Adjudication Session Dates Revealed!

The Urban Animal Foundation is pleased to announce the dates of the 2015 Urban Animal Adjudication Sessions:

Western Sessions (Calgary) - Monday, April 20

Pacific Sessions (Vancouver) - Tuesday, May 5

Atlantic Sessions (Halifax) - Thursday, May 14

Central Sessions (Toronto) - Thursday, June 11

Each event includes adjudication sessions for the Urban Animal Scholarships, an opportunity to promote Summit Award nominees and an opportunity to fellowship with industry peers in the Alliance for Urban Animals, Sponsors of the Urban Animal program and Representatives of the Urban Animal Foundation. 

Nominations for the Scholarship programs will remain open until the adjudication schedule is filled or until nominations are closed by the Urban Animal Foundation. 

For information about the Urban Animal Scholarships please click on the following links:

• Emerging Leaders
• Research Posters
• Digital Journalists
• Innovation Showcase
• Summit Awards

Supporters of nominees and members of the Alliance for Urban Animals in each region are invited to attend each adjudication session. Events will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. including refreshments and a luncheon. Registration fees are $35 CAN if paid in advance or $50 at the door. Register Online!

Nominees in each Scholarship program will present to a panel of adjudicators that includes not less than three members of the Alliance for Urban Animals (Alumni, Mentors, Advocates) from inside the Region and up to three members selected from the Action Council outside the Region.

The Action Council of the Urban Animal Foundation will be guided by the results of these adjudication sessions as they select the recipients of the 2015 Urban Animal Scholarships. Recipients will be awarded a full delegate package to the 2015 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Lake Louise, Alberta, October 14-17. Scholarships are valued at $2,650 and include Summit registration fees, meals and gratuities as well as up to $550 in travel subsidies. In 2014, the Urban Animal Foundation provided scholarships of more than 106,000 $CAN.

Nominees unable to attend the adjudication session in their area should contact Shannon Woodward or Anna MacNeil Allcock.

Emerging Leader, Valina Pope, shares Summit experience

Anna MacNeil-Allcock

InfoStream Staff Writer 

Eight emerging leaders were awarded scholarships to attend the 9th annual Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October 2014. Co-founder of Starstruck Labradors, Valina Pope, accepted one of two Rolf C. Hagen Emerging Leader Scholarships. 

InfoStream staff writer Anna MacNeill-Allcock caught up with Valina at her home north of Calgary to discover the qualities that caught the attention of the urban animal industry and ask about her Summit experience.  

InfoStream (IS): How did you come to be involved in the pet industry?

Valina Pope (VP): I had plans for university at a very young age. I wanted to do something in medicine, or genetics, and research involving both. However, after working so hard in school and saving money, I was in a head-on collision on a major highway. One of my many injuries was head trauma, which has resulted in long-term memory issues. To this day, I can not remember the years since the accident, but the years before are crystal clear! I could not attend university due to my injuries. 

I was employed by Colette Francis (Pooch Palace Kennels) as kennel help after the accident. She taught me what it meant to be an ethical breeder, regardless of what you breed. She opened my eyes!

So, when I applied the knowledge I have kept from before the accident to my current life, somehow, I ended up breeding Labrador Retrievers! I chose “labs” because of the potential to create genetically superior pets that can better serve as healthier, longer-lived pets and assistance dogs. We have already seen some of the results of our unique approach to breeding.  

IS: What is driving your passion in the pet industry?

VP: I feel that if we can truly work together, we can build a positive pet experience, as well as eliminating the suffering of animals - both homeless and poorly homed. 

IS: What is the most satisfying part of your job?

VP: Personally, the moment for me, is seeing the positive difference I have made in families across North America.  

IS: What is the most challenging part of your job?

VP: Well, the more people I meet, the more I like my dogs! The most difficult (although rewarding) part of my job is the struggle to educate people. It feels like some people will not, or can not, be taught or want to learn! It can be frustrating. At the same time, when successful, this can be one of the most rewarding experiences! 

IS: Do you have any programs/ initiatives that you are especially passionate about?

VP: We are working to improve the quality of pet we offer, the education we can provide, and the ways in which we deliver these. I hope to use collaboration between different branches/organizations involved in the pet experience to accomplish this.  

IS: What would you like to see happen in your sector over the next few years?

VP: Further collaboration of vested parties to benefit the pets and companion animals in our reach.

IS: What was your experience at the Summit?

VP: My experience was very good. It taught me lessons I can apply both professionally, as well as personally. I couldn’t have hoped for more! 

IS: How might  attending the Summit have helped you in your mission?

VP: Attending the Summit enabled me to meet many new people in the industry and will help me along the path that I hope to tread for many years to come. I will be applying the many lessons I learned at the Summit to all aspects of my career and projects over the coming years.

IS: What kind of an impact do you expect this to have on the Companion Animal Industry?

VP: Ideally, of course, we all hope to begin a wave. Like ripples in a pond, we aspire to change the world around us. Some of our efforts will be, of course, quieted by larger waves. But that can not dissuade us from making a splash when something really matters!

Valina Pope is the owner of Starstruck Labradors and was awarded the Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship for her contribution to Retail and Commercial Services.

Valina has adopted one of the more unique models for breeding and raising dogs on a larger scale. Starstruck Labradors involves more than 30 breeding Labrador Retrievers, each living in a home environment with their families. Given that one of the largest concerns with commercial breeding facilities is the welfare of the adult female dogs, this model is of great interest.

To encourage the highest quality of care, Valina has developed a strong contract and holds her adoptive families accountable. The adoptive families agree to breeding their pet and Valina is responsible for finding homes for the puppies. Only once has she needed to remove one of her dogs from a home that was not living up to her required standards. 

"Pet Owner Experience" Doc receives Frederick Lynn Webster Scholarship

Anna MacNeil-Allcock

InfoStream Staff Writer 

For her commitments to understanding and sharing the "pet owner experience", Dr. Christy Leslie, DVM, MBa, was recognized by her peers as an emerging leader and presented with a 2014 Frederick Lynn Webster Emerging Leader Scholarship. 

Christy is the Director of Program Management at Associate Veterinary Clinics. She specializes in the business end of Veterinary Medicine and spends a lot of time doing emergency work. Christy travels the country giving workshops to Veterinarians and their staff about the lessons learned from research on the ‘pet owner experience’.  Knowing and understanding Veterinary Medicine from the perspective of the pet owner provides great insight for how best to manage a practice and keep clients satisfied.

Anna MacNeil-Allcock (AMA): How did you come to be involved in the pet industry?

Dr. Christy Leslie (CL): I grew up on a hobby farm in Ontario, situated about one hour from Toronto. Our family always had pets. We had cats and dogs, and of course on the farm we kept horses, cows, sheep and chickens. I have family members in the Veterinary Profession so it had always been a consideration for me.

In early adulthood, I had a doberman named Carmen. The bond I had with her really impacted my life in a significant way and kicked off my interest in the human-animal bond, which lead to my current work about the pet owner experience in the Veterinary process.

  

AMA: What do you like most about your current work?

CL: Now that I am in a managerial position I have the ability to travel all over and make a greater impact. I also do a lot of Emergency work and have a very satisfying career.

AMA: What did receiving the scholarship mean to you?

CL: It was positive affirmation and recognition that my work was indeed having an impact. getting to know more about the urban animal

AMA: What was your experience at the Summit and how might it help you in your mission?

CL: It was very eye opening, especially to see that some of the businesses had a real interest in the animal industry, not solely from a business perspective. It stretched my mind.

In some ways, when I realized the size of the issues that were being tackled, I found it overwhelming to consider what a big endeavour it is to keep such projects moving forward.

