INTERVIEW: Evans and Trifaux on the Cancellation of Summit 2015

The sudden cancellation of Summit 2015 came as a surprise to everyone. In the aftermath, InfoStream (IS) contacted Larry R. Evans (LRE), Managing Director and Thomas R. Trifaux (TRT), Chair of PetLynx Corporation to gain their perspective.

IS:  What brought about the cancellation of Summit 2015?

LRE:  Several elements contributed to the crisis encountered late on Friday, October ninth. The Urban Animal Foundation was carrying a deficit from 2014 and did not receive the delegate fees and sponsor dollars expected during the final pre-event week. The final straw was a change in terms by Delta which was made known to us at 1730hrs on Friday. Essentially, the shortfall for the 2015 event amounted to $100,000 (+/-) in addition to the 2014 deficit of $50,000 (+/-). Early on Saturday morning the PetLynx Board declined to cover anymore shortfall and the process of unwinding the 10th Annual Summit for Urban Animal Strategies began.

TRT: Other factors impacted PetLynx thinking in that moment. At Summit 2014, PetLynx had completed an investment of a million dollars over nine years and had seeded the Foundation with the first $50,000. By establishing the Urban Animal Foundation and setting up independent governance during 2015, PetLynx expected stronger support than what materialized. Finally, in early September PetLynx began the search for a partner and was no longer in a position to redirect thousands of dollars.

IS:  How much money was invested in the 2015 Urban Animal programs and is this value lost?

LRE:  Both questions have yet to be determined. The 2015/16 forecast shows annual expenses in the order of $480,000. During the past week we have provided delegates of Summit 2015 with a form that allows them to contribute the fees they have paid to the Foundation OR seek reimbursement in whole or in part. At the same time, staff are working to recover deposits and sponsor commitments. Once we discover the sunk costs as well as the contributions of alumni, sponsors and delegates we will bring this information to the Foundation board. In the meantime, others are working to send out the Annual Summit Briefing Book as well as to complete the Summit Awards and IRED Scholarship programs using alternate strategies.

TRT:  Financial elements are important and must be sorted out in a transparent manner. However, in my mind, the intrinsic investment by Urban Animal Alumni, Associates and Collaborators, by PetLynx, by Evans and his family and by Sponsors is of greater value. This contribution to relationships, communication, collaboration and a more positive experience for people and pets over the past decade is unassailable. I am encouraged that Larry has received communication from hundreds of people around the globe who recognize these values and will pitch in to see it continue. Clearly, it is now up to the industry to take this investment and develop a move forward strategy.

IS:  What do you see as the future of the Urban Animal program?

LRE:  Right now isn’t the best time for me to comment. While I am encouraged by the compassionate response received from so many, it is  unclear how this vision will move forward. The most important thing for me and my family, for my partners and for the millions of pet owners served by PetLynx is to invest the expertise we have to improve and protect the online services they use. I believe all those involved with Urban Animal have observed what can be accomplished by a few passionate people who have faith and confidence in each other. My faith constrains me to expect good things while working through these present challenges.

TRT: I would like to see the Urban Animal Program move to pre-funded programs as we have suggested. The risk for Urban Animal may be industry leaders who don’t see value for their business. While there has been lots accomplished, there still remains a tremendous opportunity for improving the experience of people and pets across the entire industry. For PetLynx, the risk was an overwhelming financial obligation. Urban Animal is a valuable program that is not sustainable without broader industry support.

IS:  Is there anything else you would like to say to InfoStream readers?

TRT:  We live in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous time. In military and business terms we call this situation VUCA! The changes to our experience as individuals and organizations are immense. I hope that InfoStream readers take comfort from the relationship they have with PetLynx and in particular with Evans who always sees the future more clearly than any of us. In my opinion, having him focus attention on finding a suitable PetLynx partner without distraction will serve shareholders, PetLynx subscribers, the Urban Animal industry and his family best! I know cancelling the Summit was a very difficult decision to take but I’ve also observed Evans to be a resilient and productive person. As he likes to say, ‘Onward and Upward’.

