Summit 2015 Claims

Sunday November 15, 2015 was the deadline for delegate and scholarship claims arising from Summit 2015. 

The claims received from delegates and those eligible for scholarships totaled $22,533.03. Urban Animal continues to seek the return of deposits and to gather contributions to allow complete reimbursement of these claims.

In October, Urban Animal reported that claims from delegates and those receiving scholarships for Summit 2015 could exceed $51,000. The fact that so many were able to contribute expenses and fees to the program is remarkable and would seem to be a testament to the support Urban Animal enjoys.

The Summit Awards program has now been completed and the Awards are on the way to each recipient by Express Post. Photo Ops with members of the Urban Animal Council will be arranged in each local area where possible. Readers may search 'Summit Award' in the InfoStream search area above (sort by date) to see recipient announcements they may have missed.

The plan to complete the IRED Scholarship Competition for the 2015 Innovator, 2015 Researcher, 2015 Emerging Leader and 2015 Digital Journalist will be announced shortly. Completion of the 2015 IRED Scholarship Competition is made possible with grants from:

• PIJAC Canada
• Petsecure/Western Financial Corporation
• Kijiji Canada
• Ontario SPCA
• CDMV Inc
• Petland Superstores
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Petland CEO defends retail sale of pets

Earlier this month, InfoStream reported four leading U.S. organizations were joining forces to overturn a proposed ban on pet sales in retail stores. Recently, Petland added its voice to the conversation as the organization's CEO, Joe Watson, defended the retail sale of pets. 

"Retail bans re essentially a feel-good effort that does little to nothing to address substandard breeders," Watson told MarionStar.com, adding that as few as 2 per cent of puppies are purchased in pet stores. "The math is pretty simple. If every pet store selling puppies closed tomorrow, not a single breeder would go out of business." 

Read the MarionStar.com News Article! 

Since 2007, nearly 50 U.S. cities have outlawed retail pet shops in response to growing concerns that puppy mills are sourcing their inventory. These municipal bylaws are designed to curb impulse buying as well as abuses by commercial breeders. 3

Several Canadian communities have also adopted bylaw amendments which prohibit pet stores from selling dogs and cats unless they come from a registered non-profit rescue or shelter but the implications on small businesses can be drastic. In 2013, following the overturning of a pet sale ban in Vernon, B.C., President and CEO of PIJAC Canada, Louis McCann explained the solution is not in banning pet sales but in promoting positive relationships between retailers and the community. 

"The focus moves retailers and service providers from defending a right, to being transparent providers and offering themselves as part of the solution to a community concern," said McCann. 

Read the InfoStream New Article!

Erica Coomber and Amy Pawson on 'Integrated Retail Adoption Centres'

Amy Pawson, Director of Operations of Petland Canada Company Store Division in Calgary, and Erica Coomber, Shelter Administrator, Alberta Animal Services in Red Deer, work in a spirit of collaboration and innovation to operate a pet adoption program that is making a significant difference in their community and beyond. We are thrilled that they will deliver the Integrated Retail Adoption Centres Keynote address at the 2014 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies in Toronto and Halifax. We can hardly wait to hear about their most recent developments, so we invited Infostream Guest Author Terri Perrin to ask them for a program update. 

Infostream (IS): Please give us an overview of your program and how your organizations came to work together.

Erica Coomber (EC): I met Robert Brissette, President of Petland Canada, at the 2011 Regional Summit for Urban Animal Strategies held in Red Deer. Robert spoke about how Petland was no longer going to be selling puppies and kittens and how he wanted to work with local animal shelters to re-home pets. I jumped at the opportunity! Alberta Animal Services transferred their first adoptable pets to the Red Deer Petland’s existing facilities in May 2011.

In 2012/13, Petland built the current in-store adoption centre that has 12 dog and 12 cat runs. It opened in May 2013. Alberta Animal Services has four dedicated adoption specialists managing this location and we average 30+ adoptions per month. The program is so successful that we partner with rescue agencies across Alberta and the North West Territories, to transfer in dogs from other areas.

