How Many Pets Are There in China?

There are over 100 million registered pets in China according to Zhongjinqixin. The most common pets are dogs and cats; combined they account for approximately 80% of the pet population. These numbers are expected to increase by at least 10% per year for several years. The leader of Zhongjinqixin, He Yinjin said that the pet population in the United States is 1.3 times the human population.

Tortoises are becoming increasing popular and account for 6% of the Chinese pet population. Li, a Chinese resident said, "Many residents are now raising tortoises as pets at home, as tortoises indicate longevity in the minds of Chinese. My family has treated the tortoises as our family members.”

In 2014, the average yearly wage was approximately 56,000 CNY. 11% of Chinese pet owners spend in excess of 10,000 CNY each year on pet care and 32% spend between 1,000 - 3,000 CNY per year. Demographically, the vast majority (92%) of people with pets are under 45 years of age.

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Purina Sponsored Dog Park at Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

Manhattan now has a dog park in a domestic violence shelter due to a collaboration between the Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Purina PetCare. The park is available to people at the Urban Women’s Retreat (UWR). This shelter is part of the URIPALS program; URIPALS is an emergency shelter that welcomes victims of domestic violence and their pets.

Purina sponsored the dog park at the UWR. Purina also sponsored a dog park at URI’s Safe Haven shelter in 2014. In addition to the park at UWN, Purina is also providing dog food, cat food, treats, and cat litter to the shelter. Purina and URI are also working on welcome kits than can include carriers, gates, pet beds, bowls, scratching posts, leashes, and pet toys. Purina veterinarian, Dr. Kurt Venator said, “For most pet owners, the bond with their pet is incredibly strong, and for people in abusive relationships their pet can be an important source of comfort. Purina is very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute in its efforts to keep families and their pets together during this time of healing.”

URI President and CEO, Nathaniel Fields said, “Through the URIPALS program, we have witnessed first-hand how important it is for survivors to have their beloved pets by their side while they heal. From early on in the URIPALS program, Purina has been committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their pets. We know that the new dog park will play an integral part in helping our clients heal, and for that we are extremely grateful to Purina.”

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Winnipeg Animal Services Decreases Euthanasia Rate

In 2014, Winnipeg Animal Services euthanized the fewest number of dogs in their recorded history. Chief Operating Officer, Leland Gordon said, “Euthanization numbers are way, way down and that makes everybody happy. In the last three to five years, it’s nosedived to the lowest number we’ve ever had.” In 2014, only 52 dogs were euthanized whereas in 2002 they had 486 euthanizations.

Gordon said, “Animal Services is being very progressive trying to help the animals. Our staff and volunteers do everything we can to save as many as possible. More animals are being saved at the end of the day.” Winnipeg Animal Service credits a partnership with the City of Winnipeg homepage, Facebook, and 311 agents. 311 agents can now return licensed pets without the animal entering the shelter.

The Winnipeg Humane Society has not seen a significant change in the number of dogs euthanized. Communications Director, Aileen White said that the Society helps the city and will take dogs that need extra training and veterinary care. White believes that the new Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre will help keep more pets at home. White said, “Most dogs in our community would benefit from it in some way.”

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Why Offer a Pet Friendly Workplace?

Many people dream of being able to take their pet to work with them. It can be emotionally straining to leave your pet alone all day, especially if one had a long workday or commute. Pet friendly workplaces are few and far between however there are several benefits to making your office pet friendly.

1. Pets relieve stress: employees with the least amount of stress are the ones that are able to bring their dogs to work.
2. Pets boost relationships: people do not always get along with each other and this can decrease productivity and negatively impact the work environment. Pets however can provide a common ground and help employees bond with coworkers. Pets also help people develop new relationships more quickly which is especially important for new employees.
3. Pets reduce absenteeism: People often do not like leaving their pet alone at home. This increases the temptation to call in sick so their pet is not alone, especially when the pet is not feeling well. People that leave their pets at home are also more likely to arrive late or leave early in order to spend more time with their pet.
4. Pets support creativity: Research has shown that when people walk their creative thinking can increase by 60% when compared with sitting. According to CV-Library 61% of employees eat their lunch at their desk. In order to have a more productive afternoon, people should take a walk during lunch. Many people would need motivation to go for a lunchtime walk and having a dog at work is a large motivator.
5. Pets create a welcoming atmosphere: Pets are great at pleasing clients and helping them feel more welcome. Meeting atmosphere is boosted when a client is greeted by a polite and friendly dog or cat. Pets can make a company appear more approachable and show dedication to employee desires.

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Harvard Medical School Releases Report: Get Healthy, Get a Dog

The Harvard Medical School is selling Get Healthy, Get a Dog: The health benefits of canine companionship. The health report highlights the health benefits of dog ownership and can be purchased online.

The report overview highlights that dogs offer unparalleled companionship and compiles research that shows that dogs offer health benefits. Some of the key benefits of dog ownership are:

• Reduces stress, increases mindfulness.
• Increases the activity of children and helps them feel secure and develop responsibilities.
• Improves the quality of life for seniors.
• Decreases isolation and increases social behaviours.

Through petting a dog, people can have lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate. Petting can also have a positive effect on the dog. Just as petting can benefit both parting, obesity and low activity rates often affect people and their dogs. The report has suggestions on how to increase physical exercise.

If someone is interested in getting a dog, the report helps walk people through the process of getting a suitable dog. If someone is unable to own a dog the report also contains information about service dogs and how one can benefit from contact with an appropriate service dog.    

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October is Royal Canin Fundraise For Farley Month!

The 2015 Royal Canin Fundraise for Farley Month is happening this October. It will be their biggest campaign so far. The Farley Foundation helps Ontarians and their sick or injured pets.

The Farley Foundation was created in 2002 and since then it has disbursed $2.4 million CDN to over 6,000 people and 800 veterinary practices. Currently over 300 practices raise money for the Farley Foundation during Fundraise for Farley Month.

More information about Fundraising for Farley may be found here.

       

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What Effects Do Pets Have on Human Health?

A team of researchers at the Markham Stouffville Hospital will begin studying the link between pet ownership and human health. The research is funded by the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI). HABRI has provided $55,000 USD to Dr. Alan Monavvari to measure how pets factor into the doctor-patient relationship. Monavvari said, “There are several studies that show a good relationship with your primary care physician leads to better health.” When doctors are able to discuss pets with their patients it may allow doctors to evaluate their patients better.

Over 200 Canadian primary care practitioners will participate in the study. Practitioners include doctors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists. Each practitioner will ask the following questions:

1. Who lives in your home including companion animals?
2. How many, and what species?

Practitioners will complete surveys at the beginning and end of data collection. They will also be provided with support material during data collection.

Veterinarian and co-investigator, Dr. Kate Hodgson said, “They’re important questions because you’re actually asking about something I care about a lot. For patients with pets it might be the question you never asked before that really opens the door.” People are likely to share more information about their lives when their primary care practitioner shows an interest in what is important to the patient. Knowing more about the patient’s life also helps practitioners better tailor the approach they take with their patient. Dr. Hodgson said, “We now know that people who smoke are more likely to try to stop smoking to protect their pet. For some patients it’s by far the most powerful motivator you could tap into.”

Previous research has also shown that companion animals can lower human blood pressure, help people make healthier lifestyle choices, and owners have fewer medical appointments and faster recovery after surgeries. While there have been over 75 research studies published regarding the health benefits of pets, this is the first study to examine the relationship between patients and their pets.

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Pet Sales - What Do Americans Prefer?

In a survey conducted by Harris Poll Online, Americans wanted to see higher dog breeding standards with enforcement (67%) versus banning the sale of animals in pet stores (33%). 2,025 adult Americans participated in the poll. 89% of participants believe that tougher breeder standards will decrease puppy mill operations. 81% believe that banning dog sales at pet stores will not end puppy mills.

National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform founder and Senior Vice President, Ron Sturgeon said, "We would all like to see a world where dogs bred for profit are treated humanely, shown kindness and bred using medically sound principles. The American Pet Council's survey shows that the American pet owners understand the limitations of pet store sales bans. Working toward higher standards for dog breeding is the best long-term approach to improving the lives of dogs being bred for profit. Banning puppy sales at pet stores does not solve the problem of bad breeding practices.” Sturgeon continues, "I would like to see pet stores selling more puppies and even adding dogs from local shelters into the mix. When they do sell dogs from a breeder, they should chose local reputable breeders and display full information so that consumers can meet the breeder and visit the kennel.”

At the 2015 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies specialists from across North America will be participating in a discussion and brainstorming event regarding rescue dogs (Forum 2015.C). As dog overpopulation decreases in North America and negative pressure is increased on dog breeders potential dog owners are finding it more difficult to find a good dog. Shelters have fewer dogs to adopt out and many are participating in humane relocation. Humane relocation, or the importation of dogs, poses risks to dog owners and the public.

What is the solution to safe and positive pet acquisition in Canada and the United States?

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What Are Americans Spending on Their Pets?

People are increasingly considering their pets as part of the family. Pets are often given treats, gifts, toys, and home-prepared meals. Are pets really becoming part of the family though? A Nielsen survey conducted by Harris Poll showed that 95% of American pet owners consider their pets to be family members. 
 

In 2014, $19.7 billion USD was spent on pet care by Americans. Millennials and Gen X are most likely to have a pet and spend the most money on it. Dogs are the most common pet (71% of pet owners have at least one) followed by cats (49 of pet owners have at least one). 11% of pet owners have fish, 8% have a bird, and 9% have a different animal.

Pet owners are wiling to pay a fair amount on pet food fueling a multi-billion dollar industry.

Pet owners spend money on much more than food. 45% of pet owners buy birthday presents for their pets and 64% buy holiday gifts. The most common gifts are general toys, chew toys, and tug toys. Owners are also willing to buy clothes for their pets. 

While spending on non-food items is high, it is not yet high enough to fuel a multi-billion dollar industry.

Medical costs also add up. Americans spent $389 million USD on medicines, $19.2 million USD on treatments, and $379.1 million USD on flea and tick products.

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Top Trends in the Urban Animal Industry

Back in May, Pet Product News ran an article that identified ten trends acting on the urban animal industry:

1. Premiumization - convincing pet owners to buy higher-priced goods.
2. Packaging - packaging is an important part of premiumization and has yet to reflect the packaging innovations seen in human products.
3. Product Purity - according to the Packaged Facts January 2015 pet owner survey the majority of dog and cat owners are concerned about product safety. Companies are responding by changing their ingredient sources and production facilities.
4. Grocery Copycatting - human product retailers understand that people love their pets and are creating pet products that not only mimic but set trends in the pet industry.
5. Big-box Evolution - primary competition for mass retailers is not small specialty retailers but grocers due to their one-stop shopping appeal.
6. Brand Alliances with Retailers - channel loyalty has decreased and only large retailers can appeal to pet specialty and mass markets which is causing brands to enter exclusivity deals with a retailer rather than widespread distribution.
7. Generational Marketing - marketers are pressed to find the common marketing elements between different generations in order to target a wider audience.
8. Downsizing the Market - small dogs do not match the product volume return of large dogs however retailers are smart to follow the pet-friendly movement and promote smaller and more convenient city dogs.
9. The Future is Online - the Internet is the cornerstone for time- and money-saving opportunities.
10. Pet Prescriptions - the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) is gathering scientific proof of the link between pet ownership and improved human health; expect to see ‘get a pet’ become a medical recommendation.

Enriching the lives of pets and people in urban communities is the goal of the Urban Animal Foundation. Register for the 2015 Summit now to get the facts, have your say and move the industry in response to these trends.

Click here for the full story. 

INTERVIEW: Tasha Welch - Research Poster Scholarship Recipient

Tasha Welch grew up around animals and hasn’t met an animal she doesn’t like. She grew up with a Labrador named Jasper and fell in love with her first rabbit at 15 years old. Currently Tasha has two rescued rabbits; Alice and Gilbert. Tasha’s experience with having companion rabbits and volunteering with a rabbit rescue created a passion for promoting responsible rabbit ownership and she has been able to pursue this at the University of Guelph with Dr. Jason Coe. Tasha has a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology and her Master’s degree explored companion-rabbit ownership and knowledge of rabbit owners. Now she is working on getting her research published in the hope that her discoveries will raise awareness to this understudied topic. Rabbits are gaining popularity as companion animals however they are also increasingly being found in shelters.

InfoStream (IS): Why do you believe that rabbits as companion animals has received so little attention?

Tasha Welch (TW): I think one of the main reasons companion rabbits have been so understudied is that the vast numbers of cats and dogs in households and shelters are perhaps overshadowing the popularity of companion rabbits. Over the years we have seen companion cat and dog research receive more and more attention, which is fantastic, however, as potentially the third most popular companion animal and third most relinquished companion animal rabbits should be included in the discussion. That brings me to my second reason, which is, we don’t really have any estimates of how many companion rabbits there are in homes and in shelters or rescues. If we could gather some numbers to provide evidence for their popularity and sadly the numbers of rabbits that shelters and rescues are overwhelmed with I think that others would see the need for attention in this topic. For me, it was my passion for companion rabbits and conversations I have had with organizations and shelter/rescue groups that drove me to pursue this research, so now I think I have a role to play in getting the topic of companion rabbits going. Lastly, I think that rabbits are a bit of an underrated pet. Through the conversations I have had with people, many are surprised I have rabbits as a pet and even more are surprised when they meet my rabbits how similar they are to cats and dogs in terms of having a personality and their affection. So a quote Dr. Coe uses that I think fits here is that ‘people don’t know what they don’t know’.