IS: Thank you for providing this prospective for InfoStream!

Cancelled - 2015 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies!

SUMMIT 2015 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Just hours ago, the Urban Animal team began to unwind local arrangements. We respectfully request that attendees immediately cancel flights and other arrangements they have in place to attend the Summit next week (October 14-17th).

During the coming days the team will examine the future of Urban Animal. In particular, the team will determine if the Urban Animal IRED and Summit Award programs can be completed using an alternate strategy to recognize the good work already accomplished during 2015.

We thank those who have worked hard for the past nine years to deliver the vision of a more collaborative and client centric industry.

Larry R. Evans, Executive Producer

Urban Animal

PetLynx moves UA Program and Brand to Foundation

Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Friday, September 25, 2015

PetLynx Corporation announced today it is moving the Urban Animal (UA) brand and program elements to the Urban Animal Foundation effective 1 January, 2016.  This move clears the way for Urban Animal to develop a broader base of support and consumer benefit in the urban animal industry.

The Urban Animal Foundation was incorporated in 2014 to be the vessel for UA programs, knowledge, expertise and resources. PetLynx has worked to develop new strategies for funding and program delivery that will emerge in October.

“PetLynx Corporation and Urban Animal have been uniquely people (client) centric in their offerings and approach”, said Larry R. Evans, Managing Director of PetLynx Corporation. “Re-purposing a few pennies of consumer spending on products and services can drive benefits for consumers through the understanding, innovation and research developed by Urban Animal. We envision a few cents from a policy premium, product or a consumer visit being contributed to ‘Enrich Life’ and ‘Foster Community’ in the client experience”, he said.

Over the past decade, UA enjoyed several million dollars of investment by PetLynx and industry allies. UA research and innovation has contributed value to urban animals of every description. While human animals occupy the top of the value chain with votes, money and culture, evidence shows that other animals have an important role to enrich human lives and foster community.

Under Foundation restructuring, the UA program year will begin in October and end in September (ie. 2015/2016), so that funding and program outcomes can be reported during the Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies. The fiscal year of the Foundation will begin in January and end in December (ie 2016) for accounting and financial reporting.

The proposed slate of Foundation Officers, Directors, Councilors, Advisors and Subject Matter Experts for 2015/2016 has been published on UrbanAnimal.com. A joint meeting of the Foundation Board of Directors and Action Counsel has been called for Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 1300 hrs to be followed by the Foundation Board Meeting at 1600 hrs.

Meeting Agendas and the Financial Forecast for 2015/2016 will be published online at UrbanAnimal.com on October first. Consent to act forms will be provided for execution prior to October 14, 2015.

Pomeroy Lodging acquires Delta Lodge at Kananaskis

Pomeroy Lodging LP announced they have acquired the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis. 

Pomeroy Lodging is Western Canada's leader in providing hospitality and lodging services in secondary and tertiary markets.  Pomeroy Lodging intends to invest approximately $26M to execute a renovation and transform the property in stages over the next 24 months. "We are confident the re-positioned facility will drive tourism to the region and increase Alberta's competitive stock of large conference facilities", said President Ryan Pomeroy.

The landmark Resort has a storied history; built in 1986 by Canadian Pacific hotels for the 1988 Olympics with Alpine events held at Nakiska Ski Area.  Host hotel of the 28th G8 Summit in June 2002, the Resort has Extensive Facilities and Amenities, including 412 guestrooms, 36,000 square feet of conference and event space, six Food & Beverage outlets, a health club and spa, retail units, on site staff accommodation and underground parking.  Local activities include Kananaskis Golf Course with two 18-hole championship courses, Nakiska ski area, Boundary Ranch, Canmore Nordic Centre, extensive hiking, mountain biking trail system, skating pond, hockey rink, baseball diamond, tennis and basketball.

