AASAP Accepts 2015 Collaborators Summit

Clearly illustrating what collaboration is all about, individuals from eight different organizations shared the 2015 Urban Animal Collaborators Summit Award.

This year’s recipient, AASAP, is a network of agencies that includes emergency services, the veterinary community, social services, and animal shelters. These different groups work together to create options that allow victims of domestic violence to leave their situation and know their pet is safe and cared for. The need for the Pet Safekeeping Program exists in every community, and AASAP is working diligently to grow the network of partner agencies and expand the program across Alberta.

The Urban Animal Collaborators Summit recognizes the efforts of two or more organizations (service providers) that work collaboratively to create a healthier environment for urban animals.

Back row, from left:

Jocelyn Forseille DVM, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association; Deanna Lewis, WIN House; Amy Corpe, Red Deer & District SPCA; Patricia Mamak, Alberta SPCA; Kim Taylor, Alberta Human Services; Lesley Conley, Centre for Public Legal Education of Alberta; Karen Melnyk RVT, City of Edmonton Animal Care & Control.

Front row, from left:

Ken Keeler DVM, retired veterinarian; Tim Battle, Alberta SPCA; Jeff Wilks, A Safe Place Women’s Shelter.

Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the 2015 Summit Awards. 

2015 Summit Award Winner - Collaborators

The Summit for Collaborators of the Year recognizes the efforts of two or more organizations (service providers) that work collaboratively to create a healthier environment for urban animals. Our winner this year is...

Alberta Alliance for the Safety of Animals and People (AASAP)

With 65.5% of the vote, AASAP is a network of agencies that includes emergency services, the veterinary community, social services, and animal shelters. These different groups work together to create options that allow victims of domestic violence to leave their situation and know their pet is safe and cared for. The need for the Pet Safekeeping Program exists in every community, and AASAP is working diligently to grow the network of partner agencies and expand the program across Alberta.

The Alberta SPCA, with Director of Education Tim Battle, led the formation of AASAP and secured funding for a coordinator to administer the program. They helped develop the process to admit animals to the program, keeping confidentiality and safety in the forefront. WIN House, with Community Liaison Deanna Lewis, is a founding member of AASAP and participated in the development of the referral process. They regularly refer clients to AASAP.

Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the Summit Awards.

2015 Summit Awards - Collaborators of the Year

The Collaborators of the Year Award recognizes the efforts of two or more organizations (service providers) that work collaboratively to create a healthier environment for urban animals. Nominate someone today!

Previous winners of the Community Collaboration Summit Award:

• 2010 - Fredericton SPCA
• 2011 - Calgary Humane Society & Alberta Animal Services
• 2012 - John Gray Vancouver Animal Control and 21 communities in Southwestern British Columbia (from Squamish to Chilliwak)
• 2013 - Dr. Michelle Lem & Community Veterinary Outreach Program for a collaboration that serves the Urban Animals of those who are homeless, marginally homed or at risk for homelessness.
• 2014 - Margaret Slater & Stephanie McDonald, ASPCA & Edmonton Humane Society for the research completed at the Edmonton Humane Society by ASPCA's Dr. Margaret Slater which confirmed that fee-waived cat adoptions are just as successful and valued as those that come with a price tag.

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.

For more information about the awards, process or merit criteria please visit Urban Animal.