Calling America! Urban Animal Leaders are Under-Represented

US Industry Represents Less than 10% of Urban Animal Scholarships

Large numbers of Urban Animal Leaders live within reach of Urban Animal events and are eligible for an Urban Animal Scholarship. Furthermore, the strength of the US dollar currently provides a 20% advantage to attend North American events held in Canadian centres.

The Urban Animal Scholarship Program was initiated in Canada more than 10 years ago. The Alliance for Urban Animals drives state-of-the-art strategies for companion and service animals in urban municipalities across North America. Over the past decade there has been Urban Animal involvement from many successful and provocative Americans who are  now distinguished as award winners, alumni and mentors. Here are some of them:
 

• Dr. Margaret Slater from the ASPCA, worked with the Edmonton Humane Society to confirm that fee-waived cat adoptions are just as successful and valued as those that have a price tag.

• Risa Weinstock, New York City Animal Care & Control, developed their first mobile adoption center. The vehicle brings adoptable dogs and cats to New Yorkers across five boroughs.
• Dr. Stephen Ettinger, co-founder of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, helped establish the Berkeley Veterinary Medical Group and also published the "Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine," the gold standard in veterinary medical texts. Dr. Ettinger was the recipient of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Susan Thixton, nutrition and truth advocate for pet food, stirred up a discussion about industry responsibilities in communication to pet owners.
• Dr. Jane Brunt of Catalyst Council helped focus the 2009 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies on raising the value of Cats in our communities.
• Dr. Lesley Lyons of UCDavis, illuminated the cat genome and historical cat movements to succeed as a species in urban environments globally.
• Betsy Saul, Founder of Petfinder.com, challenged thinking about ethical and moral dilemmas. 

The Alliance for Urban Animals strives to eliminate walls between industry sectors, promotes collaboration and facilitates conversations that create positive pet experiences in Urban Municipalities. Americans are underrepresented in the Alliance for Urban Animals, and the scholarship programs.  Moreover, it is now technically feasible to provide virtual adjudication events for American Scholarship nominees who cannot attend a scheduled event. The Urban Animal Foundation welcomes participation from America’s emerging leaders, innovators, researchers, digital journalists and summit recognition awards.

Please contact Shannon Woodward, Urban Animal Program Manager to discuss your involvement 403.208.1972

Betsy Saul to speak during Summit Session II: The Pet Dilemma

In 1996, Betsy Banks Saul co-founded Petfinder.com, the first online system presenting adoptable pets to prospective pet owners. 

Fifteen years and some 25 million adoptions later, Petfinder has seen consistent and steady growth. At any given time the site lists over 300,000 adoptable pets from nearly 14,000 animal welfare organizations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and beyond. 

Well-known and respected in the global pet industry, Saul is considered an expert on adoption strategies and the pet-owner experience. Her commitment and compassion secured her post as one of Women's Day Magazine's "50 Women Who Are Changing the World".  

Saul recognizes an urban animal industry increasingly focused on moral dilemmas. Can we now put aside beliefs that have kept us apart? Can we recast dilemmas into new opportunities? Can we partner with pet owners to create a more positive pet experience? Can we draw outside the historical lines? These are the quandaries Saul will present during the 2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Facts & Evidence Session II: The Pet Dilemma.

As the industry strives to create healthy communities for people and pets, her knowledge and understanding will help connect the urban animal industry with pet owners to break down the barriers to a positive pet experience. 

2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies

16-19 October

Lake Louise, Alberta

REGISTER NOW

Summit 2013 Agenda Announced

Urban Animal thought leaders will be focused on the pet experience this October.

Thursday morning will showcase six Innovations from the Regional Innovation Showcases across the continent last April. Members of the Urban Animal program voted these six innovations as the most note worthy in North America.

Three of the Urban Animal industry’s leaders with global recognition for their subject matter expertise will bring their unique perspective on the pet experience. Program elements include: The Pet Healthcare Experience,presented by Dr. David Goodnight; The Pet Dilemma, presented by Betsy Banks Saul; and, Challenges of the Pet Experience, presented by Dr. Brenda Bonnett.

  

VIEW AGENDA  

  

Encouraging a more mindful pet owner, understanding the opportunities and challenges faced by the Urban Animal industry and defining a more positive pet experience is the goal of Summit 2013.

“We need to put the 'PEOPLE' back into the industry mission to create healthy communities for people and pets," said Larry Evans, CEO, PetLynx Corporation.

  

The 2013 Friday Forum requires diligent listening, openness to other values/beliefs and the discipline to create an industry consensus. 

Among the Summit Alumni and 2013 Delegates are the brightest minds of the urban animal industry. As an industry leader and executive thought leader, you are cordially invited to participate in the 2013 Summit*.  

  

2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies

Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta

16 - 19 October 2013

  

 REGISTER NOW!

  

Get the facts, have YourSAY™, move the industry.

*Delegate positions are determined on a first-come first-served basis.