2010 Summit Speaker Synopsis Part XI

The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Presents: 

Responsible Homing Practices at Retail

Presenters: Kieth Burgess, PIJAC /Pet Paradise

and Robert Brissette, PetLand Canada Inc.

As a community based source for pets and pet care information Canadian pet retailers have an integral role in helping to ensure pets find good homes.  Pet stores have come a long way since they first appeared in the 1950’s. 

As the emotional value of pets has sky rocketed in the last decade owners are becoming more conscious and open to the needs of their animals. A respected, easily accessible source for information, retail stores are well positioned to educate owners about the responsibility and work involved in caring for their pets.  This presentation will take a brief look back at the evolution of pet retail and what drives it today.

Keith Burgess and Robert Brissette will explore the challenges faced by both independent and large operations, as well as, share the homing initiatives they use in their business models to illustrate how reputable retailers are working to advance the well-being of pets in their communities.
ABOUT  KEITH BURGESS

After 20 years in the restaurant management and consulting field, Keith started in the pet industry in 1991 as an owner-operator of a franchised pet store with his wife Beverly. Armed with standards borne from previous experiences, Keith set out to make a difference in his store and in the perception of pet stores in his community.  

Motivated by his dedication to make a difference, Keith joined the board of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC Canada) in 1997. He was Vice President of the National Board from 1998 to 2007 and for the last 3 terms has served as President. During his time on the Board he as supported an emphasis on training, education and guidelines to help pet stores continue to evolve and improve.

From his own community to international forums Keith is deeply invested in the health of the pet sector. Locally, he has served on the Toronto Animal Services Committee and provincially he works with the government of Ontario helping to develop action plans addressing alien invasive species issues.  This past spring Keith represented Canada at the International Pet Advisory Council meeting in Germany and for 5 years was the Canadian representative on the Tetra Certified Retailer Advisory Board.

Keith remains passionate and dedicated to his original goal of "making a difference". He believes you can't just talk about change and you can't do it alone. Everyone has to get involved to make it happen.  

ABOUT ROBERT BRISSETTE

Robert Brissette’s grandfather ran a general store in a small, rural town in southeast Manitoba, selling all the basic wares that families needed. But what Brissette has tried to emulate in his own business endeavors is the sense of community, friendship and consistency that his grandfather really gave to the town.

Since 1979, Brissette and his wife, Barbara, built on their initial vision of creating a pet store that was more like a zoo with open pens, healthy pets and “pet counselors” that worked closely with families to find them the right pet. They built Petland Canada into prosperous franchises and the largest full-line pet store chain in Canada.

He has carved out a unique niche in a highly competitive industry by becoming a meaningful part of the community. His company works with animal shelters, humane societies, city-run pounds, veterinarians and private citizens who are in need of help. The company’s Pets for Life program includes facilities for abandoned dogs and cats operated as a no-kill shelter in the large format stores.

Brissette’s vision for the future is to double the size of the company over the next five years, so Petland will be in every major market in Canada. His ambition comes from his genuine belief that pets and people belong together – the bond is natural and healthy. He has encouraged some of his employees to acquire Petland franchises and acts as a mentor, someone who knows because he built it from the ground up over 30 years.

“A successful business is one that balances business logic to that of the heart,” says Brissette.


For information on other Summit speakers and topics, check the agenda.
 
Learn more about the Summit For Urban Animal Strategies. Click here.
 

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor