Atlantic Accomplishments for 2013

Twenty thirteen was a  successful and interesting year for Canada's Atlantic region which played host to some of the year's most compelling Regional Innovation Showcases during the Regional Conference Tour. 

Game changers for the Urban Animal Industry in Nova Scotia were neatly laid out in a Chronicle Herald article last week. Amongst other actions, Halifax got its first low-cost spay/neuter clinic, tethering legislation was made a priority by the government and cats were recognized as a concern in the province.

Initiatives mentioned in the article include: 

• People for Dogs/All Love No Chains
• SPCA Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic
• The Feral and Abandoned Cats Society
• Spay Day HRM/Tuxedo Party
• Paws Fur Thought
• Pet Stores
• Nova Scotia Lost Dog Network

Spay Day HRM tackles N.S. Trailer Park

Photos by Pat Lee, The Chronicle Herald 

This month, Spay Day HMR is taking on its largest project yet. Spay Day is partnering with several local organizations to Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) every abandoned and feral cat in a Nova Scotia trailer park. 

This project will be funded through volunteer time and donations, including those contributed by Tuxedo Stan and Earl Gray's election campaigns. A recovery hall will be available to TNR cats for a week where the animals will receive medical care and TLC while they recover from their procedures. Kittens and friendly cats will be adopted out and shelters will be put in place for the released animals. 

Spay Day HRM began three years ago as a weekend project and has grown into an on-going program due to the growing cat problem in Halifax Regional Municipality. Cats owned by students and people on fixed or low income benefit from the program as it focuses on cats who wouldn't normally have access to veterinary care. 

Updates on this project will be posted on www.facebook.com/SpayDayNovaScotia

New pet owner app to launch October 25

Urban Animal subscribers were introduced to Woof at the 2013 Regional Conferences in Toronto where co-founder Dan Seider shared his innovative vision for a social network for dogs. 

Woof is a community driven app for dog lovers, bringing local dog communities closer together. Woof is packed with many features allowing dog owners to network, find nearby parks and shops, share photos, keep track of their pet's health records and habits and includes a customized 'lost dog' element that will help make lost dogs a lost problem. 

"The bigger picture of Woof is to be part of a dog parents life through the entire process," said Seider. "One of the features we're particularly looking forward to will come from our partnership with the [Ontario] SPCA. By using their Meet-Your-Match program, anyone will be able to find nearby dogs up for adoption and even the ones that match their lifestyle and personality - it's like eHarmony™ for dogs."

Woof will launch globally on October 25. The app currently features nearly 1,000 dog parks mapped out in North America and Seider says developers are planning to add other countries over time. Woof is initially being launched FREE on iOS with an Android app soon to follow. 

WOOF

Pacific Showcase Summary

Along the western seaboard, the excitement surrounding the Urban Animal Conferences was noticeable. Collaborative efforts were pioneered and critical relationships were formed. The Innovation Showcases highlighted some of the unique concepts introduced to the industry by the Pacific region. 


Maple Ridge Retail Bylaw: 
A new bylaw introduced in the District of Maple Ridge requires all pet stores to spay/neuter dogs, cats and all other animals prior to adoption or sale. The bylaw also requires the socialization of mature puppies and education for potential owners. 


Breeder Care Standards: 
North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite succeeded in introducing a private member's bill, Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals. This bill outlines the standards that breeders in British Columbia must meet to ensure the welfare of animals. 

Let's Talk About Cats: 
An out-of-the-box approach to identifying a feral and stray cat problem, BC SPCA's Maple Ridge district and Katie's Place Animal Shelter initiated a community-wide grassroots discussion, which encompassed several levels and industry sectors as well as members of the public to find a common solution.  

Private Boarding at CAS: 
In Coquitlam, a unique element implemented has brought education, sustainable funding and staff to the  Animal Shelter. To help offset operating costs, the shelter introduced a private boarding facility, which has seen success financially as well as operationally. 

Following the Innovation Showcases, associates were asked to select the two presentations they felt should be invited to the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies. As a result, Breeder Care Standards and Let's Talk About Cats will receive invitations to showcase their successes at the national level in October. 

Central Canada Showcase summary

The first stop on the 2013 Urban Animal Regional Conference tour, Central Canada was a sold-out event with more than 60 delegates attending from around the province. The Central Canada Showcases highlighted many innovative and interesting concepts which could be introduced in other regions across the country. 

WooF: 
A social network app for dogs, WooF allows dog owners to network, find nearby parks and shops, keep track of their pet's health records and habits and includes a customized 'lost dog' element that will help make lost dogs a lost problem. 

Observations from our Urban Animal Experience: 
Toronto Animal Services is taking evolutionary steps towards value added licensing. The City recognized that if animal licensing was mandatory, pet owners wanted to see value for their dollars. 

Spay/Neuter by the Numbers:
Ontario SPCA's high volume spay/neuter program operates two clinics in the province, each one performing about 25 surgeries per day. Clinics have serviced more than 37,000 animals in three years, the average cost to owner is about $103. 

Care for Cats:
In 2012, Care for Cats partnered with CVMA to focus on cat health care. Judi highlighted the program's past successes and put out a call for industry feedback as it transitions into its next phase.  

Following the Regional Innovation Showcases, delegates were asked to select the two presentations they felt should be invited to the Urban Animal Summit. As a result, Spay/Neuter by the Numbers and Observations from our Urban Animal Experience will receive invitations to showcase their successes at the national level in October. 

Showcase nominees invited to Summit 2013

Invitations will soon be delivered to two organizations from each region who were nominated by their peers to join industry leaders at the Urban Animal Summit in October. The Summit showcases the innovations, relationships and models presented during the Regional Innovation Showcases at the 2013 Urban Animal Regional Conferences earlier this month. 

Central Region: 
Observations from our Urban Animal Experience - Toronto Animal Services 
Spay/Neuter by the Numbers - Ontario SPCA 

Atlantic Region: 
Prince Edward Island TNR Program - Atlantic Veterinary College, Cat Action Team 
WOOF: Canine Therapy - Nova Scotia SPCA, Nova Scotia Department of Justice

Prairie Region: 
Calgary's Pet Friendly Parks - Parks Foundation Alberta
Adoption Partnership - Alberta Animal Services, Petland Canada

Pacific Region: 
Breeder Care Standards - Jane Thornthwaite, NorthVancouver-Seymour MLA
Let's Talk About Cats - BC SPCA (Maple Ridge branch)

Stay tuned to InfoStream for summarized reports on the 2013 Regional Innovation Showcases! 

Atlantic Conference Regional Innovation Showcase presentations available online

Presentations for the Regional Innovation Showcase from the Urban Animal Conference tour in Atlantic Canada are now available on the PetLynx public wiki. 

These presentations ranged from Tuxedo Stan, a Halifax cat who entered into the municipal mayoral race to fight for feline rights to the Nova Scotia SPCA's partnership with RMS Energy to provide sustainable energy for the province as well as sustainable revenue for the SPCA. 

Canine Therapy, presented by Captain John Landry and Amy MacRae and Prince Edward Island's TNR Program, presented by Alice Crook (Atlantic Veterinary College) and Pat Srebernik (Cat Action Team) were nominated by Conference delegates to be represented at Summit 2013 in October. 

As the Prairie Conference kicks off in Calgary on Monday, 22 April, those unable to attend are once again invited to follow the Regional Innovation Showcase via the Powered by PetLynx Live Twitter Feed @PetUtility #UrbanLYNX. 

VIEW ATLANTIC CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS 

Central Conference Regional Innovation Showcase presentations available online

The 2013 Regional Conference for Central Canada was the most successful to date. The sold-out event drew more than 60 delegates from all over Ontario who heard presentations on innovations taking place across the province, learned the history and vision of the Pet Experience Project and participated in workshops designed to identify and ultimately break down the barriers faced by pet families when considering their Positive Pet Experience.

