterinary education and this has kept me connected to the clinical side of things. In practice, I was always interested in everything large or small. I actually continued practicing part-time in a large-animal clinic up until 2010. Then, much like my reasons for not having a family pet right now, as young children came into my life, I had to make some tough decisions. Not working in a clinic … for now … was one of them.

IS: What is your view on the Regional Conferences? How do you believe they are influencing the companion animal industry in Canada?

JC: The Regional Conferences draw representatives from very different areas to share their Pet Experiences … and I believe that differences in perspectives that are brought forward create opportunities. I find it fascinating to watch as thought leaders from such diverse areas come together. You see what is being accomplished across the country and in various sectors of the companion animal industry. It often demonstrates that more can be accomplished as a collective, rather than on your own. This collaboration encourages respect and is making a difference. Personally, understanding the many different perspectives allows me to look at my research in many different ways.

IS: Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

JC: I’ve never really thought about that! I have no idea! (Laughs.) I love new projects and taking learning experiences to the next level. So, I hope that 10 years from now I will be exploring something that today I have not even thought of.  I look forward to continuing to take advantage of new opportunities to learn and that any opportunities presented to me bring about larger discussion to move the companion animal industry forward. I feel very fortunate in what I have accomplished so far. Who knows what the future will hold?

IS: Thank you, Dr. Coe. We look forward to seeing you at the Urban Animal Regional Conferences.

Research Posters - Your ticket to the 2014 Summit

Earlier this year, Urban Animal™ announced exciting enhancements to 2014/2015 programs. The Research Poster program invites researchers working in urban communities to discover what drives people and pets to live and interact the way they do.

From the human-animal bond to community health and dog parks, researchers have been under-utilized by the Urban Animal™ industry. In 2014, Posters will deliver evidence to improve experiences in urban municipalities where a healthy, wholesome environment for all Urban Animals (human and non-human) must exist.

In this first year, some posters will be seeded. However, as the Urban Animal™ program gains momentum, researchers will engage  the elimination rounds as follows: 

• SIX posters are selected to present at each regional conference and presenters are provided with a Regional Conference package at no charge.
• TWO posters are selected by delegates in each Region and provided with Scholarships ($2,000) to attend the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies at Lake Louise, in October.
• At the Summit, these eight posters are available for review during the Wednesday evening reception as well as during meals or breaks on Thursday.
• TWO presenters are selected by Summit Alumni as the winners of the Urban Animal™ Poster Competition and are revealed on Friday evening at the Summit Awards Gala.
• The winning researchers will receive industry recognition through media interviews and cash awards (1^st $500/2^nd $250).

The Urban Animal™ Poster program provides researchers with recognition and a broader audience for evidence and it provides members of the Alliance for Urban Animals with important evidence about the dilemmas pets and pet owners face.