Why Doesn't PetLynx Does Use Specific Breed Designations?

The simple answer is ... asking the general public to identify a specific breed doesn't work very well!

Many people who find lost pets don’t always know its breed or note the physical descriptions of the animal in a way that could result in a match. That is why PetLynx Corporation took a step away from the traditional industry practice and created the AutoMatch™ system which uses DataSketch™ animal descriptions.

Pierce Brosnan Supports California Spay/Neuter Program

At PetLynx Corporation we love to learn about and share examples of collaboration. Here's a neat story of how one celebrity is supporting spaying and neutering in his community. Let us know if your organization is doing something out of the ordinary and we may share it on our blogs!

Perhaps best known for his role as James Bond, Pierce Brosnan is also making a name for himself as an activist and artist. The many organizations Brosnan supports include various environmental, animal and child welfare, and women's health initiatives.

In one of his latest endeavors, Brosnan has put his signature on a new initiative designed to provide funding for low or no-cost spaying and neutering of dogs and cats in California.

The Perks of PetLynx for Pet Families

Whether they operate as part of a municipality or are non-profit agencies, animal shelters are busy places! While it can be a challenge, it is important that adoption staff and volunteers using PetLynx take a few minutes to explain the "perks" of registration that is part of the pet adoption package given to each new pet family.

U of Guelph Veterinary Program Gets $50,000 Financial Boost

Gift will help support a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals

On June 8, 2010 Rolf C. Hagen Inc., makers of Nutrience Pet Food, announced its commitment to provide $50,000 a year (for the next two years) to help support a veterinarian specializing in the care of small and exotic animals at the OVC Health Sciences Centre at the University of Guelph (OVC).

Dogs in Canada Website Lands National Magazine Award

PetLynx Corporation is pleased to congratulate the team at dogsincanada.com for winning the first-ever Web Site of the Year award at the 33rd Annual National Magazine Awards held in Toronto on June 5, 2010. The award is meant to recognize the website that most successfully fulfills its editorial mission, effectively serves its audience, maximizes use of the web and represents the highest journalistic standards.

PetLynx Records Record Highs

PetLynx™ established a new high water mark in the month of May by registering 19,162 entities -- including 9,989 pets and 9,173 pet owners.

May 2010 was the first month in more than a year that generated more pet registrations than pet owner (associate) registrations. The registration of multiple pets by a single pet family is a new phenomenon which will bear observation in the coming months.

Bones of the Business: Tips for Working Smarter

A recent survey conducted in the United States by PetSmart Charities provided a wealth of useful information relating to why people do -- and do not -- spay or neuter their pets.

The biggest barriers were identified as lack of understanding as to why it is important and the right age to have the dog/cat sterilized. Interestingly, researchers found that adults age 34 and under needed the most education.

Procter & Gamble Voluntarily Recalls Canned Cat Food

CINCINNATI, June 9, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) today announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of its Iams canned cat food in North America as a precautionary measure. Diagnostic testing indicated that the product may contain insufficient levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is essential for cats. Cats that were fed these canned products as their only food are at greater risk for developing signs of thiamine deficiency.

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month

Our friends at Best Friends Animal Society have adopted a new motto that puts a new spin on a popular old saying:

Live, Love, Meow!

PetLynx salutes all animal shelters and animal services agencies across North America who work diligently to find forever homes for the cats in their care. Are your staff and volunteers doing something extra-special to promote cat adoptions this month? Share your news with us, so that we can share it with others! Comment below or send us an email today!

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

No Breed Specific Legislation In Elgin, Illinois

Mayor Ed Schock and the councilmen in Elgin, Illinois, listened to their residents, as they promised there will be no Pit Bull ban or restrictions on Pit Bulls in Elgin.

The Mayor stated that, "Elgin officials should not have gone down this road in the first place, if they had done their homework."

New Marmaduke Movie Not Great News for Great Danes

PetLynx joins the American Kennel Club in warning people not to get starstruck!

With Great Danes taking center stage in the release of “Marmaduke,” moviegoers are reminded about the importance of making educated decisions when it comes to adding a dog to the home.

More 2010 Regional Summit Highlights

"Intelligent, forward thinking... such a welcome change and a breath of fresh air!" was how one delegate described the presentation given by Bill Bruce, Manager of The City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services, at the 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies. The events were held in four cities across Canada the week of 19 April.

More than 85% of delegates who completed the post-Summit survey said that Bruce was: 

• an effective and engaging speaker
• an expert on the subject matter
• delivered relevant and useful content, and
• conveyed information in ways they could relate to.
  

Bruce's lecture focused on the success of The City of Calgary's cat licensing program and provided attendees with insight on how they can effectively duplicate the program in their own communities.

"We did our research before implementing cat licensing," explained Bruce. "We recognized that we had an average of 9,000 cats a year entering the shelter system in Calgary. Of these, only about 17% had traceable identification. As a result, the return to owner and euthanasia rates were dismal. The problem, we recognized, was not necessarily one of pet overpopulation but a need for people to become more responsible pet owners. Once we understood the problem we developed a program to get the public to understand it."

Since introducing voluntary cat licensing in June 2006, and mandatory licensing in January 2007, The City of Calgary has exceeded its initial estimate of having about 20,000 licensed cats. More than 50% of cats in Calgary are now believed to be licensed. Licensing has resulted in returned to owner rates increasing to about 60% and euthanasia rates changing from 36% to 18%.

Want to learn more about how you can connect with other thought leaders in the companion animal industry? Check out the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies to be held at Lake Louise, Alberta, 13 - 16 October 2010.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor