Dr. Jason Coe Talks "B4 U GET A PET" with Ontario SPCA

The Ontario SPCA’s Animals’ Voice Pawdcasts feature some of the province’s leading experts on animal welfare, interviews with volunteers, pet care information and much more.

Last week host Kevin Mackenzie spoke with Dr. Jason Coe, Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College.

Dr. Coe and his team have created a website - b4ugetapet.ca - “to provide soon-to-be pet owners with practical considerations to think about even before getting a pet including questions to consider asking the source of your future pet, creating a plan for socializing your pet from the start, planning how you will introduce your new pet into a household with other pets or children, and thinking through how much you should budget for the annual cost of owning a pet.”

Watch the entire podcast to learn more about B4 U GET A PET.

An Interview with Dr. Jason Coe, Urban Animal program Facilitator

Terri Perrin
InfoStream Staff Writer 

Who is Dr. Jason Coe?

And why will his presence at the Regional Conferences be so important to you?

With his impressively long list of credentials and accomplishments relating to research and education in the urban animal industry, Jason Coe, DVM, PhD was first invited to be a part of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in 2011. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Regional Conferences and annual Summits’ experiences and has been instrumental in orchestrating the events’ Automated Response System, which facilitates the collection and analysis of data.

“When I first heard Jason speak I realized that he had a very different view of the world,” explains Larry Evans, President of PetLynx Corporation. “His research and work is as if he is examining the very DNA and genetics of the urban animal experience through the eyes of a veterinarian, a sociologist and an epidemiologist. What he is discovering is helping the industry move forward in its understanding of the gaps in the Pet Experience.”

This year, OVC 2001 graduate Dr. Jason Coe, who is now an Associate Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and the Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada Chair in Communication, will be the Facilitator for the 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences. InfoStream staff writer, Terri Perrin, caught up with Dr. Coe at the University of Guelph campus to discover what drives his passion for the Pet Experience. 

InfoStream (IS): Jason, you have an impressive list of professional accomplishments, achieved in a relatively short time, what life experiences started you down this path of being a veterinarian, a teacher and a researcher?

Jason Coe (JC): I grew up with animals constantly being part of my life. I became a vet as a result of many positive animal experiences that created in me a desire to be able to take care of them. I have also always been interested in education and communication. My current position at the OVC allows me to fulfill all of these interests by working to improve the relationship between companion animals and people through research and education. It’s perfect!

IS: You worked in a clinical setting after graduating from vet school and then, in 2008, earned a PhD in the area of veterinary communications. What inspired you to take this extra training?

JC:  I always had plans to return to graduate school after a few years in mixed-animal practice.  I’ve always been curious about the relationship between people and animals and wanted to explore this further.  When I returned to OVC they had just started a program designed to assist veterinary students in their communications with clients.  As I became involved in this program I quickly recognized the importance of our human-to-human interactions on the health and wellbeing of animals.  Recognizing the importance, I wanted to be a part of this important area of the veterinary profession.

IS: For those readers who don’t know about your work, can you give us the ‘Reader’s Digest’ version of what it is you are exploring?

JC: I guess you could say that I’m looking at the pet experience from three angles. The first would be through my Research Chair, generously supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada, to further our understanding of pet overpopulation and pet relinquishment through research and education. Second would be my work examining the role of interpersonal communication within veterinary practice and the impacts this has on the outcomes of veterinary care for all involved (e.g., animal, client, veterinarian and staff). Third would be my interest in veterinary education and looking at how to best prepare today’s veterinary student for tomorrow’s society. 

IS: You say that you had pets while growing up. Were there any in particular that made an impact on you?

JC: I am staring at two pictures on my wall right now. One is of a black cat we called Optimus. He was named after the Transformer Optimus Prime. He lived to be about 19 years old and saw me through many stages of my life, from adolescence right through to my first job as a veterinarian. I also need to mention a special German Shepherd Dog named Duke. He was my first pet. Both of these animals played extremely influential roles in my life. The other picture I’m staring at is of Max, a St. Bernard, who was the most recent of the many animals that have had an influential role in my life.

IS: Do you share your home with any animals now?

JC: This is an interesting question and one I get asked often! A few years ago Optomis and Max passed away … ironically on the same day and from similar ailments. At the time, my wife and I were at a point in our lives when we had to decide whether to get another pet or start a family. We opted for children. We are making a very conscientious decision as to when will be the right time to introduce a pet into the chaos that is currently our lives … with three young kids under the age of five! While we would love to have a pet, our decision to not have one right now is a conscious one influenced by my work experience and understanding of companion animal relinquishment and the need to be prepared for the life-long commitment that is made when acquiring a pet.

IS: Your research and your appointment as the Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada Chair in Communications is putting you in high demand for speaking engagements in both North America and around the world. How do you feel about this and what do you gain from this exposure?

JC: It is really exciting to be able to travel because it provides me with opportunities to understand different cultural urban animal experiences and to share my research findings. In May, I will be addressing the Australian Veterinary Association’s Annual Convention. I’m looking forward to that.

IS: Do you ever miss the hands-on work as a veterinarian in a clinical setting?

JC: While I am not clinically practicing right now, I have been quite involved with forwarding primary care veterinary education and this has kept me connected to the clinical side of things. In practice, I was always interested in everything large or small. I actually continued practicing part-time in a large-animal clinic up until 2010. Then, much like my reasons for not having a family pet right now, as young children came into my life, I had to make some tough decisions. Not working in a clinic … for now … was one of them.

IS: What is your view on the Regional Conferences? How do you believe they are influencing the companion animal industry in Canada?