Amy Pawson (AP): Petland decided to adapt our kennel area and provide space for community rescue partnerships in all of our company stores locations across Canada. This was new territory for us and we didn’t know what to expect or who would partner.

We had the opportunity to attending the Regional and National Summits; this is where we met the team from Alberta Animal Services. It was definitely a highlight for us. We are thrilled with how the partnership with them has worked out. All of our locations now have in-store adoption programs. Each store is a little different, involving a variety of community partners.

IS: So the program can be replicated in other regions?

EC:  Absolutely! But it takes hard work, dedication and forward thinking. You can’t be afraid of change. I have to admit it was scary at first but I always kept the interest of my shelter animals in mind. No matter what, it is always about saving lives. It takes two to make it work … just like in a marriage.  We maintain our great working relationship by keeping in constant communication and, when situations arise, we come together to find solutions and work it out as a team.

AP: I agree and stress that, as our industry becomes more and more competitive, collaboration is the key to making these types of programs work.

IS: How would you suggest other organizations get started?

EC: Come to Red Deer and tour our adoption centre, then sit down with Amy and me. We can show you how it works. If you think this is something you can bring to your community, we can help you along the way.

AP:  Once you have the concept, reaching out to others who have successful programs as a resource is essential. Have a plan  to create a foundation and building blocks to bring it all together. There are a lot of things to work out… and much of it we have overcome through trial and error. I am open to collaborating with everyone because the purpose is to find homes for animals.

IS: You were part of the inaugural Innovation Showcase program and you presented at the 2013 Regional and Annual Summits for Urban Animal Strategies. Tell us a little about your respective experiences on this journey.

AP: Every Summit I have attended has been an excellent experience. Each year I get to know people better. Canada is large and so, to be able to share and gather ideas from each region, celebrate them, and capture the joy of pet ownership and why, at the end of the day, and break down barriers. The networking is, by far, the most valuable. You get to meet people that you may not have met otherwise, form partnerships and come together as an industry.  Speaking on behalf of Petland company stores, this would have been a different journey without the Summit experience. It would have been a lot harder to form the invaluable relationships.

EC: I was terrified to get up in front of my colleagues in the Animal Industry but after it was all over, and seeing that many of them support us — some even cried — that feeling of accomplishment was unforgettable. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed sharing our story. I am so excited to be presenting again this April. I want our program to be shared across Canada and, thanks to PetLynx and my peers who voted for us, we will be able to do that! PetLynx has a great team of people and I just love them all.

IS: What are you planning for your April 2014 Municipal Collaboration Keynote in Toronto and Halifax?

AP: Our first presentation was about the concept. Now we want to share the journey… the negatives and positives, the hard costs and operating challenges. There will be more statistics and it will be more detailed as to how we got this far and where we are going with it.

IS: What about your own personal Pet Experiences? We always love to hear what drives people’s individual passion for pets.

AP: I love animals – obviously! My passion started as a child. My father’s side of the family bred dogs and we had dogs, cats and hamsters growing up. I ended up in the pet industry because of this and secured a part time job at Petland. Fifteen years later I am still here! To see someone hold an animal for the first time is a great experience. It brings happiness to me. The human animal bond is amazing. I really believe that pets make life better!

EC: I have been passionate about animals since I was a little girl. I took in my first stray cat – Zoey – when I was six-years-old. She followed me home from school and I begged my parents to let me keep her. I will never forget that moment when I experienced my first bond with an animal. The feeling of love that a pet gives you is unexplainable. Since then, I have always looked out for animals and always helped them. I swear that I had my own animal shelter growing up! Thank God my parents accepted my love for animals. 

IS: How may our readers contact you?

Amy Pawson Amy.Pawson@petlandcanada.com 1-403-723-3818

Erica Coomber: coomber@riversidekennels.ca 1-866-340-2388 or 403-347-2388

IS: Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us. You are doing great work and are to be commended for your efforts.