IS: What is your experience with rabbits as companion animals?

TW: Over the last ten years I have had four rabbits, three of which were rescues. My first rabbit, Thumper, I got when I was 15. She was a bit of an impulse purchase and I had no clue how to care for a rabbit. Luckily my parents supported me and helped me research about rabbits so I learned a lot about rabbits with Thumper. We found out all these things like they can be litter trained, they have personalities, they need access to unlimited hay and they need to be taken to regular vet check ups. I also learned how social rabbits are and after spending hours petting and sitting with Thumper every day she developed this goofy, affectionate and independent personality. After Thumper passed away, I started looking into rescues because of the research I had done and I noticed how there were so many rabbits without homes. So I ended up adopting my second rabbit, Henry, who bonded very closely with me; he would follow me around, sit at my feet when I was doing homework and beg for snacks in the kitchen. After Henry passed I knew I would continue to rescue bunnies since so many needed homes and developing a bond with a rabbit that has gone through whatever horrors in it’s life is a truly rewarding experience. The two rabbits I have now are Alice and Gilbert. Alice was actually a stray bunny we (I volunteer for Rabbit Rescue Inc.) caught when a friend of mine had seen a domestic rabbit roaming her neighborhood. Alice was a particularly rewarding rescue because when I first got her she bit and scratched and was very aggressive but with time she has become an absolute cuddle bug. Gilbert I acquired most recently and he was actually short listed for euthanasia because of an injury and his red eye, which is considered undesirable by people so he would be less likely to be adopted. So Gilly is my little angel bunny and luckily he bonded well with Alice so they both have their happily ever after.

IS: What prompted you study companion-rabbit owners’ knowledge?

TW: I think it really started from when I got involved with a rabbit rescue and noticed how many rabbits were coming in and how many rabbits other rescues and shelters had. Like cats and dogs, there seemed to be something happening to the bond between owners and their rabbit where that bond may either fail to develop or break down and the rabbits end up abandoned. From searching the literature, and going back to my own experience of getting my first rabbit with no knowledge of rabbit ownership, knowledge of caring for a pet is important in the development of the human-animal bond. I was lucky enough to have become educated on rabbit ownership, which I think supported the bond I developed with my first rabbit and I think that bond allowed me to work through challenges of pet ownership like going off to university, moving and changes with work and schedules. Without knowledge of ownership and the human-animal bond there is a risk to the rabbits becoming dispensable and disposable. So I think from my own experiences and passion for companion rabbits this gap in the realm of companion-animal research really stuck out to me as an area that needed to be studied in order to promote rabbit welfare and relationship between people and their rabbits.

IS: From what I understand your survey participants were rabbit owners. Did you survey acquisition sources and veterinarians? If so, how did their knowledge compare with rabbit owners?

TW: We did not survey acquisition sources or veterinarians, however, a study that is being prepared for publication in Massachusetts explored acquisition source staff knowledge of rabbit husbandry. The study found that rescue and shelter staff had the highest knowledge of rabbit husbandry compared to pet store staff. In my study participants who got their rabbit from a rescue or shelter on average had the highest overall knowledge scores compared participants who got their rabbit from other sources. These are two different studies in different populations, so I can’t compare the two, but the findings do support each other and suggest an area for further research.

IS: Can you summarize the results of your research with us? What are the most significant pieces of information that you discovered?

TW: The two consistent factors that we found to influence both owner knowledge and whether participants’ rabbit was spayed or neutered was where participants got their rabbit from and whether they took their rabbit for regular veterinary check-ups. So participants who got their rabbit from a rescue or shelter on average had the highest knowledge scores and were more likely to have a spayed or neutered rabbit compared to participants who got their rabbit from other sources. Participants who took their rabbit for regular veterinary check-ups on average had the highest knowledge scores and were more likely to have a spayed or neutered rabbit. So these findings suggest that acquisition sources and veterinarians can play a role in education prospective or current rabbit owners on rabbit husbandry and care and provide information on spaying or neutering of companion rabbits.

IS: How will you share the results of your research and provide acquisition sources and veterinarians with the most up-to-date rabbit care information?

TW: I think the best way to share the results of my research is through conversation. Over the years I have had the opportunity to attend and present at local, national and international conferences and this has been an excellent way to share my research with vast audiences including individuals from various animal-related organizations, companies, groups and stakeholders. These events have been excellent opportunities to start conversations about companion-rabbit ownership and the research I have done and to make connections with people across the companion animal field. Another way to share this research will be to publish the findings, which we are in the process of doing right now. To date I have not developed an education intervention, such as a booklet or website, for acquisition sources and veterinarians to share with current or prospective rabbit owners, however, this is definitely a goal for the future.