Those unable to attend were invited to follow the Regional Innovation Showcase presentations via a Powered by PetLynx Live Twitter Feed. Now, InfoStream has learned the presentations are available on the PetLynx public wiki. Members of the Urban Animal industry are invited to view these presentations and gain knowledge from the unique concepts and relationships they portray. 

Observations from Our Urban Experience, presented by Robert Meerburg of Toronto Animal Services and Spay/Neuter by the Numbers presented by Judith Aubin of Ontario SPCA were nominated by Conference delegates to be represented at Summit 2013 in October. 

As the Atlantic Conference kicks off in Halifax today, those unable to attend are once again invited to follow the Regional Innovation Showcases @PetUtility #UrbanLYNX.

VIEW CENTRAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Let's talk about CATS

In November 2012, the BC SPCA, the District of Maple Ridge and Katie's Place Animal Shelter collaborated to address the cat overpopulation concern in Maple Ridge.

"Let's Talk About Cats" facilitated dialogue and deliberation and ultimately, the establishment of a task force to combat the community issue. This grassroots community discussion attracted several levels of engagement from community residents, vets, organizations and members of the municipal government.

"The District of Maple Ridge has allocated $35,000 a year for the next three years for the spaying and neutering of cats and we want to ensure that we make the most efficient use of these funds and involve all community members who care about the issue," said Geoff Urton, manager of animal welfare for the BC SPCA. "Cat overpopulation is a huge concern in communities across Canada and we applaud the Maple Ridge district for their progressive approach and support on this issue."

Geoff Urton will present the "Let's Talk About Cats" initiative during the Regional Innovation Showcase at the 2013 Regional Conference tour in Vancouver on 23 April.

Register now to Get the Facts, Have YourSAY, Move the Industry

Justice for All

In 2012, the Nova Scotia SPCA in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice launched an initiative aimed at saving the lives of dogs and people. This initiative is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and a unique approach to using animals to provide therapy. 

Working On Our Future, WOOF, will see offenders and officers offsetting labour strain through volunteer programs and a new canine therapy program to assist both dogs and offenders mutually achieve goals of skill development and socialization. This program will help dogs with behavioral challenges become more adoptable and offenders develop skills to be more productive in society. As a result, adoption revenues will increase and labour strains devoted to training and animal care will be eased.

William Thompson, an inmate at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility told the Chronicle Herald, "To have the opportunity to work with the SPCA and learn some animal-related work skills is something I greatly look forward to. It also keeps me motivated to be a model inmate." 

When the 2013 Regional Conference Tour stops in Halifax on 18 April, Captain John Landry and trainer Amy MacRae will present the WOOF concept during the Regional Innovation Showcase. This initiative may be a candidate for a 2013 Summit Award. 

Register now to Get the Facts, Have YourSAY, Move the Industry. 

Conference Agendas Published

Regional agendas for the upcoming Conferences are now available on www.tsuas.com. The 2013 Urban Animal Regional Conferences provide industry leaders the opportunity to Get the facts, have yourSAY and move the industry.

CONFERENCE AGENDAS

Each region features the Regional Innovation Showcase where local organizations and individuals highlight the unique concepts, programs and relationships formed to create health and happy communities for pets and people. 

The Search for 2013 Nominees will illuminate the experiences of past Summit award winners and gather nominations for the annual Summit Award and Future Leader Scholarship programs. 

Finally, afternoon workshops led by Dr. Jason Coe, DVM, PhD, will gather facts, evidence and ideas to define the barriers and facets for a Positive Pet Experience, a critical element of the ongoing Summit Initiative, the Pet Experience Project. 

REGISTER NOW TO GET THE FACTS, HAVE YOURSAY, MOVE THE INDUSTRY! 

Tuxedo Stan at Atlantic Regional Conference

Halifax's mayoral 'cat'didate Tuxedo Stan launched a new product line at the end of March: a body wash for men (not cats). 