2013/2014 Innovation Keynote RESULTS!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2013/2014 Innovation Keynote surveys! Earlier this month, the urban animal community cast ballots to elect the 2013Innovation Showcase they believe can and should be replicated in their region. The winners will present their innovation to delegates at the 2014 Regional Conferences in April. 

And the winners are... 

In the Central and Atlantic Regions: 

Municipal Collaboration led by Amy Pawson & Erica Coomber (Petland & Alberta Animal Services) - A unique partnership between retail and animal control that has raised funds, built an adoption centre and adopted out hundreds of pets. 

  

In the Prairie and Pacific Regions: 

Reducing Cat Admissions led by Judith Aubin & Tanya Firmage (Ontario SPCA) - The most populated province in Canada achieving a reduction in Cat admissions in the order of 18% by way of a high volume spay/neuter program with lower costs.

REGISTER NOW FOR A 2014 REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN YOUR AREA!

2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences - Central

Tuesday April 22, 2014 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EDT

Toronto, Ontario

2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences - Atlantic

Thursday April 24, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ADT

Halifax, Nova Scotia

2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences - Prairie

Monday April 28, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM MDT

Calgary, Alberta

2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences - Pacific

Wednesday April 30, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PDT

Vancouver, British Columbia

Selection of the Innovation Keynote will complete the first full cycle of the Innovation Program. The presentation of the Innovation project chosen for replication in each region is the crowning achievement. The vision to illuminate innovators and seed their innovation in communities across North America is now complete. 

Lisa Milton featured on Critter Care

Lisa Milton with Robert Church on Critter Care,
November 4, 2013

Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Production Manager, Lisa Milton, starred in a 30 minute segment on Critter Care with Robert Church earlier this month to discuss PetLynx, innovation, the Urban Animal Conferences and the SUAS.

Lisa has been a driving force behind the SUAS, an international event that celebrates animal welfare innovations and promotes mindful pet communities through collaboration between all sectors of the pet industry. 

"It does bring together every sector of the industry," said Robert Church in the interview. "All kinds of people sitting down at the table saying 'how do we work together to solve these issues and raise the bar of animal care across the board'. Because every sector has its issues… and yet animal welfare is everybody's business." 

This segment simply describes the importance of the Summits and Urban Animal Conferences and their significance in bringing about a catalyst for change across the industry. As individual sectors, agencies, organizations and individuals realize the potential that collaboration can bring, we are seeing positive and progressive steps towards creating healthy communities for people and pets. 

"It's about building value into your animal and your pet experience," said Lisa. "If we can do that in any way, though the National Recovery Service, the Summit Conversations, the Summit Awards and most importantly, our partners in the industry, we're building a better experience for the people out there who own animals."

Critter Care with Robert Church is a half hour program airing weekly on Shaw Television Channel 10 in Calgary, Alberta. Every week features different guests and pets sharing their unique brand of animal knowledge. 

Petland Charities pitches in to clean up Sue Higgins dog park

Petland Charities and the City of Calgary are partnering to mobilize a clean-up effort of Sue Higgins Dog Park which was affected by flooding in Calgary in June.

Park clean-up is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20 when pre-registered volunteers will assist in cleaning up debris, repairing fences and bringing the popular park back to Calgarian dog owners. Over 90 per cent of the fences in the park were damaged and roughly 70 per cent were destroyed. Presently, only portions of the park have reopened to the public. 

Justin Brown, superintendent of parks for the City of Calgary, told the Calgary Herald the park was significantly damaged by the flood waters. 

"The entire park was actually under water during high water mark,"he said. "We'll be down here all year, that's for sure."  

In conjunction with the volunteer clean-up, Petland stores in Calgary also hosted an in-store fundraising campaign earlier this month. A sticker campaign and Greenies (Mars PetCare) brand donations raised funds for Petland Charities which provided money to help clean up the dog park. 