IS: How do you feel your research will promote rabbit welfare and have a positive impact on the human-animal bond?

TW: Research on companion cats and dogs has articulated the importance of owner knowledge to play a role in the relationship between people and their pets. Poor knowledge of pet ownership has been linked to increased risks of relinquishment. These findings for cats and dogs support the importance of owner education and I think this needs to be said for companion rabbit ownership as well. The research I have done is really a starting point for companion-rabbit research to promote education prior to getting a rabbit and throughout rabbit ownership. The study I did suggests two important avenues for educating prospective rabbit owners as well as enhancing or correcting the knowledge of existing owners. Acquisition sources can prepare prospective owners by informing them on the basics of care prior to individuals bringing home a new rabbit, and as animal-health experts, veterinarians can support this information and provide additional details on health and welfare if owners are encouraged to take their rabbit for regular veterinary check-ups. Based on research that has been done on cats and dogs, I think education can go a long way to ensure people are caring for their rabbit correctly, not only for the welfare of the rabbit, but for promoting the development of a positive and long-lasting relationship between the owner and rabbit and ultimately reduce the risk of relinquishment of companion rabbits.

Two New Pet Drugs Approved by US FDA in July 2015

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new drugs for use in cats and dogs.

Tresaderm

Tresaderm is produced by Merial and was approved on July 15th. According to the FDA this medication is used “as an aid in the treatment of certain bacterial, mycotic, and inflammatory dermatoses and otitis externa in dogs and cats.”

Neosporin

Neosporin is provided by Intervet Inc. and was approved on July 30th. According to the FDA this medication is used “for the treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the eyelid and conjunctiva of dogs and cats when due to organisms susceptible to one or more of the antibiotics contained in the ointment.”

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INTERVIEW: Dr. Krista Foreman - Innovation Showcase Scholarship Applicant

Dr. Krista Foreman is a veterinarian at South Paw Animal Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Dr. Foreman enjoys surgery, especially soft tissue and orthopedic. She co-chairs the provincial Safe for Pets Too program which arranges veterinary care and temporary fostering for animals belonging to women escaping domestic violence.

InfoStream (IS): The pet experience is clearly very important to you. Tell us about how this came to be.

Dr. Krista Foreman (KF): I have been an animal lover my entire life. Through support of my family I was able to grow up with dogs, cats and horses. I followed my dream and became a veterinarian. I couldn't imagine being in a situation of having to choose between my safety and my pets. Now as a mother of three girls I appreciate how much harder it would be to adjust in any situation if we were to lose our pets.

IS: Tell us about the Safe for Pets Too program. What should we know about it?

KF: This program helps to remove a barrier for a woman seeking to escape domestic violence. Some women will delay leaving, or not leave, if they can't ensure the safety of their pets. We provide veterinary care and fostering for pets while their owner is in a transition house until they find a safe place to live.

IS: What are the most critical problems faced by New Brunswick pet owners in an abusive situation?

KF: Most of the transition houses are unable to accommodate pets and it can be difficult to ask friends to take pets as it can put them in a bad situation. Once the woman has left the situation it can also be difficult to find pet friendly affordable

housing.

IS: How were these problems handled before Safe for Pets Too?

KF: It was not addressed in any official manner. Good hearted staff at some of the houses would keep pets occasionally.

IS: Safe for Pets Too is supported by several large organizations including the New Brunswick SPCA, New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association, police, New Brunswick Chiefs of Police Association, New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, and Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick. How was cooperation and support created across so many organizations?

KF: The timing was perfect when we looked at starting this program. A meeting had been arranged by the Public Legal Education System to bring together groups that had an interest in learning about the link between domestic violence, animal abuse, firearms and alcohol. A committee was formed from that meeting.

IS: How is the program funded?

KF: The New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association covered our legal cost to get

started. The association also donated $5000 to help us to get underway. Veterinary

examinations, vaccinations and deworming are provided complimentary by participating veterinarians and any other medical costs are billed to us, although usually at a discounted rate.

We have received several other smaller donations including a recent one of $500 from the George Street Middle School grade 6 Entrepreneurial Club.

IS: Is there an experience that helped you see the importance of the Safe for Pets Too program? What in your history has taken you to where you are now?

KF: I have fortunately not been in the situation of seeking refuge from violence. I see on a daily basis in my work how important pets are too people. Hurricane Katrina further demonstrated this as people clung to rooftops resisting being rescued because they had to leave their pets behind. When a person loves someone, be it human or animal, they may put their love for the person or pet above their own safety.