JC: The Regional Conferences draw representatives from very different areas to share their Pet Experiences … and I believe that differences in perspectives that are brought forward create opportunities. I find it fascinating to watch as thought leaders from such diverse areas come together. You see what is being accomplished across the country and in various sectors of the companion animal industry. It often demonstrates that more can be accomplished as a collective, rather than on your own. This collaboration encourages respect and is making a difference. Personally, understanding the many different perspectives allows me to look at my research in many different ways.

IS: Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

JC: I’ve never really thought about that! I have no idea! (Laughs.) I love new projects and taking learning experiences to the next level. So, I hope that 10 years from now I will be exploring something that today I have not even thought of.  I look forward to continuing to take advantage of new opportunities to learn and that any opportunities presented to me bring about larger discussion to move the companion animal industry forward. I feel very fortunate in what I have accomplished so far. Who knows what the future will hold?

IS: Thank you, Dr. Coe. We look forward to seeing you at the Urban Animal Regional Conferences.

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.

Guide to 2013 Regional Conferences

The 7th annual Regional Conferences of the Canadian Companion Animal Industry will be delivered in April. The map shows the location and date of these conferences. Industry Associates and collaborators able to contribute leadership in the 2013 conversation are encouraged to select a convenient location and REGISTER.

2013 - Delivering a Positive Pet Experience in an Urban Municipality

The 2013 Regional Conferences team will be lead by Jason Coe, DVM, PhD. Drew Van Niekerk, BSA, DVM, leader of the 2012 Summit Conversation on the pet experience will provide the 2013 Key Note address. Dr. Coe and the PetLynx production team will deliver the Regional Workshop designed to gather the following information:

• How do pet owners define a postive pet experience?
• What are the gaps between the Pet Owner understanding and the Industry understanding?
• What barriers do Pet Owners encounter as they seek this positive experience?
• How can the industry reduce or eliminate barriers for Pet Owners?
• Are there examples of urban municipalities or service providers in the Region who are proactive in this space?
• Are there models that can be transferred to the rest of North America?

As the team moves across Canada, the process of discovering the 2013 Future Thought Leaders and the 2013 Summit Award Nominees will also unfold. Deserving candidates will be recruited from each region and entered into the 2013 Nomination Process. 

The new Regional Conference format may also gather national issues that can be addressed in 2013 as industry leaders develop strategic and tactical initiatives that remove barriers and produce an aligned and more collaborative industry.

The 2013 Regional Conference has been expanded to 60 subscribers in each region. The 2013 program is reaching out to Urban Planners, Sociologists, Academics and Legislators as well as Leisure/Recreation specialists who can add value to this conversation.

Of course, a majority of seats remain assigned to the Companion Animal Industry: 

Humane and Rescue - Interventions on behalf of animals Care and Control - Community Standards, Licensing and Bylaw enforcement Health and Wellness - Veterinary, Chiropractic, Therapeutic and Behavioral specialists Services and Retail - Stores, Kennels, Breeders, Daycare, Leisure and Recreation

Those attending the 2013 Regional Conferences pay a subscription fee of $250 which covers the cost of their involvement at each conference as well as the cost of supporting and reporting the 2013/2014 program. 

Register now to

'Get the Facts, Have your Say and Move the Industry'

Jason Coe on Pet Relinquishment and Abandonment

Across Canada, large populations of pets are surrendered or abandoned  because of a variety of animal and human-related factors. Communities need to address this important societal issue.  Why does it happen?  What can we do to eliminate this problem? What are the roles of the breeder, the retailer, the shelter, the vet, the pet family to create sustainable human-animal relationships?

Jason B Coe DVM, PhD 

At the four Regional Summits across Canada – April 18, 19, 23 and 24, 2012 – Dr. Jason Coe, of the University of Guelph, will create discussion on pet surrender and abandonment, but leading retailers, breeders, shelter operators and veterinarians are required to think outside the box and make this conversation valuable.

Dr. Coe's goal of the Regional Summits Session I - Industry Facts and Evidence, is to position participants to make an impact in their community and region – while assembling the strategic and tactical ideas that can make a difference across the nation.

Summit Registration   Get the Facts, Have YourSAY™, Move the industry

There may be Iams or Petsecure $100 vouchers still available, contact Judi Cannon if you need assistance 1.705.749.6607 or judi.cannon@petlynxmail.com

Introducing the Regional Summit Speakers - Jason Coe

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Jason Coe as one of the speakers at the 6th Annual Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies Canadian tour in Halifax, Toronto, Red Deer and Vancouver in April 2012. 

Dr. Coe will be providing insight into the research on surrender and abandonment during Session I - Industry Facts & Evidence at all four regions of the Summit Series.

Background

Dr. Jason Coe
University of Guelph
Dr. Jason Coe graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001. Upon graduation Jason spent a few years in mixed-animal practice before returning to the Ontario Veterinary College to pursue a PhD in the area of veterinary communication. In 2008, Jason joined the Ontario Veterinary College as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Medicine where he has established an active research program in veterinary communications as well as the human-animal bond. In 2010, Jason was the recipient of the Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada Chair in Communications, established to support research into the roots of pet surrender and abandonment. 

Stay tuned this week for more Regional Summit speaker announcements!

Regional Summit Synopsis

The Regional Summits gather industry leaders (unit and branch managers) from the four primary stakeholder groups of the pet industry: animal welfare, animal control & legislative enforcement, animal health & wellness and animal services. These one-day events deliver content from the previous National Alumni Summit, promote industry collaboration in each region, provide continuing education for industry management and expand the number of collaborators working toward common goals and urban animal strategies in the companion animal industry across Canada.