Photo Credit

Petland Canada responds to Alberta Floods

Petland Charities announced last week it would match cash donations to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank up to $5,000 as well as contribute one pail of Here Kitty Litter for each one donated. 

Yesterday, Petland reported raising $6,520 in cash donations. Including Petland's match commitment, the total raised for the Calgary food bank is $11,520. In addition, Nutro donated 1,163 bags of food, Nutrience donated 338 bags of food, Bollea Logistics donated their time, a truck and a  pallet of water. 

Petland will continue collecting donations until July 8. 

Thanks to Amy Pawson, Calgary, Alberta, Canada for passing this clip along. If you find something the industry needs to see pass it to contactus@urbananimal.com

Industry's Unique Approach to US Puppy Mills

US Pet Industry Associations, Retailers and Animal Welfare Organizations Join to Fight Puppy Mills

Recent reports from the US show a unique industry alliance is taking shape to improve conditions for dogs and puppies produced by 'substandard commercial breeders'. The stated goal of the group is to 'create lasting change in the commercial breeding industry' and to 'ensure the humane care and safety of all dogs and puppies'.

While most observers would find this alliance unusual in a historical context, it does show a thoughtful approach to a serious industry problem and  recognition that individual efforts of the past have been less than successful. Participating organizations include the American Pet Products Association (APPA), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and retailers Petco and Petland.

Agreeing upon a definition of a 'puppy mill', has been the stumbling block.  However, this alliance has been able to assemble a definition for the  controversial and oft misunderstood term:

A dog-breeding operation, which offers dogs for monetary compensation or remuneration, in which the physical, psychological and/or behavioral needs of the dogs are not being fulfilled due to inadequate housing, shelter, staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise, veterinary care, and/or inappropriate breeding.

In 2010, the Canadian industry created a 'Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct'. The initiative lead by former Canadian Kennel Club CEO, Joe Mauro, continues to languish while major players sort out philosophical differences. PIJAC Canada and other members of the Canadian industry who were involved in the Breeder Code development are keenly watching this US development.  

When contacted for comment, Louis McCann, Executive Director of PIJAC Canada had this to say,

We are inspired to see this spirit of industry collaboration.  The strength behind this collective effort will surely be the vehicle for meaningful advancement in animal care, because animal welfare is everyone’s business.

More information can be found on the Safe Healthy Dogs website.

Collaboration and Fundraising - critical elements of the companion animal industry

The companion animal industry is widely based on charity. The charity of those indirectly involved as well as the fundraising efforts of those directly involved in the sector. 

Fundraising events are critical to the success of the companion animal industry and would be difficult to orchestrate without the efforts of two or more willing parties. But with each successful event comes empowerment for industry leaders as well as engagement for pet families and the public, which creates a unique opportunity to generate awareness and bring attention to the world of pets.

Examples of these collaboration of efforts can be found across the world, throughout the year: 

• In August, Alberta Animal Services (AAS) officers took part in a Special Olympics fund raising event that amassed a total of $22,000.

Alberta Animal Services officers at a Special Olympics fundraiser in August.

• On 19 September 2012, AAS teamed up with Red Deer Petland to host a 100th Grey Cup fund raising barbeque. All cats were available for adoption for $100. The event was a smashing success, raising $1,425 to help fund surgery for Patience, a dog whose femur was broken when she was hit by a car. Petland was also grateful for an opportunity to highlight its relationship with Alberta Animal Services. 
• On the same day, PedigreeⓇ hosted its fifth annual adoption driver campaign in Toronto to raise awareness for shelter dogs and adoption. the Pedigree Adoption DriverⓇ has raised upwards of $1 million since its inception, enabling the 30 PedigreeⓇ partner shelters to use the donations for items they require including medical needs, food, blankets, toys and operating expenses. 

Many organizations recognize the need for these efforts and go the extra mile to ensure the industry's success.And each and every one works towards creating a healthier community for pets and people.