Visit the Lodge

 About Pomeroy Lodging:

Pomeroy Lodging owns and operates over 18 hotel properties for a total 2,100 rooms across Alberta, andBritish Columbia. The company develops and manages their own brands Pomeroy Inn & Suites, Pomeroy Hotel, Stonebridge and recently launched Hotello by Pomeroy, opening in Vegerville, Alberta at month end; and also operates major franchise brands, such as Holiday Inn Express, Ramada, and Motel 6.  To be Pomeroy Lodging means to be premium. To ensure we deliver greatness, we set extremely high standards and surround ourselves with an impassioned team that has the drive to deliver. We come to the table with our reputation in hand, ready to invest in and serve our community. Our investment goes well beyond the walls of our hotels and the land we build on.

Top Trends in the Urban Animal Industry

Back in May, Pet Product News ran an article that identified ten trends acting on the urban animal industry:

1. Premiumization - convincing pet owners to buy higher-priced goods.
2. Packaging - packaging is an important part of premiumization and has yet to reflect the packaging innovations seen in human products.
3. Product Purity - according to the Packaged Facts January 2015 pet owner survey the majority of dog and cat owners are concerned about product safety. Companies are responding by changing their ingredient sources and production facilities.
4. Grocery Copycatting - human product retailers understand that people love their pets and are creating pet products that not only mimic but set trends in the pet industry.
5. Big-box Evolution - primary competition for mass retailers is not small specialty retailers but grocers due to their one-stop shopping appeal.
6. Brand Alliances with Retailers - channel loyalty has decreased and only large retailers can appeal to pet specialty and mass markets which is causing brands to enter exclusivity deals with a retailer rather than widespread distribution.
7. Generational Marketing - marketers are pressed to find the common marketing elements between different generations in order to target a wider audience.
8. Downsizing the Market - small dogs do not match the product volume return of large dogs however retailers are smart to follow the pet-friendly movement and promote smaller and more convenient city dogs.
9. The Future is Online - the Internet is the cornerstone for time- and money-saving opportunities.
10. Pet Prescriptions - the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) is gathering scientific proof of the link between pet ownership and improved human health; expect to see ‘get a pet’ become a medical recommendation.

Enriching the lives of pets and people in urban communities is the goal of the Urban Animal Foundation. Register for the 2015 Summit now to get the facts, have your say and move the industry in response to these trends.

Click here for the full story. 

2015 Summit Awards - Pet Owner of the Year

The Pet Owner Summit recognizes a pet owner that has demonstrated a mindful approach to pet ownership and the ability to think beyond themselves to create a better environment for all urban animals. Nominate someone today! 

Previous winner of the Pet Owner Summit Award:

• 2014 - Susan Thixton for providing a nutritious voice for pet owners. Through her blogs, newsletters and books, Thixton has been an inspiration to many around the world.

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.

2015 Summit Awards - Individual Achievement

The Individual Achievement Summit recognizes an individual who is currently active in the urban animal industry and is well regarded for their achievements to improve the experience of pets and people. Preference will be shown for those who actively mentor the development of leaders and professionalism in the industry. Nominate someone today!

Previous winners of the Individual Achievement Summit Award:

• 2010 - George Potter, Alberta Animal Services
• 2011 - Dr. Michelle Lem - Community Veterinary Outreach, ON
• 2012 - Esther Attard Toronto Animal Services
• 2013 - Randy Valpy - Pets Plus Us 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.
• 2014 - Erica Coomber, Alberta Animal Services for the adoption and re-homing programs with outside rescue agencies and pets stores in Central Alberta to maximize adoption levels.

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.

Nominations OPEN for 2015 Summit Awards

The nomination process for the 2015 Summit Awards is under way. The 2015 Awards will be presented at the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE AUGUST 31 at midnight

A significant Urban Animal mission is to recognize those who achieve excellence. Summit Awards deliver recognition each year using an academy style system of nominations followed by an open polling process.