The Summit gave me a broader understanding of the industry and an appreciation for the open mindedness that was being practiced by all.  I enjoyed getting to know more about the Urban Animal Program and what it is all about. Overall, it was rejuvenating.

AMA: What was the highlight of the Summit for you? 

CL: I had an ‘a ha’ moment as I was sitting at my table between representatives from two different pet insurance companies. I was surprised that they were even sitting at the same table and having a pleasant conversation. It really impressed upon me that this Summit is about the goals of the industry as a whole. Those at the Summit were willing to strip away personal and business goals and join in the solution. I wish all my colleagues in the Veterinary sector could experience the Summit. It would be a game changer because we are so often isolated in our own silo’s. 

I liked the big picture planning and thinking that was happening at the Summit but I also liked that research was included and could be tied to current issues. I thought the research posters were great and I was happy that each poster presenter was given some time at the mike to describe their research because it was not always possible to get to speak with them individually.

AMA: Will you attend a Summit in the future? 

CL: Yes, I would definitely consider attending another Summit, if it is in the same place and the timing works for me. The clinic is grounding and I can get bogged down a bit with business. I found the Summit to be rejuvenating and brought me back to the core values. A reality check and a reminder that we are all in it together.

Summit 2014 attracts leading Innovators

The Innovation Showcase was launched in 2013 to expand the discovery of innovative projects that could be replicated in other areas of the Urban Animal industry. In 2014, the program attracted a wide variety of Innovators who demonstrate ingenuity, collaboration and above all, a committed desire to create healthy communities for pets and people.

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 thoughts leaders and gain national recognition.

Twenty Innovators were nominated to present their programs to delegates at the 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences in April. Immediately following those presentations, delegates selected the top two from each region to advance to the next level and present to a national audience at the 2014 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October. The following presentations were nominated:

iAdopt

Shelter Medicine

Prince Street Puppy Project

Paws Fur Thought

Tails of Help

Off-Leash Ambassadors

K9H2O

Happy, Healthy Pet Relationships

These EIGHT Innovators are provided with Summit Scholarships funded by the Urban Animal Foundation. Summit delegates will select the top FOUR innovators following showcase presentations on Thursday, October 23. Those four are awarded the status of ‘Mentor’ and are available for replication during the Regional Conferences held the following spring. The Innovator of the Year is selected by secret ballot during the Summit and revealed during the Summit Awards Gala, Friday, October 24.

REGISTER FOR SUMMIT 2014!

2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference delegate survey results announced!

The analysis and summary of the 2014 Regional Conference delegate survey has been released by PetLynx Market Services and Intelligence. This report summarizes the four Regional YourSAY™ surveys that fielded April 22nd to May 14th, 2014. Fifty-eight delegates from all four regions responded to the survey with representation from each industry sector (43% Health & Wellness, 37% Pet Owner, 39% Retail and Commercial Services, 32% Humane and Rescue, 28% Care and Control, 20% Social and Community Services and 19% Other) across a broad range of management levels (41% Senior Management, 26% Director/Shareholder/Owner/Manager, 6% C-Level Executive and 27% Other). 

Highlights from the 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference Delegate Survey: 

• 2014 Regional Conferences saw an increase in new attendees (45%) compared to 2013 (35%)
• Participants in the survey felt that the Innovation Keynote presented by Erica Coomber and Amy Pawson (in Central and Atlantic regions only) was a relevant topic (92%) and a valuable presentation (90%).
• Survey respondents felt that Judith Aubin and Tanya Firmage from the Ontario SPCA (Western and Pacific regions only) were subject matter experts (92%) and felt that reducing cat admissions was a relevant topic (90%).
• Nearly nine out of every 10 participants thought that recognition of regional peers through the Innovation Showcase was important to them (88%), and said they learned something new about their region (82%).
• Eighty-eight per cent of participants felt that the recognition and support of academics through the Research Poster Program in their region was important, while 82% felt that the research presented was useful to their organization.
• 90% of participants felt the keynote address presented by Dr. Drew Van Niekerk on Animal Sourcing was effective and engaging, 88% also thought that the Pet Experience Project was a relevant topic and indicated Drew Van Niekerk was a subject matter expert (88%).
• Eighty-four percent of participants suggested that the keynote address offered by Kijiji Community Relations Manager, Shawn McIntyre on an Urban Animal Strategy was a relevant topic and indicated Shawn McIntyre was a subject matter expert (84%).
• Conference attendees were invited to nominate their peers for Urban Animal programs. Selecting an Emerging leader was important to participants (84%), while 40% had never nominated a peer in the past. Eight out of ten respondents suggested that recognition of peers for Summit Awards was important, and enjoyed the opportunity to nominate their peers. 
• Nine of ten respondents felt that Dr. Jason Coe demonstrated strong leadership skills and was effective and engaging (94%).  Ninety-two percent felt that he facilitated conversations and encouraged valuable outcomes.
• Nearly nine-tenths of respondents said that Lisa Milton was effective and engaging, facilitated relationships, and encouraged valuable outcomes (88%).
• Overall, venues for the Regional Conference rated high with 92% of participants stating that the meeting rooms were conducive to the Regional Conference format, and the hotel staff accommodating and courteous.
• Ninety-four percent of participants said they would recommend the Urban Animal Regional Conferences to others, and 90% said they would likely attend the Regional Conferences in 2015.

 The mission of Urban Animal Regional Conferences is to showcase regional innovation, identify emerging leaders, illuminate researchers, replicate successful projects, cultivate conversations across communities, facilitate collaboration and expand the Alliance for Urban Animals. 

ABOUT UARC DELEGATE SURVEYS: The 2014 Regional Conferences were held in Toronto, Ontario; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Calgary, Alberta; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Contributions from Urban Animal surveys are important to help identify improvements for future events and programs.

Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Retail & Commercial Services

Rolf C. Hagen was born in 1932, the third of 10 children, in a small seaside town in northern Germany. In 1955, Hagen negotiated passage to North America on a small freighter departing from Bordeaux, France. During the voyage, Hagen worked as kitchen help and then as stevedore unloading cargo upon arrival in Newfoundland. However, Hagen’s sights were set on the province of Quebec, and he arrived in Montreal on May 7, at age 22. Just two days after his arrival, he established Rolf C. Hagen Inc. 

While setting up his importing company, Hagen developed a plan to grow specialty seeds for export back to Germany. Hagen travelled across Ontario and Western Canada, selling this innovative idea to farmers who believed this ambitious young man and provided the means to grow the business. During these early days, Rolf C. Hagen Inc. introduced two cultivars, rapeseed (now called canola) and, rich Polish sunflower seed; both of which are still major crops in Canada. 

In his life, Hagen was honoured with many awards: In 1999, he was inducted into the American Pet Products Association Hall of Fame, the highest honour in the pet industry; In 2004, he was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Distributors Association; and, In 2005, he was awarded The Highest Order of Merit (Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz am Band) by the President of Federal Republic of Germany, the highest honour bestowed upon a civilian by Germany. Rolf C. Hagen, passed away in Montreal on Saturday, October 22, 2011. 

In recognition of his ambition, his leadership, his generosity and his dedication to improve the lives of pets and people, Urban Animal™ has named the Emerging Leader Scholarship in Retail and Commercia Services as the ‘Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship’. 

In 2014, two such scholarships will be awarded and the recipients will be recognized during the Urban Animal™ Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening, October 23rd.

NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER! 

EMERGING LEADER CRITERIA

Federic Addison McGrand Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Humane and Rescue

The Honorable, Frederic Addison McGrand was born on July 5th, 1895, in Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick. As a McGill trained medical doctor, McGrand had a special curiosity to understand how behavior was connected with the mind and early childhood experiences. In the 93 years of his life, McGrand provided remarkable service to the citizens of New Brunswick and to all Canadians. 