The Regional Summits - Collaboration at its finest

After attending the 2011 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies in Red Deer, AB, Alberta Animal Services (AAS) and Petland began the start of a new partnership.

Together, AAS and Petland compared their visions, and took it to the next level by partnering for an in-store adoption space for AAS animals. Petland held the in-store event in mid February of 2012 to promote responsible pet ownership through pet identification, awareness of AAS and the in-store adoption partnership. The event was a huge success, raising close to $2,000 with all donations distributed to AAS to reduce animal over population through spay and neuter programs.

“In many ways it’s because of the collaboration that Petlynx Corporation has done through the Regional Summit, has opened this door for both Petland and our organization - without a question,” said George Potter, Chief Administrating Officer of Alberta Animal Services.

“Over the years, the National and Regional Summits have continued to show the importance of meeting people in industry and it has helped our organization move forward by leaps and bounds.

“We are all very excited where this has already taken us and for what the future holds for us in this Collaborative relationship.”

With this new collaboration in mind, Potter said AAS and Petland will be headed to Dallas, Texas in the coming weeks to visit a number of stores that currently have permanent adoption centre’s to get a better understanding of the process of construction that will soon take place in the Red Deer location.

“I have to say, this new initiative has totally changed our organization and we are so looking forward to the future with Petland,” Potter expressed. “Without having any of the in-store adoption centre facility built yet in Red Deer, we have already adopted out 43 cats and dogs in a two-month period.

“I can’t even imagine the adoptions once we have the Alberta Animal Services Adoption Centre open in the Red Deer store. It is certainly changing the face of Animal Control in our area and will for many years to come - what a great story this will be!”

An interview with Petland’s, Amy Pawson

Petland “Share the Love” Donation Sticker Campaign a Success

Petland has been providing support and industry awareness to local communities for years. InfoStream had the opportunity to visit with Amy Pawson, Director of Operations, Petland Company Store Division, about the "Share the Love" Campaign, which ran from Feb. 1-14, 2012 in the Red Deer store.

InfoStream: Thanks for taking this time to speak with us, Amy. Can you please start off by telling us about the event, the goals and the stats you achieved with this event?
Pawson: Petland partnered with Alberta Animal Services (AAS) after attending the 2011 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies in Red Deer. Together, we compared our visions, then took it to the next level by  partnering with in-store adoption space for AAS animals. We wanted to create awareness for adoptable animals, our partnership and what Alberta Animal Services does for the communities it serves.

The sticker donation campaign was driven by PetLand cashiers on the tills from Feb. 1-14. All donations were for Alberta Animal Services to reduce animal over population through spay and neuter programs. We are proud to say we raised $1,783.02. Our donation goal was to have at least 20% of people through the store donate and we achieved 21%. We also increased our Store Guest Flow from a goal of 12,106 and to 12,782. Overall we exceeded campaign goals and landed a very successful event.

On Saturday February 11th, 2012, we held an in-store event the goal of which was to promote Responsible Pet Ownership through pet identification, awareness of Alberta Animal Services and the in-store adoption partnership. We advertised through in store posters, staff promotion, radio public service announcements, radio commercials, an event radio remote, an Ad in the Red Deer Advocate newspaper and a Facebook online program.

InfoStream: What did customers find as they entered the store on the day of your event?
Pawson: We created a customer experience around adoptions. At the start of the event, we brought 12 adoptable animals into the store from Alberta Animal Services and now only 4 are left!

We also offered on-site Microchip implanting.  Twenty-six people had their pets permanently identified and registered in the PetLynx recovery system. Customers that heard about this offer came to see what the event was all about. Those who were not aware of the campaign were disappointed they hadn't brought their pet. Through this promotion, we learned there is a lack of information about microchips and recovery services as well as a misunderstanding about the implanting procedure. It turns out that many people are not implanting their pet with a microchip because they are scared about the effect of the procedure on the animal.

