Agenda Set for the 2011 Regional Summits April 13-19

Great Presenters. Compelling content. Stimulating conversations.
The 2011 Regional Summits will deliver all this and more!  

'Collaboration, change and progress' are not words usually associated with the many challenges we face in the companion animal industry. Yet they are now being used to describe the various initiatives resulting from conversations that started at the October 2010 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS) and are continuing in communities across Canada!
   
We invite you to attend the 2011 Regional Summit (RSUAS) event in the community nearest you. The Regional Summits are the 'Reader's Digest' version of the International Summit. These events allow you to gain insight on what transpired at the International Summit, review industry metrics and and to join in conversations that are moving the companion animal industry in exciting new directions!
  
This year's Regional events will focus on the ever-challenging issue of 'animal homing'. A line-up of dynamic speakers will deliver a synopsis of presentations from the 2010 ISUAS and an interactive 'Open Spaces' program will be facilitated by Karen Dawson, Create Now Inc.  Open Spaces is a proven networking strategy that puts all industry stakeholders in one room and fosters a spirit of respect, trust and open communication. Karen's role as moderator is to support us as we get 'unstuck' and engage in meaningful and productive conversations. 

Summit Story in PIJAC Canada's Newsletter

Did you ever wonder how, when and why the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies got started? Now you can read all about it in the December 2010 issue of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Canada's (PIJAC) e-newsletter, 'The Voice'.

Learn how Larry Evans and the PetLynx Corporation's team's vision of opening the lines of communication amongst all sectors of the companion animal industry is making a difference for pets and people in communities across Canada and gain insight into how pet retailers feel about the important role they play in the companion animal industry.

To read the full story, download the 'PIJAC The Voice Issue 10' PDF file from the PetLynx Public Newsroom

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

The 2101 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies is on now!

THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED SPONSORS!

CLICK HERE for more info on the International Summit For Urban Animal Strategies.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

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.

2010 Summit Speaker Synopsis Part XII

The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Presents:

A Framework for National Codes of Conduct 

Presenter: Louis McCann 

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Canada (PIJAC Canada)

The welfare of urban animals in Canada is the common link between all sectors of the pet industry.  With a long history of philosophical differences these sectors have frequently found it a challenge to collaborate.  This presentation will discuss the reality the industry is currently facing and why national codes of conduct are desperately needed to help address homing issues.

Louis McCann will propose a step by step plan on how to work together and explain why a cooperative pooling of resources is the path to progress.  He will offer evidence of other success stories and discuss how existing materials can help pave the way to developing codes of conduct.  Louis will share his experiences from both the SPCA and business sides of the industry to illustrate why a unified approach is the key for success.

ABOUT LOUIS McCANN

Louis McCann has spent the last 35 years working in the pet sector. At the age of 16 he began working for the Montreal SPCA cleaning kennels. After achieving  his Bachelor of Science with a major in wildlife management Louis worked his way through the ranks of the SPCA, becoming the Director of Cruelty Investigations and Director of the Wildlife Department. In addition to his directorial duties Louis was also the society’s media spokesperson and representative in the area of municipal animal control.

In 1991 Louis became the Executive Director for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC Canada). He took the position, confident that he would find in this job, the necessary tools and opportunities to successfully pursue his vision of improved animal welfare practices and the promotion of responsible pet ownership. 

For almost two decades Louis has been the lead advocate representing the interests of pet businesses in Canada, including;  manufacturers, distributors, retailers and pet care service providers.  Combining his own expertise with government partners and other pet welfare organizations Louis has raised the bar for the Canadian pet industry. He has achieved this through the development of health protocols, municipal and provincial guidelines, best practice recommendations for businesses and the promotion of sound animal care and husbandry practices in all sectors of the pet industry.

Louis views cooperation over confrontation as the ultimate path to progress, this why he has worked tirelessly to advance standards surrounding the care and health of pets everywhere. He is a founding member of Anima Quebec, the National Companion Animal Coalition and as an original member of International Pet Advisory Council, Louis is a well respected figure on the world stage.

From rescuing seals in Montreal harbour to speaking in provincial legislatures across Canada, Louis McCann is one of the foremost authorities on urban animal issues.


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

2010 Summit Speaker Synopsis Part 1

The International Summit For Urban Animal Strategies Presents:

2010 National Survey on Retail Puppy Sales

There have been numerous media reports about the sale of puppies in stores. Questions about sources and care practices are frequently brought up. Subjective facts and figures have resulted in wide spread misinformation.

To help develop a clearer picture of how the retail model functions PIJAC Canada conducted the 2010 National Survey on Retail Puppy Sales as a way for stores to share their methods of operation. PIJAC Canada's Susan Dankert's presentation of the survey results will offer an insightful look into the sale and care of puppies in pet shops around Canada.  This talk will offer data on topics such as, average number of cages, sales, sourcing, care and warranties.

H1N1 Confirmed in Canadian Ferret & American Cat

November 6, 2009: Yesterday, PIJAC Canada received notice that the first confirmed case of H1N1 in a ferret was reported to the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association. In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) put out a press release yesterday stating that there has been one confirmed case of a cat in Iowa contracting the H1N1 virus from the owners. Please take notice of this PIJAC Canada bulletin to learn more on what you should do. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has also posted an information sheet on their website for pet owners. Questions for PIJAC Canada? (p) 1-800-667-7452 or 1-613-730-8111 (e) memberservices@pijaccanada.com.