The cleanser is just one of many products featured in Stan's online store where all profits go to Spay Day HRM, a non-profit program which raises funds for spaying and neutering of cats for low-income families. 

Tuxedo Stan is a three-year-old cat born to a feral mother in Halifax who aims to raise awareness of the increasing feral and stray cat situation in Halifax and fights for a humane world. 

The story of Tuxedo Stan - cat advocate, mayoral candidate, national icon, social media wizard - will be presented by his campaign manager, Dr. Hugh Chisholm, as part of the Regional Innovation Showcase at the Atlantic Regional Conference in Halifax, 18 April, 2013. 

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Get the facts, have YourSAY, move the industry. 

Regional Innovation Showcase sneak peek

On Wednesday, 17 April, the Canada wide 2013 Regional Conference tour will launch. Members from all levels and sectors of the Urban Animal Industry will gather together in Toronto, Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver for the 7th annual edition of these regional events.

The 2013 Regional Conferences are a strategic component of the Urban Animal Program in North America. They feature the Pet Experience Workshops led by Dr. Jason Coe and a strong cast of local presenters showcasing innovative projects that can be replicated to move communities forward across North America:

• Atlantic Canada will showcase a unique partnership between the Nova Scotia SPCA and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice that prepares both dogs and offenders to achieve the socialization and skills they need to be successful in the community; The Atlantic Veterinary College and Cat Action Team from PEI will show how they have successfully spayed and neutered 8,000 feral and barn cats; The Fredericton SPCA will show the ‘TINY’ weight-loss challenge project which received international attention; Tuxedo Stan is sending his campaign team in to show how he raised the plight of cats by running for Mayor of Halifax and; a presentation by those involved in Wind Energy will show how energy and funding can be more sustainable. 
• Central Canada will showcase the experiences of Canada’s largest urban municipality and how they are guiding the development of future services for pets and people; The first place winner of the Nichol Pitch Competition from the Management Economics and Finance faculty at the University of Guelph, will present WooF, a new plan for exploiting ‘socialapplication’ for pet owners in Canada and beyond and; Ontario SPCA demonstrates how fixyourpet.ca has delivered.  
• Prairie Canada will showcase Green Calgary’s study of the Canine Carbon Footprint; Edmonton Humane will bring its renowned blog discussion of the future and affordability of pets in our communities; a post mortem presentation on the City of Vernon's decision not to ban the sale of puppies in retail outlets; Red Deer Petland and Alberta Animal Services have formed a unique partnership to promote adoption and fundraising and; urban planning for pets and people. 
• Pacific Canada will showcase the 2012 Let's Talk About Cats program launched by BC SPCA and Katie's Place in the community of Maple Ridge; Coquitlam will show how their program to repurpose infrastructure has achieved unusual results in their community; MLA Jane Thornthwaite introduced Mandatory Care standards for BC Breeders. 

Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge at Atlantic Regional Conference

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) released its 2012 National Pet Obesity Survey Results in March which reported rising numbers of overweight companion animals in the United States. 

The 6th annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey found 52.5% of dogs and 58.3% of cats were considered overweight or obese by their veterinarian. One hefty Canadian feline made national headlines when caregivers set a mission to regain a healthy weight and lifestyle for the cat. 

Introducing Tiny, an abandoned cat left in a cardboard box at the Fredericton Humane Society in December 2011. When Tiny arrived he weighed in at 30.2 lbs and was the largest cat the staff had seen. Concerned for his health, staff and volunteers started a Weight Loss Challenge for Tiny and after developing a following on social media, caught the attention of international media, ending up on CNN and People magazine's websites. 

In January 2013, Tiny was maintaining his goal weight of 15-17 lbs and adopted by his foster caregiver.  

At the Regional Conference in Halifax, 18 April 2013, Fredericton SPCA's Karen McGeean will present delegates with Tiny's story and the challenges faced by the SPCA during the campaign and the national success brought about by one cat's goal. 

The 2013 Regional Conference Tour will feature unique 
concepts from across the country during its 
Regional Innovation Showcase.

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