In addition, Alberta Animal Services had by-law officers available to educate and answer questions.  This created a softer feel about them and their role in the community. And of course for the children attending the event we gave away kids packages that included a tooth brush (for Dental Health month), a Petland colouring book and crayons. We also provided balloons and tattoos for the kids at the front of the store to engage them and provide interaction with the animals.

InfoStream: What other incentives did you have for the in-store event?
Pawson: Yes, we had three huge giveaways:
• A 1 year supply of pet food from  Hill's Science Diet
• A grooming package from Riverside Kennels and Spas
• A 1 year supply of Pet Health Insurance from Petsecure

InfoStream: Why was Red Deer chosen for this prototype event?
Pawson: We saw this as an opportunity to explore a more collaborative approach to the community with Riverside Kennels, Alberta Animal Services and our vendors. This event was not just a one-time, one-way initiative. This event has brought about new partnerships for us and has changed how we plan to do things in the future.

InfoStream: What would you say are the three top achievements of the event?
Pawson: The top three achievements would be the money raised, the animals that found new homes, and the awareness of the role each of us play as collaborators delivering services to pet families in the Red Deer community.

InfoStream: How do you feel this event has impacted the companion animal industry as well as the city of Red Deer?
Pawson: It has created awareness for collaboration in the companion animal industry throughout the community. The bylaw officers were a huge help in educating people on what exactly responsible pet ownership is and why proper identification can increase return-to-owner rates.

InfoStream: Based on the success of the event, are there plans to move an initiative like this to other Petland locations across Canada?
Pawson: Our next in-store launch will be at our Winnipeg location on March 3rd featuring an in-store adoption event for cats. Our goal is to obtain 1,001 donations for the Winnipeg Humane society and create awareness for the many adoptable animals they have in that community.

InfoStream: Amy, do you have any closing remarks about the event overall?
Pawson: It was nice to leave Red Deer knowing that we made an impact on the community. It reinforces for me why I do this job and why I work with organizations that understand a collaborative vision.  At the end of day it is about creating healthy communities for the pets and people we all serve. Everyone needs to play a role, we all have an impact and by working together we will all be more successful.

InfoStream: Thank you Amy for taking the time to share your vision and your achievements.  We wish you all the best at your future Petland events!

Petland chain praised for decision to halt sales of puppies and kittens

The decision by Petland to phase out the sale of puppies and kittens is the right move according to customers and an animal rights advocate. Actions Speak Louder Calgary, a puppy advocate group, was pleased to hear the news. “It’s a great step forward,” said Jennifer Kaiser, co-founder of ASLC. “It will definitely help bring more attention to rescue pets and pet overpopulation."

A Petland spokesperson said the decision was a business move. “We like having our kennel and we are going to change with it and move forward,” said Robert Church, a spokesman for Petland “It’s a huge shift for us, but it’s a change.” He added online sale websites like Kijiji cut into the business over the last three or four years, something they couldn’t compete with.

Read the full article by, Bryce Forbes in the Calgary Herald

How much is that doggy in the window?

Petland will no longer be asked that question, as it will immediately begin phasing out the sale of the animals at its stores nationwide.

It says the decision “reflects the fundamental change in the way consumers are sourcing and purchasing puppies, resulting in a decrease of sales within pet stores.”

Some stores had already begun phasing out the sale of animals. Now, all Petland stores will be required to do so.

Read it on Global News: Global Calgary | Petland to phase out sale of cats and dogs nationwide

Petland tries adoption model in Coventry Hills

According to Calgary's Metro news service, customers at a northwest Calgary Petland store will no longer see puppies for sale in the window. The store has decided to move to an adoption-only model.

Rather than selling dogs and cats in store, the Coventry Hills location will partner with local rescue organizations and hold adopt-a-thons. 
Petland spokesperson Robert Church said this is a trial run for the chain and a decision to have other stores stop selling dogs and cats would not be taken lightly.

“We’re just trying it out at this point,” he said. “We’re certainly not apologizing for having animals in our stores. We think we provide a valuable service to the public by offering them choice and that’s really important.”

Read more