In 1955, McGrand was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. Until his resignation in 1988, McGrand used persuasion and the authority of this Senate seat to rethink the humane treatment of human and non-human animals. Among early accomplishments in this area, was his support as a co-founder of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and later the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada. In 1977, McGrand Chaired a Senate Subcommittee that reported on ‘Childhood Experiences as Causes of Criminal Behaviour’. Senator McGrand died on the 3rd day of September, 1988. 

A number of useful quotes have been attributed to McGrand. However, a quote that seems enlightened even in this day and age, was his realization that, “It is of little good to punish the offender. He must be taught, not punished.” 

For this instruction and for a lifetime of service to understanding cause and effect, Urban Animal™ is pleased to name the Emerging Leader Scholarship for Humane and Rescue as the Frederic Addison McGrand Scholarship. 

In 2014, two such scholarships will be awarded. The first scholarship will be awarded as an element of the OSPCA Animal Welfare Conference in June, 2014 and the second, will be awarded in August under the Urban Animal™ Emerging Leader program.

NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER!

EMERGING LEADER CRITERIA

Nominations for 2014 Summit Awards NOW OPEN!

The 2013 Summit Awards program experienced record-breaking numbers: 1,640 Urban Animal Subscribers were invited to vote for 56 nominated individuals and organizations in 12 categories. Qualified votes were received from just under 700 Urban Animal Subscribers across North America. 

In April, Urban Animal Regional Conference delegates kicked off the 2014 Summit Awards program by submitting 23 nominations. 

Nominations are now open for all Urban Animal Mentors, Advocates, Alumni, Associates, Subscribers, Collaborators and Sponsor organizations. This is a valuable opportunity to recognize peers with a prestigious Summit Award for the excellent efforts they bring to the Urban Animal Industry. 

Summit categories have been updated to include opportunities for stakeholders across all Urban Animal Industry sectors:

• 2014 Breeder Summit
• 2014 Collaborators Summit
• 2014 Communicator Summit
• 2014 Community Summit
• 2014 Distinguished Service Provider Summit
• 2014 Homing Summit
• 2014 Individual Achievement Summit
• 2014 Lifetime Achievement Summit
• 2014 Retailer Summit
• 2014 Shelter Summit
• 2014 Wellness Summit
• 2014 Pet Owner Summit 

AWARD CRITERIA               AWARD CATEGORIES 

The Urban Animal program's mission is to illuminate successful strategies for urban animals and to provide recognition for those who lead and innovate. 

The Summit Awards are an essential element of delivering on this mission. The Summits are presented annually using an academy style system of nominations followed by an open polling process. 

NOMINATE NOW! 

Frederick Lynn Webster Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Health and Wellness

Frederick Lynn Webster, was born in Deloraine, Manitoba, on the 23rd day of November, 1943. His early years in a rural setting brought about a passion for animals and for medical knowledge tha would allow him to intervene in their health and wellness when necessary. 

Webster graduated from the University of Guelph in 1966 and has practiced Veterinary Medicine along a path from private practice to directing the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. All the while Lynn remained active in the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Provincial Veterinary Associations and myriad industry groups. 

Webster influenced industry as a past president of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association, a past president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and as a director or senior executive of numerous businesses and agencies. In retirement Webster continues to be involved as an industry advisor and in the ownership/management of clinical practice in Winnipeg. A crowning achievement in Webster’s career, was his role in founding SecuriCan General Insurance Company, Canada's first dedicated underwriter of pet health insurance. 

Webster’s experience, relationships and affable good nature, equipped him to be a primary influencer of collaboration in the urban animal industry across North America. In 2005, he helped found the Urban Animal™ program with Regional Conferences and the Summit f Urban Animal Strategies. This commitment to advance the industry was recognized by industry peers who conferred upon him the Summit for Lifetime Achievement at the 6th Annual International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Montebello, PQ. 

