Challenges With Microchip Databases

What is the difference between a microchip database and the PetLynx automated recovery system? There is no doubt that the introduction of the pet identification microchip was (and still is) a phenomenal development for the companion animal industry. It is remarkable how something as small as a grain of rice has had such a significant impact on our ability to return lost companion animals to their owners! That said, the microchip has its limitations. Microchip databases contain basic descriptions and contact information only, and this information is not easily managed by the animal guardian or accessible to someone who has found a lost pet. To discover if a lost pet has a microchip (or not) the person who finds it need to have access to a microchip scanner... and that's not always possible.

PetLynx's automated recovery system is different in that it works with or without identification. Matches are made according to a very basic physical description. Once this information is input into the system, AutoMatchTM actively searches lost and found reports from your community and surrounding Authorized Service Centers to find matches. An automated recovery system is also more user friendly and effective in that it allows users to serve themselves over the Internet, rather than calling in to facilities and organizations and it provides matches automatically, reducing the need for manual searches.

Bones of the Business

Tips for Working Smarter Challenge: Your agency receives animals who might do better in a different environment or with different resources: more time, more space, some rehabilitation options (medical or behavioral) or different exposure for adoption. Solution: Instead of competing with other animal welfare agencies, recognize the strengths of each organization and work together for the homeless animals in your community by creating transfer relationships. Recognize program priorities In a transfer relationship, you must recognize that neither agency is the "villain" and neither is the "hero." The releasing agency and the receiving agency are equal partners. Considerations before entering a transfer partnership

• Can you commit consistent people-time for the program?
• Have you visited your partner agency to get a first-hand knowledge of conditions, philosophies and expectations?
• Are there seasonal considerations?

Build sound procedures to address logistics Write transparent procedures and requirements to clarify roles and responsibilities with WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND HOW. View the Spring 2009 issue of PetSmart Charities Quarterly newsletter for the complete story. Used by permission from PetSmart Charities, Inc. Learn more with free webinars at: www.petsmartcharities.org

Dog Owners Speak Up!

New Stats Prove Dogs are Our "Best Friends" ST. LOUIS, Aug. 09 /PRNewswire/ -- Dogs have always been man's best friend. But, according to a new national survey of dog owners, our four-legged companions are playing an increasingly important role in many Americans' lives. According to the survey, conducted on behalf of Beneful(R) brand dog food dog owners said:

• spending time with their dog lifts their spirits (95%);
• their dog helps them enjoy life's simple pleasures (92%);
• they could not live without their dog on a daily basis (48%) - more than their morning cup of coffee (35%), television (35%), car (26%), cell phone/BlackBerry (23%) or even best friend (15%);
• their dog is an ideal travel companion (more than 60%), more so than their siblings, parents, co-workers and in-laws.

Many dog owners surveyed noted that it is the everyday activities in life that they enjoy doing with their dogs include:

• going for a walk or a run (59%);
• driving (44%);
• running errands (27%) and,
• taking their dog on vacation (22%).

What it is about dogs that makes life better:

• they are always happy to see me (80%);
• their unconditional love (75%);
• their reliability and always being there for me (60%);
• dogs make their life more fulfilling (91%);
• Over nine in ten dog owners say that they take comfort in coming home to their dog during these uncertain times.

Survey conducted June 1-3, 2009 in the Untied States by IPSOS. For further information: Jenn DeBarge Goonan, +1-617-939-8383, jgoonan@coneinc.com or Julie Kahn, +1-314-982-1036, julie.kahn@purina.nestle.com.

Mistaken Identity

Does PetLynx use physical descriptions to match lost and found pets?

