The Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) announced last month that cat and dog populations in Canada fell in 2014 for the first time since the organization began tracking pet populations in 2007.
Cats continued to outnumber dogs with 7 million cats considered household pets in 2014, down from an estimated 7.9 million in 2012. Dog population figures for 2014 were a bit more stable with a slight dip to 6.4 million in 2014, down from 6.6 million in 2012.
These figures are a result of a nation-wide survey conducted by Ipsos of over 4,200 pet-owning households and are consistent with historical tracking done by Ipsos on behalf of CAHI in 2007, 2010 and 2012.
In June, the agenda for Summit 2013 revealed four conversations for the 2013 Facts and Evidence Session:
- Consumer service - Consumers can access everything, anytime, anywhere, online. What change does this demand within communities, organizations and within the Urban Animal Industry?
- Declining pet population - Statistics show the number of pets are in decline across North America. Why the lower numbers? Has the 'responsible pet owner' movement taken the joy out of pet ownership? Is the industry guilty of fostering a judgemental approach to pet ownership? What are the implications of a lower pet population for industry, for communities and for pet owners?
- Cost of pet ownership - The cost of pet ownership has risen to levels that can't be supported by some elements of society. Yet pets have an important role to play with the elderly, the infirm and the dependent members of community. Healthcare has been a major contributor to the rising cost of ownership but there are others. Will the rising cost of ownership be mitigated by new strategies and services or will pets become objects of the elite in our society?
- Licensing compliance - Compliance is falling in many communities across North America. What is driving this decline in compliance? Are license fees just another form of tax? Can falling compliance be arrested with strategies that add value, positive experiences and lifestyle integration for pet owners who are compliant?
In the past six weeks three questions have arisen:
- Are these conversations connected?
- What would drive the industry to develop strategies/tactics that created a more positive experience for pet owners?
- Do existing Summit alumni have the answers or must others be attracted to these conversations?
