Thought leaders in the Pacific region have spoken

The Urban Animal™ Conference in Pacific North America is in the books. Thought leaders including researchers, business managers and executives in all sectors of the Urban Animal industry have shared evidence and had their say to move the industry forward. Here are interesting lines from the working groups:

• We may not have control over the original source of an animal so need to become a ‘re-source’
• How do we re-source responsibly? Training, resources, education 
• “Adopt don’t Shop” messaging hits barriers when people want puppies or purebreds
• No standards of care for acquiring a pet 
• Guide to responsible sources
• Sourcing is important for all animals (guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, reptiles, etc.) not just dogs and cats
• We need to continue to have dialogue with opposing viewpoints
• Talk to each other, put aside history and start new relationships 
• There is an opportunity to offer reduced cost vet consultations before obtaining a pet 
• Be proactive rather than reactive
• Create a netral, collaborative group of leaders to meet regularly 
• Broaden the minds of those who wish to move forward (or get on the bus!) 

To see the session 'Wordle' and as well as the rest of the group input go to urbananimal.com

Get the facts, have YourSAY, move the industry. 

Thought leaders in the Prairie region have spoken

The Urban Animal™ Conference in Prairie North America is in the books. Thought leaders including researchers, business managers and executives in all sectors of the Urban Animal industry have shared evidence and had their say to move the industry forward. Here are interesting lines from the working groups:

• The messaging we’re sending to our consumers is often inconsistent and often too late. 
• Defining a “good” source is difficult - who should determine this criteria?
• At the end of the day, we are all connected by our experience
• Consumers and industry need a professional source of information/help/support
• We may be educating consumers, but with not with a consistent message 
• The industry works in silos versus in collaboration with each other 
• Industry sectors prefer to remain in their comfort zones but to work together, we need to break down the walls
• Too many stigmas exist around animal sourcing: online, breeders, humane and rescue
• Messaging around the importance of pets/roles of pets is non-uniform 
• Too many messages and not enough openness 
• Negative impacts of sourcing can result in bad pet experiences, loss of trust, euthanasia and relinquishment 
• Opportunity to showcase collaboration through website traffic rather than bury in the site 
• The message is simple: Listen to the people we are trying to educate

To see the session 'Wordle' and as well as the rest of the group input go to urbananimal.com

Get the facts, have YourSAY, move the industry.