Nominations for the 2015 Summits have been arriving on a daily basis. Polling to determine the 2015 finalists will take place in September. 

The Summit Awards recognize peers in the following categories:

    •Breeder Summit

    •Collaborators Summit

    •Communicator Summit

    •Community Summit

    •Distinguished Service Provider Summit

    •Homing Summit

    •Individual Achievement Summit

    •Lifetime Achievement Summit

    •Retailer Summit

    •Shelter Summit

    •Wellness Summit

    •Pet Owner Summit 

NOMINATE NOW!  

The 2014 Summit Awards involved 37 nominees in 12 categories with almost 5,000 ballots cast. You are invited to nominate those who should be recognized in your community!

PetLynx Welcomes CVMA as a 2015 Urban Animal Sponsor

PetLynx Corporation is pleased to welcome the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association as a 2015 Urban Animal sponsor.

CVMA has sponsored Urban Animal programs and events since 2008. Chief Executive Officer, Jost am Rhyn has been a keen supporter of the collaboration and communication facilitated by Urban Animal.

“The Summit for Urban Animal Strategies brings the industry together out of silos where we spend much of our time,” he said. “This event and other Urban Animal™ programs promote the exchange of ideas, the development of consensus and drives us toward collaboration. This is more important now than ever before.”

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine.

“The members of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association are important stakeholders in the quest for a positive experience for people and pets in urban municipalities across Canada,” said Larry R. Evans, Managing Director of PetLynx Corporation. “Veterinarians are not just the medical practitioners we depend on for the health of our companion and service animals. Vets have far reaching contributions to public health, community relationships and pet owner behaviors.”

To add your support or to become involved in the Alliance for Urban Animals, please contact Shannon Woodward 403.208.1972

Summit Leaders Library features first Ebook - Radical Openness

There was a time when a visit to the library or bookstore was the preferred way to obtain information. Even
now, those who own smart devices often prefer information served up on paper. But, an experience with the Ebook can be very compelling: Internal and external searching; Well lit bedtime reading; Variable fonts and highlighting; Clip and paste features; and, instant access. One begins to see the future is friendly and it's already here.

In the 1970's a Canadian visionary foresaw that modern communications would create a 'Global Village'. Marshall McLuhan during his life (1911-1980) surely presided over an amazing shift in communications. Today according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), almost 40% of all the worlds inhabitants reside in the 'Global Village' created by the internet.

The Urban Animal Program strives to model new technologies, so it will not be surprising to learn the 2013 Leaders Library tome is electronic and features authors who area already on the Leaders Library shelf.

Don Tapscott and Anthony Williams bring to the 2013 Leaders Library, 'Radical Openness, Four Unexpected Principles for Success', published by TED books and made available to Summit delegates in electronic format by Livrada(tm). You can speak to your PetLynx contact for a free copy (while supplies last) or purchase this Ebook from Amazon. InfoStream gives this read 2 thumbs up!

The 2013 Wellness Summit features Nominations from Coast to Coast

Five finalists vie for the Urban Animal Industry's highest award in the Wellness category:

1. Associated Vet Clinics - AVC (David Farran) for aggregating veterinary services to support urban animals with local clinicians, national resources, local relationships and best of breed services. 
2. Atlantic Veterinary College - AVC/UPEI (Dr. Peter Foley) for demonstrating that clinicians and volunteer organizations can collaborate to increase the overall wellness of urban and rural feline populations.
3. British Columbia SPCA - BC SPCA (Geoff Urton) for creating a community based program to re-imagine opportunities for feral and stray felines. 
4. Calgary Pet Wellness Clinic for creating wellness programs that can be delivered populations in social assistance or low income environments.
5. Copperfield Veterinary Hospital (Dr Sandou) for creating wellness programs that can be delivered to rescued urban and rural animals.

The 2013 Summit Award for Wellness 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.

