Summit 2013 Confers the Urban Animal Industry's Highest Honor

The Urban Animal Program mission is to illuminate successful strategies for urban animals and to provide recognition for those who lead.

The Summit Awards are an essential element of delivering on this mission. The Summits are presented annually by the Urban Animal Subscribers using an academy style system of nominations followed with an election by secret ballot.

Winners of the 2013 Summits include individuals, agencies and organizations from all sectors of the urban animal industry. This year's award program signified the most involvement from urban animal subscribers to date. With 56 nominees in 12 categories, 1,642 eligible voters and just under 700 ballots cast in the process.

2013 Summit Award Winners:

The Summit for Community Compliance (sponsored by Pets Plus Us) recognizes efforts to increase the overall level of compliance in a community from the development of best practices or codes of ethical conduct in the area of licensing, identification, spay/neuter, wellness, recreation, breeding or standards of care.

And the winner is... The Ontario SPCA with 50% of the votes for the development of the High Volume Spay/Neuter program which has lowered the admission of Cats to area shelters.

The Summit for DistinguishedService Provider (sponsored by CDMV) recognizes a service provider in the Urban Animal Industry that is distinguished by the level of achievement and impact on the lives of people and pets within a community. 

And the winner is... Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society with 61% of the votes for the development and delivery of a Humane Education program featuring annual visits with educators and canine companions that have elevated the level of care and attention for animals in the region.

The Summit for Product or Service Innovation (sponsored by Novartis) recognizes an innovative product or service that improves the quality of life for people and pets in homes, in communities or industry sector(s). 

And the winner is... Working On Our Future (Nova Scotia Department of Justice and Nova Scotia SPCA) with 34% of the vote for a program which pairs dogs and offenders for social and behavioural development that provides a mutual benefit.

The Summit for Sheltering (sponsored by Petsecure) recognizes an organization that best addresses the care of animals in shelters, pounds, retail outlets, kennels, veterinary clinics/hospitals, grooming shops and breeding facilities.

And the winner is... Animal Welfare Agency of South Central Ontario - AWASCO with 54% of the votes for completing the amalgamation of the Perth and Kitchener Waterloo agencies and for increasing the live release rate.

The 2013 Summit for CommunityCollaboration (sponsored by CVMA) recognizes programs, codes of conduct or best practices delivered to create a healthier environment for urban animals.

And the winner is... Michelle Lem + Community Veterinary Outreach with 30% of the votes for a collaboration that serves the Urban Animals of those who are homeless, marginally homed or at risk for homelessness. 

The 2013 Summit Award for Wellness (sponsored by Petsecure) recognizes the efforts of an organization to improve the overall levels of wellness for urban animals in a particular client base, a specific community or industry sector.

And the winner is... Dr. Peter Foley (Atlantic Veterinary College) with 29% of the votes for demonstrating that clinicians and volunteer organizations can collaborate to increase the overall wellness of urban and rural feline populations.

The 2013 Summit for Communications (sponsored by Novartis) recognizes the vision, production and successful delivery of content that promotes a better environment for urban animals locally, nationally or globally.

And the winner is...Dr. Jane Takahashi (Associate Veterinary Clinics) with 33% of the votes for recognizing the need and for establishing programs that enhance the pet owner experience at AVC hospitals and clinics across Canada.

The 2013 Summit for Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by PetLynx) recognizes an individual who has earned the honor and respect of peers in the Urban Animal Industry for achievements in their field of endeavour.

And the winner is... Paul Melanson with 52% of the votes for activities to establish a judicial framework for the protection of pets that in June 2010 resulted in legislation to license and regulate pet establishments in the province of New Brunswick.

The 2013 Summit for Homing (sponsored by IAMS) recognizes an organization that demonstrates innovation, commitment and success in the homing of animals through adoption, sale, return-to-owner, re-homing and/or fostering programs.

And the winner is... James McLean (Toronto Animal Services) with 42% of the vote for creating relationships and for resourcing multi-species homing activities on behalf of Toronto Animal Services. 

The Summit Award for Breeder (sponsored by Pets Plus Us) recognizes a breeder of companion animals with five or more years of breeding experience that is compliant with codes of ethical conduct and who demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to the industry.

And the winner is... Bundas Bengals Cattery with 60% of the votes for producing cats and dogs that do not require cropping or docking and breeding of Bengals where she continues to improve the standards and experience for those who receive her kittens into their home.

The Summit for Retailer (sponsored by PIJAC Canada) recognizes a retailer of pet products and services who has developed a reputation and frequent connection to pet families which has enhanced the lives of pets and people in the community (ies) they serve.

And the winner is... Planet Paws Pet Essentials with 54% of the votes for raising funds through store initiatives and hosting community events and for Recognition by Nova Scotia Legislature for pet nutrition radio show and blog.

The Summit for Individual Achievement (sponsored by IAMS Canada) recognizes an individual who is currently active in the companion animal industry and who is well regarded for their achievements. Preference will be shown for those who actively mentor and support the development of leaders and professionalism in the industry.

And the winner is: Randy Valpy (Pets Plus Us) with 41% of the votes for being an innovator in the pet community and the pet health industry over the past 12-years, and for developing programs to educate pet owners on the cost of care and the importance of a safe and healthy pets.