Urban Animal program seeks 2015 academic research posters

Last year, Urban Animal™ launched the Research Poster program. Seven posters were invited to present at the regional level to delegates at the 2014 Urban Animal Conferences. Of those, five were selected to attend the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies where one researcher was awarded the status of Urban Animal Researcher of the Year. 

From the human-animal bond to community health and dog parks, researchers have been under-utilized by the Urban Animal™ industry. This program delivers new thought and evidence that improves the pet experience in urban municipalities where a healthy, wholesome environment for all Urban Animals (human and non-human) must exist. 

Submit a 2015 Research Poster TODAY! 

FOUR posters are selected to present at each regional conference where presenters are provided with a full delegate package. ONE poster is selected by delegates at each region and provided with a full scholarship and travel subsidy (funded by the Urban Animal Foundation) to attend the Summit. At the Summit, presenters and posters are available for preview during the Wednesday evening reception as well as meals and breaks on Thursday. TWO presenters are selected by those in attendance and the Urban Animal™ Researcher of the Year is revealed on Friday evening at the Awards Gala. The winning poster and runner up receive recognition, media interviews and small cash awards.

The Poster program provides researchers with recognition and a broader audience for their activities. The program provides members of the Alliance for Urban Animals with important evidence to resolve the dilemmas pets and pet owners face.

Get Ready, Get Set...

Nominations for Urban Animal programs are NOW OPEN and you are invited to consider the individuals, organizations, innovators and academics that surround you every day. Please take a moment to nominate these worthy people and programs for Urban Animal scholarships that will help drive awareness, recognition and support.

In 2014, the involvement of people like you helped us to successfully execute the Urban Animal programs that formed the foundation of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies and the Regional Conferences. Nearly 300 community to executive level thought leaders participated in these events and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We are anxiously looking forward to even greater success at this year’s events, which will be held April 14-22 and October 14-17.

As you know, 2015 is the 10th anniversary of Urban Animal. A number of program enhancements are being added including a new Urban Animal scholarship for Digital Journalists and a strengthened nomination process for other Urban Animal programs.

Nominations are now being accepted for the following programs:

• Innovation Showcase
• Research Poster
• Digital Journalist
• Summit Awards

Don't hesitate, NOMINATE TODAY! 

New scholarship added to Urban Animal program!

Urban Animal is adding an exciting enhancement to it's list of scholarship programs for the 10th anniversary year. 

The Digital Journalist program illuminates those who deliver digital images and information to audiences in urban municipalities. These individuals are instrumental in the development of public opinion, culture and behaviours for a healthy, wholesome environment for Urban Animals. 

"Digital journalists have done more to change behaviors and culture in our communities than than ever before. They are the new advocates and ambassadors of everything important to today's consumers," said Larry Evans, Executive Producer of the Urban Animal program. "This program will showcase these important individuals. It is our intention to help move the industry toward a new future - the future of communicating with both digital natives and digital immigrants."

The Digital Journalist program provides the journalist with an opportunity to showcase artistic talent, technical proficiency and an ability to create compelling online content. In addition to developing online content for each Urban Animal event, this competition also provides members of the Alliance for Urban Animals with access to relevant content and leading human capital. 

For more information, visit www.urbananimal.com  

McGrand Removed from Emerging Leader Scholarship

PetLynx Corporation is removing references to ‘the Honourable Frederic Addison McGrand’ from program elements of Urban Animal.

Federic A. McGrand, was an important figure in the Animal Welfare movement. He founded more than 11 organizations and initiatives in Atlantic Canada, established the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and was associated with the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada. All of this was in addition to being a respected Senator from New Brunswick and a neuro-pioneer who illuminated behaviors and the connections between animals and people.

Earlier this summer, Barbara Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) contacted PetLynx taking exception to the honouring of McGrand with two Emerging Leader Scholarships at Summit 2014. Although invited to meet and find a solution, CFHS began trademark proceedings to protect McGrand for the exclusive use of CFHS and threatened PetLynx with a lawsuit for infringement.

At a meeting last week, members of the Alliance for Urban Animals™ discussed the situation and determined not to engage the Federation in a legal battle. In fact, members determined this to be an opportunity to demonstrate the beliefs and values upon which the Alliance is built. Members of the Alliance for Urban Animals™ believe colleagues in the Urban Animal industry can set aside differences and collaborate to deliver a more positive experience for pet owners.

Alliance members will be invited to propose a new honoree for the Humane and Rescue sector Scholarships.

Pacific Innovation Showcases Revealed!

Urban Animal communities across the Pacific North America are well served by the Innovators in that region. Dedicated and relentless efforts to create healthy communities for pets and people extracted an exciting 2014 Innovation Showcase lineup for the Vancouver Conference. 

Online Pet Sales – Ryan Cochrane (BuySellTrade.ca)

Imagine: an online classified site converting to adoption-only postings from humane and rescue.

Going Green – Bob Busch (BCSPCA)

Imagine: developing a gold level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited animal shelter to improve sustainable sheltering across the continent.