One of the most frustrating aspects of trying to match "found" animals with "lost" animals is discrepancies in how different people may describe the same animal. It's difficult enough for a lay person to try to identify purebred dogs... but now we have dozens of "designer dogs," too! So, instead of playing "guess the breed", PetLynx's unique DataSketch™ application helps the user "draw" a picture of the dog (or cat) by simply identifying colours and identifying marks. It does not take other physical characteristics into consideration. DataSketch™ narrows down the description choice to seven main colours and acknowledges different situations, such as a brown dog is similar to a tan dog. Once the information has been input to DataSketch™, the PetLynx AutoMatch™ system works its magic. Rather than scanning for similar breed listings -- which may be incorrect -- it compares coat colour. It then creates a list of the most likely matches, with a 100% rating, followed by less relevant matches. While this system works great, it is imperative that people registering lost animals understand that it is their responsibility to follow up on AutoMatch™ notifications to determine if a match is their pet or not.

Top Ten "Pet Friendly" Colleges

New York, NY (Sept. 10, 2009) – As college students across the country stream back to school, Petside.com, a popular online destination for pet owners and pet enthusiasts, has released its list of the Top 10 Pet-Friendly Colleges. The list, which takes into consideration both the quantity and quality of pet-friendly housing as well as the types of pets allowed, is full of schools where Fido and Fluffy are assured a place on campus. Although no similar list of Canadian colleges is available, it is good to see that many learning institutions in the USA have publicly recognized the importance of the human-companion animal bond. Publishing this information makes it easier for independently living students to consider which learning institutions to attend. They can choose one that allows them to keep their much-loved animal companions, which lessens the number of companion animals "surrendered" to animal shelters. "At Petside, we know how much the companionship of a pet can benefit a college student, particularly in the form of stress-relief and as a remedy for homesickness," said Joshua Fried, Director, Petside.com. "We are pleased to know that so many of America's colleges are welcoming responsible students and their pets." Eckerd College in St. Petersburg,Florida, for example, is head of the class with four pet-friendly, air-conditioned dorm "clusters." Students are allowed to have cats and dogs (under 40 pounds), as well as snakes and fish. Stephens College (Columbia, Missouri) offers one dorm as the designated "pet dorm" which allows dogs, cats, hamsters and guinea pigs. Washington & Jefferson College (Washington, Pennsylvania) allows students to bring their family pets along to school and live in the "Pet House" dorm. Cats and dogs less than 40 pounds, small birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, turtles and fish are allowed and other animals may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

AHA's Animal Emergency 'Rescue Rig'

When disaster strikes the American Humane Association goes to the dogs, cats and other animals! The American Humane Association’s 82-foot-long Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ Rescue Rig is the largest rescue vehicle in American Humane’s fleet of emergency response vehicles, customized to support responders and help animals in disasters. The specialized tractor-trailer is equipped with living accommodations and ready-to-eat meals for up to 12 responders, a command center with satellite dish, full veterinary surgery capability, and rescue and assistance equipment for urban and flood rescue situations. Since its inception in 1916 as American Red Star Animal Relief to help animals used in World War I, American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services has responded to national and international disasters, rescuing thousands of animals.

Get Involved with National RDOG Event

The Canadian Kennel Club is pleased to announce the second annual National Responsible Dog Ownership Day to be held September 19-26, 2009. The event will see Responsible Dog Ownership Groups (RDOG’S) across Canada rally together to collectively promote, educate and enlighten community members unfamiliar with the valued place our dogs have in Canadian society. This pro-active CKC initiative is the perfect opportunity for CKC clubs and individual members to introduce our newest and most valuable Club resource to your local community. The CKC Responsible Dog Ownership Committee has developed a comprehensive information package dealing with "Children and Safety Around Dogs", "Bite Prevention” for people who encounter unfriendly dogs through work, and a fact sheet detailing "Your Responsibilities in Case of a Bite Incident”. Host an RDog Event in Your City! RDOG Canine Safety Resources and the CKC Responsible Dog Ownership package includes great suggestions, information, and support hosting an RDOG event. For more details, please contact Sonny Allinson, Manager Communications Division at 416-675-5511 Ext. 3317 or rdogs@ckc.ca.