For these achievements and for a lifetime of service to veterinary medicine, Urban An is pleased to name the Emerging Leader Scholarship for Health and Wellness as the Frederick Lynn Webster Scholarship. 

In 2014, two such scholarships will be awarded under the Urban Animal™ Emerging Leader program. Frederick Lynn Webster will be recognized at the ninth annual Summit during the Urban Animal™ Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening, October 23rd. 

NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER!

EMERGING LEADER CRITERIA

Enhancements to the Emerging Leader Scholarship program

Enhancements to the Emerging Leader Scholarship program have been released. Urban Animal™ sponsors, advocates and alumni are invited to nominate up to two future thought leaders in four separate scholarship categories:

• The Jerry Aschenbrenner Scholarship (2013) enables two future leaders from Animal Control/Services
• The Frederick Lynn Webster Scholarship (2014) enables two future leaders from Animal Health/Wellness
• The Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship (2014) enables two future leaders from Retail and Commercial Services 
• The Federic Addison McGrand Scholarship (2014) enables two future leaders from Humane and Rescue

Two emerging leaders in each scholarship program are awarded a full delegate package and travel subsidy funded by the Urban Animal Foundation. Scholarships are named to honor those who have brought new thought and practice to the Urban Animal Industry. Emerging Leaders are themselves selected by the advisory panel of the Urban Animal Foundation which features Mentors, Advocates, Sponsors and Alumni of the Urban Animal program.

Scholarship recipients are presented during the Thursday evening Urban Animal Foundation Dinner at the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October. 

ABOUT EMERGING LEADER SCHOLARSHIPS:The Emerging Leader Scholarships were launched in 2010 to ensure that prospective leaders are granted insight into executive collaboration.The Emerging Leader program illuminates future leaders for the benefit of organizations who wish to hire emerging talent.

Past Sponsors

1. Pets Plus Us/RSA (2013)
2. Iams/Procter and Gamble (2008 - 2012)

Past Winners

1. Dr. Heather Mac Quarrie
2. Adam Little
3. Lisa Badduch
4. Samantha Sanford

InfoStream will publish a list scholarship summaries and 

nomination information in the coming weeks.

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.

Urban Animal™ reaches out to U.S. delegates

In 2015, the Innovation Showcase and Research Posters for Urban Animals will expand with a Regional Conference in the middle of the continent. However, in the meantime, local Americans in the Atlantic north east, the Central north, the Mountain States and the Pacific north west can compete for the 2014 Innovator of the Year, the 2014 Research Poster for Urban Animals, the 2014 Summits or for an Emerging Leader Scholarship. Those who proceed through the elimination round are provided with a free pass into the Ninth Annual Summit for Urban Animal Strategies at Lake Louise in October.

Researchers and thought leaders involved in the Urban Animal industry from stateside may apply for a voucher which will defray the cost of attending Regional Conferences in Halifax, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. The current exchange rate will also reduce the cost for Americans attending. Large numbers of prospective delegates live within 6 or 7 hours of these Canadian centres. Urban Animal programs serve to eliminate the walls between industry sectors, promote collaboration and facilitate Urban Animal conversations.

The Urban Animal Regional Conferences and Summits for Urban Animal Strategies have always been attended by thought leaders from the United States. However, the Urban Animal program now begins an 18 month initiative to expand relationships with neighbours to the south. Sharing Innovations, Research and adding Strategies from the leaders in North America is the goal. 

To register for an Urban Animal Regional Conference, take advantage of a strong US Dollar and enjoy special room rates at a leading Canadian hotel go to: www.urbananimal.com

Americans wishing to showcase an innovation or research project should contact one of the following directly:

Lisa Milton, Producer, 403.809.4630

Shannon Woodward, Communications, 403.208.1972
Sheena Neel, Client Services, Toll Free 1.866.738.5969