Drives for Lives – Iris Ting (BC SPCA)

Imagine: a transportation network that moves animals between adoption centres to connect demand with supply.

Paws for Hope - Kathy Powelson

Imagine: an animal welfare foundation that brings education, beds, food and veterinary care to local stakeholders.

Culture Clash - Kim Marosevich

Imagine: eliminating the judgment and beliefs that keep us from working together.

Industry Messaging - Andrea McDonald

Imagine: a collaboration that unifies service providers and brings community-wide support to all pet owners. 

To register for a Conference in your region, CLICK HERE. 

If you have not received an affiliate voucher code (valued at $100 towards Conference Subscription), please contact Lisa Milton at 403-809-4630 or Shannon Woodward at 403-208-1972. 

Innovation Showcases Revealed for Prairie Conference!

Innovation is thriving in the Prairie region. Volunteers, collaboration and commitment to the community sum up the 2014 Innovation Showcase lineup for Calgary. 

Off-leash Ambassadors - Cheryl Herperger (City of Calgary)

Imagine: a volunteer-based program enabling ‘ambassadors’ to educate the general public about rules and etiquette for using off-leash dog parks.

Tails of Help – Jennifer Williams (ABVMA)

Imagine: a program providing veterinary care to Alberta pet owners facing financial hardship.

Air Angels – Jane Russett

Imagine: a unique collaboration between animal rescue organizations and WestJet employees created to transport rescue and service animals across the country.

NWT Shelter Exchange - Dezerae Jenkins (Alberta Animal Services)

Imagine: Connecting over-capacity humane and rescue organizations in the far north with available homes in Central Alberta.

To register for a Conference in your region, CLICK HERE. 

If you have not received an affiliate voucher code (valued at $100 towards Conference Subscription), please contact Lisa Milton at 403-809-4630 or Shannon Woodward at 403-208-1972. 

Atlantic Innovation Showcases Revealed!

Attendees to the Urban Animal Regional Conference will be treated with a wide-range of presentations this year from Humane and Rescue to research on the human-animal bond. 

Innovation Showcases in Halifax, Nova Scotia: 

Social Media Savvy – Rodney Habib (Planet Paws Pet Essentials)

Imagine: an independent retailer with 27,000 plus Facebook “Likes” and commanding online presence.

Human-Animal Interactions - Cassandra Hanrahan (Dalhousie University)

Imagine: leveraging the human-animal bond to bring benefits disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Special Education - Eileen Higginbotham (Prince Street Elementary School)

Imagine: a special ed teacher using integrated animal experiences to promote leadership and build empathy while enhancing cooperation and problem solving skills.

Combating Cat Overpopulation - Linda Felix (Spay Day HRM)

Imagine: sterilizing 1,000+ cats from low-income homes and neighbourhoods in three years using volunteers and donations.

Paws Fur Thought - Medric Cousineau

Imagine: PTSD veterans experiencing the positive benefits of service animals.

To register for a Conference in your region, CLICK HERE. 

If you have not received an affiliate voucher code (valued at $100 towards Conference Subscription), please contact Lisa Milton at 403-809-4630 or Shannon Woodward at 403-208-1972. 

2014 Central Innovation Showcases Revealed!

On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Canada wide 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference tour will launch. 

Members from all levels and sectors of the Urban Animal Industry will gather together in Toronto, Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver for the 8th annual edition of these regional events.

The 2014 Regional Conferences are a strategic component of Urban Animal™ programs in North America. They feature the Pet Experience Workshops led by Dr. Jason Coe, Innovation Keynotes providing tools for replication and a strong cast of local presenters showcasing innovative projects from across North America. 

Today, the first of four InfoStream posts will reveal the 2014 Innovation Showcase lineup. Central Region Showcases: 

Municipal TNR – Esther Attard (Toronto Animal Services)

Imagine: a municipality turning its focus to TNR instead of euthanizing to better serve the feral cat population and the community as a whole.

iAdopt – Stephanie Johns (OSPCA)

Imagine: a year-round adoption campaign available to organizations from all industry sectors at a global level.

LifeLearnX – Adam Little

Imagine: a bold new initiative challenging animal health by accelerating technology through entrepreneurship.

Animal's Voice Pawdcasts - Kevin MacKenzie & Katie Leonard (OSPCA)

Imagine: an Internet channel that features the country’s leading experts, volunteers and information about the Pet Experience.

Shelter Medicine at Boreal College – Tanya Firmage (OSPCA)

Imagine: a partnership between a leading Canadian college and a humane society resulting in the first ever shelter medicine program.

To register for a Conference in your region, CLICK HERE. 

If you have not received an affiliate voucher code (valued at $100 towards Conference Subscription), please contact Lisa Milton at 403-809-4630 or Shannon Woodward at 403-208-1972. 

Urban Animal™ seeks Innovators for Conference program

A few spaces still exist for Innovation Showcase presentations in the Atlantic, Prairie and Pacific Regions. 

The Innovation Showcase provides information and tools to replicate innovative projects in other communities and is an excellent opportunity for Innovators at the local level to reach a broader audience, network with like-minded thought leaders and gain national recognition.  

“A big win for innovators, is recognition of the work they do in the trenches of our industry,” said Executive Producer, Larry R. Evans. “The Urban Animal Foundation supports the replication of these projects with specific funding, and the Urban Animal Program confers a ‘Mentorship’ on the top four innovators. This program adds confidence, self esteem and career enhancements for those involved.”

NOMINATE AN INNOVATOR! 

Each innovator is allotted 20 minutes to present their Innovation to Conference delegates at the upcoming Regional Conferences:

• April 22 - Toronto (Showcase spaces FULL)
• April 24 - Halifax
• April 28 - Calgary
• April 30 - Vancouver

Delegates of each Conference elect two projects to advance to the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Lake Louise. In October, these eight finalists vie to be chosen as the 2014 Innovator of the Year. The top four innovators at the Summit have a chance to move forward to the replication round of the 2015 Regional Conferences. 

The Urban Animal Foundation provides each 2014/2015 Innovator (Certain rules apply) with:

• Conference Round - 2 Regional Conference Subscriptions ($250 value)
• Summit Round (if selected) – Innovator Scholarship ($2,000 value) for first presenter and ($1,450 value) for a second presenter.
• Replication Round (if selected) – Accommodation and travel on Regional Conference Tour

More information about the Innovation Showcase process is available at www.urbananimal.com/IS.

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.

2014 Regional Conference Agendas RELEASED!

The Pet Experience Project, which began at Summit 2012, continues to be a focus of the 2014 Conference and is likely top of mind for organizations who serve pets and pet owners in urban communities. 

The Urban Animal Program is pleased to announce that Shawn McIntyre, manager, Kijiji Community Relations, will be the keynote speaker of the 2014 Regional Conferences  Shawn's presentation will address growing controversy, concerns and positive developments around animal sourcing in our communities.   Dr. Drew Van Niekerk, Pet Experience Project advocate, will also present pet experience data as it relates to animal sourcing. 

The Innovation Showcase features the first elimination round for those competing to be the 2014 Innovator of the Year (Nominations for Innovation Showcases are currently underway). 

The 2013/2014 Innovation Mentor selected in each region will deliver an Innovation Keynote designed to assist those who wish to replicate innovation in their communities. In 2014, Urban Animal subscribers choose either High Volume Spay/Neuter services or Integrated Retail Adoption Centers as the projects for replication. 

Dr. Jason Coe, University of Guelph, is the 2014 Director of Regional Conference programs. Under his capable direction, delegates will develop a greater understanding of the pet experience and trends that are impacting the Urban Animal Industry. 

CENTRAL Agenda

ATLANTIC Agenda

PRAIRIE Agenda

PACIFIC Agenda

REGISTER for a 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference

Get the Facts, Have YourSAY, Move the Industry.

RSA, Pets Plus Us, Presenting Sponsor – 2014 Urban Animal Program

PRESS RELEASE

  

CALGARY, AB – PetLynx Corporation is pleased to announce, Pets Plus Us, a division of Royal Sun Alliance (RSA), the world’s leading provider of general insurance, is the presenting sponsor of 2014 Urban Animal programs. As presenting sponsor, RSA/Pets Plus Us leads the funding of Urban Animal programs as well as four Regional Conferences in April, 2014, and the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October, 2014.

Headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, Pets Plus Us is the Champion of Pet Owner Happiness. Their carefully researched business model enhances the pet experience. Pets Plus Us re-imagined pet insurance and introduced Canada’s first wellness-only plan. The dynamic community created by Pets Plus Us empowers pet families as they make mindful choices for the wellbeing of their pets. Pets Plus Us insurance products are underwritten by the powerful RSA Group.

Pets Plus Us Top Dog, Randy Valpy, is a founding member of the Urban Animal Alliance and a long-time supporter of the Summits and Regional Conferences. As Presenting Sponsor, Pets Plus Us will host the 2014 Summit Gala as well as receptions at each Regional Conference.

The ninth year of the Urban Animal Alliance features the largest group of collaborators and associates across North America. The 2014 program features:

Summit Awards, recognizing Urban Animal leaders who achieve success and the recognition of peers.

Emerging Leader Scholarships, providing emerging leaders with access to Urban Animal Events.

Innovation Showcase, identifying projects that can be replicated in other Urban Communities.

Urban Animal Posters, funding academic programs and research to enhance the pet experience.

FOR SPONSORSHIP OR URBAN ANIMAL ALLIANCE OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Lisa Milton, Production Manager, (p) 403.809.4630, (e) lisa.milton@petlynxmail.com

Dr. Drew Van Niekerk, Director, (p) 403.660.0009, (e) drew.vanniekerk@petlynxmail.com

Larry R. Evans, Executive Producer, (p) 403.921.5900, (e) larry.evans@petlynxmail.com

The Urban Animal Alliance is an initiative of PetLynx Corporation to support industry leaders and gather best practices for the companion animal industry. The Urban Animal Alliance advances the state-of-the-art to deliver a positive pet experience in Urban Municipalities.