The 2013 Summit for Wellness will be presented during the Awards Gala on Friday, 18 October 2013. This event is open to the public.

VOTE NOW!

Prairie Region leads 2013 Sheltering Nominations

Seven finalists vie for the Urban Animal Industry's highest award in the category of Sheltering:

1. Animal Welfare Agency of South Central Ontario - AWASCO (Kathy Innocente) is nominated for completing the amalgamation of the Perth and Kitchener Waterloo agencies and for increasing the live release rate.
2. British Columbia SPCA - BCSPCA (Amy Morris) is nominated for implementing their new Capacity for Care program that has increased the Live Release Rate in BCSPCA shelters to 85%.
3. Calgary Humane Society- CHS (Mark Takhar) is nominated for activities during the 2013 Southern Alberta Flood when CHS infrastructure was used as the central hub for assisting pet owners across a wide area.
4. Coquitlam Animal Shelter - CAS (Andrea McDonald) is nominated for collaborative activities that has increased the number of animals being adopted through collaborations with other municipalities, retail and vets.
5. Edmonton Humane Society - EHS (Stephanie McDonald) is nominated for creating a new shelter complex and best practices that has enriched the lives of both pets and people passing through EHS.
6. London Animal Care Centre - LACC (Kent Lattanzio) is nominated for sharing subject matter expertise across the animal care industry.
7. PetLand Red Deer (Amy Pawson) is nominated for creating a new hybrid Sheltering/Homing facility with Alberta Animal Services that includes shelter funding and using PetLand resources to adopt out 400 animals.

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

The 2013 Summit for Sheltering will be presented during the Awards Gala on Friday, 18 October 2013. This event is open to the public.

VOTE NOW!

Voting Begins for Community Compliance Summit

Three finalists vie for the Urban Animal Industry's highest award in Community Compliance:

1. Jane Thornthwaite, an elected member of the BC Government, was nominated by the Pacific Region Conference delegates for the introduction of legislation to create standards for ethical breeding.
2. The Ontario SPCA was selected by the Central Region Conference delegates for the development of the High Volume Spey/Neutre program which has lowered the admission of Cats to area shelters.
3. The City of Toronto, Animal Services was nominated by the Central Region Conference delegates for the development of the Chip Truck which demonstrated pet owners are sensitive to value added licensing.

The Summit for Community Compliance 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. The 2013 Summit for Community Compliance will be presented during the Awards Gala on Friday, 18 October 2013. This event is open to the public. 

Vote Now!

YourSAY™ Survey Results Announced

Results from the delegate survey (YourSAY™2013.1) indicate overall success for the 2013 Regional Conference tour in April. The mission of this year's Conferences was to showcase regional innovation, cultivate conversation and collaboration and encourage movement for the Pet Experience Project.

A formal opinion poll was sent to Conference attendees as well as regional associates.

Highlights from the 2013 Regional Conference Delegate Survey:

• Attendees enjoyed the new format (86.5%) that presented Regional Innovation and the opportunity to nominate their peers (80%) for the Summit Showcase Series, Summit Awards, Future Leader Scholarship and the Urban Animal Peer Recognition Program. 
• The Regional Innovation Showcase scored well with 79.5% of attendees revealing they learned something new during the showcase. 
• 76.5% of survey participants feel the recognition of peers in the Summit Award and Future Leader programs are important to them.
• Attendees strongly agreed they enjoyed listening to others and learning from experiences during the Pet Experience Project workshops. 
• The Pet Experience Project Workshops were highly rated with 81.5% agreeing they found Workshop I helpful identifying a Positive Pet Experience. 81% found the same workshop helpful in identifying barriers to a Positive Pet Experience. 
• 81% found Workshop II helpful in identifying solutions and opportunities as well as next steps in their regions to creating a Positive Pet Experience.
• Keynote speaker Drew Van Neikerk, who presented the Positive Pet Experience, was well received in all four regions and attendees agree the subject matter was relevant and applicable to their own organizations (86.5%). 
• In all four regions, more than half of survey participants responded they have attended a Regional Conference in the past. 
• Overall, all five industry sectors were well represented in each region. 

REGISTER FOR SUMMIT 2013 AND THE 

2014 URBAN ANIMAL CONFERENCES!

Copies of the complete survey report are available at a nominal cost. Contact Sheena.Neel@petlynxmail.com if you wish to procure a copy.

Urban Animal Conference Survey Deadline

The Urban Animal Conference survey will close Monday 27 May at midnight PST. 

The 2013 Urban Animal Conferences were a very positive experience for attendees and for those involved with the tour. Feedback and contributions from Urban Animal subscribers is essential in program development for the 2014 Conferences. 

Please take 3-4 minutes to complete the survey. This survey is designed for past, present and future Urban Animal Program subscribers. 

SELECT A SURVEY

Early Bird subscription is currently open for the 2014 Urban Animal Conferences. CLICK HERE to Get the Facts, Have YourSAY, Move the Industry. 

2013 Regional Conference Keynote Address on YouTube

Presented across Canada at the 2013 Regional Conferences in April, Dr. Drew Van Niekerk shared his theories regarding the Pet Experience Project as a means to create happy and healthy communities for pets and people is a must-watch for industry professionals, pet owners and the public at large. In his address, Dr. Drew asks industry sectors to come together to identify and then break down the barriers that work against a positive pet experience. 

To join the conversation or to register for Summit 2013 or the 2014 Conferences, visit www.urbananimal.com. 

Care for Cats is Growing and Wants Your Feedback

Guest Blog by Judi Cannon

Care for Cats is a long-term project aimed at increasing the value of owned, homeless and feral cats in Canada.

Year of the Cat in 2011 was CFC’s first Canada-wide campaign that addressed the issue of cat overpopulation and recognizes that people, not cats, are the problem. YOC focused awareness on three messages: spay/neuter, routine veterinary care, identification and registration of felines. This campaign resulted in an increased understanding of the most popular pet in Canada – the cat. YOC saw the fruits of collaborating as an industry - 16,995 cats were registered and 22,489 cat recoveries.

Care for Cats is evolving and wants your feedback!  CFC needs a new permanent and more defined structure with a plan for the future.  While our leaders decide on that new organization and an action plan we need a working transition structure for 2013. CFC with the consultation of many industry leaders have created this proposed transition structure document for your review and feedback. 

Please send your comments to ProgramManager@careforcats.ca by May 7th, 2013 or post a comment on this blog.

Should you be interested in becoming a Pillar Leader in this project you may contact Dr. Liz O'Brien at drliz@careforcats.ca

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. 

NOMINATIONS FOR SUMMIT AWARDS OPEN

Summit Awards Nomination CHANGES!

The 2013 Regional Conferences follow a new path that is intended to gather evidence, innovation and new models for Urban Animals in North America from each of Canada's four regions.

"The top down approach of past Regional events has also been changed. The 2013 Urban Animal Program worked with local leaders to discover the issues and innovative solutions they would like to feature and bring forward to the rest of the continent. The Urban Animal Associates attending each Regional Conference will also nominate those who should receive a Future Thought Leader Scholarship or a 2013 Summit Award nomination for the International Summit program in the fall," said executive producer, Larry Evans.

"Everyone is excited about these changes because they serve to illuminate the wonderful efforts of those who work in the trenches and they give ear to regional voices in the broader context of international Urban Animal activities. I encourage all Urban Animal Associates to actively participate in this process," he said.

Session II of the Regional Conferences, 'The Search for 2013 Nominees', will select nominees for each of the 12 categories of the International Summit award program.

The nomination process opens effective today and will remain open until the nomination slate is complete. Follow the process online at www.tsuas.com.
Please consult the FAQ's or contact Sheena.Neel@petlynxmail.com if you have questions about this process. 

NOMINATION FORM