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 -- adopt pets.

When it comes to pet adoptions, "Think positive!"

Prospective adopters are put off by negative messages about euthanasia. Instead of focusing on how many pets are euthanized because they don't have homes, focus on how adoption saves lives.

Understand what adopters want and tell them where to find it.

As animal welfare advocates, we love and value mixed breed dogs and cats. Recognize, however, that not everyone shares this passion for the "un-pedigreed." Many people want a specific breed of dog or cat.

• Help these potential adopters find the purebred (or close to it) in your facility
• Direct them to a breed rescue agency in your community
• Don't be disheartened that they don't want a mixed breed dog or cat. Thank them for visiting your facility and considering adoption.

"We hope animal welfare professionals will use these findings to create effective and motivating messages about pet adoptions programs," said Susana Della Maddalena, executive Director of PetSmart Charities Inc. "Having access to this information provides all of us with excellent insight into what people think and, most importantly, the type of information we can share that not only gets [the public's] attention but also inspires them to act."

Want to know more?

• Get the full details on PetSmart's research.
• View the latest issue of PetSmart Charities Quarterly newsletter.


•  Learn more with PetSmart's free webinars.

Used with permission from PetSmart Charities, Inc.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

A Radical Spay/Neuter Message

The Vancouver Sun: PETA throws cash-strapped Octomom a bone

The media had a hey day writing creative headlines for the latest spay neuter awareness campaign launched by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is a campaign that is sure to be a hot topic of discussion at animal services agencies and animal welfare organizations around the globe.

Octuplets mother, Nadya Suleman, is once again in the news, this time for accepting a payment from PETA in exchange for allowing the organization to place a sign outside her La Habra home, her attorney said.

The sign reads: "Don't let your dog or cat become an octomom. Always spay or neuter."

PETA made the offer amid reports that Suleman could be evicted from her home because she was falling behind on her payments.

Let's home PETA's efforts help Suleman keep her home and help alert people to the very real problem of pet overpopulation!

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

Mandatory Microchips & Pet Insurance in the UK?

      A recent article in the Associated Press explained that British dog owners may soon be forced to microchip their pets and take out pet insurance, part of a proposed crackdown on the country's dangerous canines.

    The government's proposals are aimed at tackling the growing problem of aggressive dogs being used to harass, attack and even kill. In a country where guns are tightly controlled and even carrying a kitchen knife can result in a prison sentence, animal rights experts and politicians say street thugs have turned to dangerous-looking dogs to cow their victims.

    The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the number of complaints about dog fights had soared 10-fold between 2004 and 2008, the last year for which figures were available. In 2009, London Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse called for action on what he called "weapon dogs." His opposition Conservative Party says hospital admissions and court cases relating to dangerous dogs have soared.

    The proposals were largely welcomed by animal welfare groups, including the RSPCA, which said it had long supported microchipping -- primarily as a means of reuniting lost pets with their owners. 

    It was unclear when -- or even if -- the controversial plans could become law. The proposals must undergo a consultation period (typically 12 weeks) which means they are unlikely to reach Parliament before Britain's general election, which must be called by June 3, 2010.  

       A host of European countries -- including Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Italy and Portugal — have introduced mandatory microchipping rules in the past few years, with nary a raised eyebrow. France requires that some breeds either be chipped or tattooed. Even in countries where the practice isn't required, cities such as Berlin and Prague demand that dog owners chip their pets. Mandatory dog insurance, regardless of the breed, is already in place in parts of Germany and Switzerland.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

Humane News & Views from CFHS

Whether you are a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS), are operating an animal-related service or facility... or you just like to keep on top of industry innovations and developments, here's a newsletter that will interest you!

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies publishes a monthly e-zine that will keep you well-informed about what is happening in the area of animal welfare in Canada. The January issue, for example, has information and updates on:

• Pet-friendly travel
• Regulations on owning exotic pets
• Haiti Disaster relief efforts
• IAMS Home for The Holidays helps 1.2 million pets

Check out the January newsletter at CFHS Hum@ne News.

Subscribe to the CFHS Humane News Newsletter

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor

PetLynx™ = Increased IT Capabilities at Less Cost

When an animal shelter, municipality or other Authorized Service Provider (ASC) joins PetLynx™, they get an instant boost in IT power! 

The ShelterLynx™ and AnimalTRACS™ networks combine to help save you time – and money – on regular software upgrades, extra hardware and IT support. All that's needed is a computer, with the latest version of Microsoft Explorer (or an equivalent browser), plus access to the Internet, and you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. 

What’s the difference between PetLynx™ and an “in-house” software program? 
PetLynx™ is an ‘Application Service Provider’ (ASP). This means that you do not need to pay for or install updates using a CD or any other media. All upgrades to PetLynx™ programs are installed, configured and maintained by our IT experts on our 'server farm' that is located in a hardened and secure PetLynx™ server site. 

The PetLynx™ ASP model works dynamically across the Internet and provides the application within your browser, with no need for additional software on your system. The PetLynx™ Utility also delivers much greater functionality that most 'in-house' applications, while maintaining all of the security and data ownership you would expect to have with an in-house system. 

Want to know how your organization can become part of our nation-wide network?  
Contact us  

Start a Staff Meeting on a 'Pawsitive' Note

With introductions of new budgets, increased animal admissions due to inclement weather and a potential drop in adoptions due to post-holiday belt-tightening, staff meetings this time of year can be discouraging... if you let them be that way. This video -- of a mambo dancing Golden Retriever -- is sure to set a pawsitive mood at your next staff meeting. This dancing dog gives a whole new meaning to the term "human-animal bond." Go ahead! Kick off your next staff meeting with a mambo and turn some frowns upside down!

Community Automation for the Animal Services Industry

The benefits of Web-based applications versus in-house systems Private networks within large organizations, such as banks and manufacturers, have been using Web-based 'Application Service Providers' (ASPs) for many years. The pet industry, however, has been slower to adopt this this more advanced technology. Instead, many organizations rely on in-house systems, largely because they assume that adopting more advanced technologies is beyond their financial reach and technological capabilities. PetLynx™ bridges the gap! Our two shelter and animal management programs are ShelterLynx™ and Animal TRACS™. Both of these systems are easy to implement and use, reducing the need for extensive staff training and lowering the threshold of computer literacy required by staff and volunteers. PetLynx™ also allows public users to serve themselves with ease, which takes some of the pressure off staff. Advantages of Petlynx™ ASP web-based services:

• Easy to implement, operate and maintain
• Requires minimal client computer facilities and resources
• Holds data in a more secure environment
• Provides technical support and help capabilities, allowing local IT resources to be redeployed or eliminated
• Connects all users within a group or sub-group to the same data store without undermining security
• Can be access remotely, with appropriate user ID and passwords.

Want to know more? Check out our Q & A or contact PetLynx today!

Help For Haiti's Animals

Photo: Copyright WSPA/FAW With hearts and minds focused squarely on the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on January 12, 2010, the world is extending its full support to those organizations providing humanitarian relief in the ravaged island nation. But the animal victims of this disaster need help, too! In effort to help the animals in this time of crisis, the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) was created. The coalition is comprised of the following organizations:

• American Humane
• American SPCA
• Best Friends
• Humane Society of the United States
• Humane Society International
• International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
• World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)

These groups have banded together with the belief that partnering across organizations is the most effective way to address the serious and enormous problems facing animals in Haiti. There are an estimated 5 million head of livestock in the country (mostly goats), a large stray dog population, and an untold number of companion animals and native wildlife all adversely affected by the earthquake. To donate to the coalition or sign up for updates, visit the Animals in Disasters blog set up by the WSPA.