HEALTH - AVMA Offers Scholarships to Veterinary Leadership Conference

The AVMA is inviting veterinarians to grow and network with their peers at the 2017 Veterinary Leadership Conference and is offering scholarships to potential attendees.

The meeting provides three days of networking and workshop opportunities designed for veterinarians and other veterinary professionals.

Leadership sessions and networking opportunities provide a foundation for veterinary professionals who want to contribute to and shape the veterinary profession, and develop skills that can be used in professional and personal pursuits.

Selected sessions provide continuing education credits.

Ten scholarships of $1,000 are available for AVMA members interested in developing their leadership potential.

To qualify for the scholarships, applicants must be AVMA members who fall into at least one of these categories:

• Emerging Leader – Individual who graduated from veterinary school within the past 15 years.
• Under-represented in Veterinary Leadership – Veterinarian from a demographic, geographic, or socioeconomic group or practice type that is underrepresented in U.S. veterinary leadership.

The application deadline is November 16, 2016. Recipients will be selected and notified by December 1, 2016.

The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, January 12-14, 2017.

Canadian Pet Industry Scholarships

PIJAC Canada has two scholarships available to help promising future pet industry professionals further their post-secondary education.

The annual scholarships of $1000 are available to all PIJAC Canada members, their staff and immediate family. 

Applications must be submitted before April 30^th.

Visit PIJAC Canada for more information.

Urban Animal Names 2015 IRED Scholarship Recipients

Urban Animal IRED Competition brings a diverse group of Finalists to Summit 2015

Urban Animal is pleased to announce the Finalists of the 2015 Innovation, Research, Emerging Leader and Digital Journalist (IRED) Scholarship programs. Each Finalist receives a scholarship to attend the 2015 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Lake Louise, Alberta, October 14 to 17, valued at $2,700. 

The 2015 Finalists are presented in the order of standing after the Adjudication Round: 

Innovators of 2015

Charmaine Hammond - Team Toby 

Ardra Cole - Elder Dog 

Tracy Robertson - The Bello Project 

Krista Foreman - Safe for Pets Too 

Researchers of 2015

Tyler Flockhart - Free Roaming Cat Populations 

Tasha Welch - Companion Rabbits: Facts & Figures 

Taryn Graham - Persons Partnered with Assistance Dogs   

Janet Cutler - Socialization in Puppies 

Emerging Leaders of 2015

Kelsey Birtch - Jerry Aschenbrenner Scholarship  

Blake Paulin - Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship 

Digital Journalists of 2015

Rebecca Ledger 

Rodney Habib

Cheryl Wallach 

Sarah Hylton-Foster

Presented by the Urban Animal Foundation, IRED and Summit Award Scholarships provide current and future leaders of the Urban Animal industry with an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with the thought leaders of North American agencies and organizations who meet annually at the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies.

IRED Finalists present in the final round of competition on Thursday, October 15, at Summit 2015. In addition, all Finalists have an opportunity to involve themselves in Urban Animal sessions and are honored during the Urban Animal Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening. The winning Finalist in each category receives special recognition during the 2015 Summit Awards Celebration on Friday evening.

About Urban Animal IRED Scholarships:
Winners of each scholarship were selected by the Urban Animal Adjudicator Panels at four regional and one virtual event between April and June 2015. Fourteen finalists were selected from a field of 36 applicants.

“Urban Animal Scholarships help the industry discover the talented people who can enrich the lives of people and pets in our communities,” said Executive Producer, Larry Evans. “Sharing new information, programs and ideas propels the industry forward, eliminates barriers, develops relationships and provides healthier, happier experiences for people and pets.” 

Since it’s inception, Urban Animal has bestowed 58 IRED scholarships valued at $156,600. The Urban Animal Foundation plans to award 16 IRED scholarships in 2016.

Top Ten Reasons to Attend an Urban Animal Adjudication Event!

The first of four Urban Animal Adjudication Events held last week in Calgary was a success. Leading up to the Pacific Event in Vancouver on May 5, and the Atlantic and Central Events (May 19 and June 11). Urban Animal is focused on highlighting the top TEN reasons you should attend one of these exciting functions.

1. Innovation Showcases: Unique and inspiring programs from across North America are illuminated during the Innovation Showcase. This scholarship program has introduced nationally recognized programs such as Paws Fur Thought, the Prince Street Puppy Project, Happy Healthy Pet Relationships, and Off-Leash Ambassadors. Come and check out what is new and exciting in your region!
2. Research Posters: From the human-animal bond to community health and dog parks, researchers have been under-utilized by the Urban Animal™ industry. This program delivers new thought and evidence that improves the pet experience in urban municipalities where a healthy, wholesome environment for all Urban Animals (human and non-human) must exist.
3. Digital Journalists: Digital journalists have done more to change behaviors and culture in our communities than than ever before. They are the new advocates and ambassadors of everything important to today's consumers. Digital journalists help deliver consistent and common messaging; they are the key to communicating with consumers and each other. This program showcases these important individuals.
4. Emerging Leaders: There are individuals among us who toil in the trenches, dedicate their spare time and energy to creating healthy communities for pets and people. The Emerging Leader Scholarships provide an opportunity to recognize these individuals and elevate their status among leaders of the industry.
5. Collaboration: Past Urban Animal events have opened up the doors for collaboration between industry sectors. Conversations started and relationships formed have led to successful projects and programs.
6. HAVE YOUR SAY!: The adjudication process is aggregated with points given by the adjudication panel as well as a poll taken from the audience in the room. Want to see a certain program or individual win an Urban Animal scholarship? By attending the event you’ll be able to provide your two cents on who should move forward!
7. Networking opportunities: Industry leaders, emerging leaders, researchers, innovators, and everyone in between attend these Adjudication Events. If you want to mingle with the industry’s brightest minds, you’ll attend too.
8. Select Foundation Initiatives: Attendees will be considering how to move forward to replicate with the current cohort of initiatives (3) for the Urban Animal Foundation:

1. The Prince Street Puppy Project
2. Working On Our Future
3. Off-Leash Ambassadors

9. Help source possible Foundation Initiatives: We will be casting around for any projects that should come forward at the 2015 Summit. Replicating projects that have found success in one region or community is large part of the mission for Urban Animal.
10. Great rates!: The smaller, more focused Adjudication Event lowered the cost for participants and guests while adding intensity to actionable conversations in the Alliance for Urban Animals. It’s only $35 to attend! Register today!

Last minute nominations still being accepted for Urban Animal Scholarships!

Attention Western Region! A limited number of spaces are still open to nominations in four Urban Animal scholarship categories for the Western Adjudication Event taking place in Calgary, Monday, April 20.

A maximum of SIX nominees in the Innovation Showcase, Digital Journalist and Research Poster scholarship categories are invited to the Adjudication Event to showcase pitch their case in a 10 minute presentation to the Action Council Adjudication panel. A maximum of FOUR candidates will be interviewed for Emerging Leader Scholarships.

Winners of these prestigious awards are granted full scholarships to attend the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October as well as national recognition and the opportunity to network with the leaders of the Urban Animal industry.

Innovation Showcase Nomination

Nominate a Digital Journalist

Research Poster Nomination

Nominate an Emerging Leader