THE PAST: History of the `Summit` THE PRESENT: 2010

Issue 4 • 2010
THE PAST: History of the ‘Summit’
Every journey starts with a single step … and in 2006, when Larry
Evans, president of PetLynx Corporation, stepped forward with a
vision of opening the lines of communication amongst all sectors of
the companion animal industry, people noticed!
Evans, his team at PetLynx, and several industry partners established a long-term goal to set the industry on a course of collaboration, in effort to create and sustain a healthy community for pets
and people. This was achieved by organizing an event that would –
for the first time in history – bring representatives from ‘competing’
industry sectors into one room, to work together to achieve common
goals.
Now called the International Summits for Urban Animal Strategies
(ISUAS), the event has grown to include four regional Summits for
Associates held across Canada every April and one International
Summit for executive level Alumni every October. PIJAC Canada was
a founding sponsor and has been involved with the Summit since its
inception. Louis McCann, executive director of PIJAC Canada, has
worked tirelessly with Evans and the other allies of the Summits to
bring about this collaboration.
THE PRESENT: 2010 Summit for Urban Animal
Strategies
October 13-16, 2010, more than 80 invited delegates and alumni
attended the 5th Annual ISUAS. A series of presentations and networking sessions provided opportunities to
share ideas, set goals and form new alliances.
The focus of this year’s Summit was ‘Homing
Animals in our Communities.’ A stellar line-up
of guest speakers addressed various industry
initiatives, achievements and challenges from
four very different perspectives.
Four PIJAC Canada members provided insight into the role that pet
stores play in our communities. Susan Dankert presented a synopsis
of PIJAC’s 2010 National Survey on Puppy Retail Sales; Louis McCann delivered the industry vision for developing National Codes of
Conduct for the companion animal industry.
When Keith Burgess, Paradise Pets and Robert Brissette, Petland
Canada, approached the podium to co-present their topic – Responsible Homing Practices at Retail – there was a palpable feeling of
apprehension in the air. Could pet stores, long considered by some
sectors to be the ‘bad guys’, really have anything positive to say
about homing puppies and kittens?
As Burgess and Brissette passionately explained their respective
businesses’ efforts to invest in employee education programs,
secure reliable and humane sources for livestock, and work with
humane societies and rescue groups to re-home animals, the mood
in the room began to change. For me, as a writer having worked for
25 years in almost every sector of the companion animal industry
– except the retail sale of puppies – it was a ‘light bulb moment.’
The compassion and commitment expressed by these two men,
combined with their frustrations of being ostracized in the industry,
brought me (and several other people) close to tears.
Later, when I spoke with other delegates, many of them said that
this inside look at the retail sector was a welcome revelation. For
(continued on page 4)
1 The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies 2 Across the
Country 3 Top 12 Initiatives for 2010 4 Solid Performance: PIJAC
Canada’s Trade Shows 5 2011 Trade Show Dates 5 Training
Opportunities 5 New Members
PIJAC Canada The Voice of the Canadian Pet Industry 1
Across the Country
>> Richmond BC bans sale of dogs in retail stores
>> PIJAC Canada training materials part of new NB & MB legislation
>> Proposed exotic wildlife bill in Ontario
NATIONAL
>> The 2010 International Summit on Urban
Animal Strategies – The ISUAS provided an
excellent opportunity for executive thought
leaders of all sectors of our industry to discuss areas of common interest and showcase
their valuable insight and expertise. This
event is covered at length in the lead article
of this newsletter.
PIJAC Canada intends to continue its
involvement with the ISUAS in 2011. If you
are a retail, manufacturing or distribution
business owner you should consider adding
your expertise to this event. We encourage you to attend one of the upcoming four
regional summits planned for April of 2011.
Please visit www.tsuas.com for more information or contact the PIJAC Canada head
office at communications@pijaccanada.com.
Animal Health Committee (AAHC). A meeting of the AAHC is planned at the beginning
of 2011.
>> Importation regulations on pet food from
the US – CFIA’s revised Pet Food Policy is
now available on the agency’s website. It can
be accessed through the following link:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/
heasan/pol/ie-2001-9e.shtml
Also new to the CFIA website is their Return
and Permit Application process for Finished
Pet Food: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/
english/anima/heasan/pol/ie-2010-9e.shtml
>> CFIA and the National Aquatic Animal
Health Program – PIJAC Canada continues
to monitor developments arising from the implementation of the Canadian government’s
National Aquatic Animal Health Program.
>> CFIA decides to stop issuing permits
for certain plant pests being used as feed,
bait or pets – PIJAC Canada is awaiting the
outcome of a meeting scheduled to take
place between CFIA’s Plant Health and Pet
Food department representatives on this
issue. It is our hope that from this meeting
we will obtain some clarification as to how
the CFIA plans on implementing this new
directive.
A survey of our major ornamental fish importers has resumed. Through this exercise
we intend to present a more accurate picture
of this industry sector. This will prove to
be very pertinent to the ongoing regulatory
process.
Based on our own observations and after
consulting with our affected members, we
agree with the Canadian government that the
implementation of this new policy requires
further detailed assessment. We intend to be
part of the review process.
As there is no planned date to publish the
regulations, it is impossible to offer an
implementation date at this time. However
CFIA has agreed to move the implementation date for the import regulations to one
year after they have been published in the
Canada Gazette Part II. Once the regulation
has been published, these import requirements will come into effect one year past
that date.
PIJAC Canada is a member of the Aquatic
2 PIJAC Canada The Voice of the Canadian Pet Industry
PROVINCIAL
Newfoundland and Labrador
>> Changes to the province’s Animal Protection Act – In the last issue, we reported
that this province’s new Animal Health and
Protection Act was given Royal Assent in
June of 2010.
PIJAC Canada has been contacted by
government officials and asked to provide
some of its training materials to help them
in the development of their regulation. The
Act and regulations will come into force once
the regulations are complete. PIJAC Canada
continues to monitor all developments and
will offer our help and expertise during the
regulatory process.
New Brunswick
>> New pet establishment regulation – The
new regulations came into effect on June
2nd 2010. All pet stores, shelters and kennels must be licensed and will be inspected
every year. The inspection process has
started. All pet establishments must meet a
certain standard of care and cleanliness. Any
advertisement made by a pet establishment
must include a statement to the fact that the
establishment has been inspected and must
also include the establishment’s business
license number.
Just like in the province of Manitoba, some
of PIJAC Canada’s training materials are
referred to in the regulatory text. This new
regulation falls under the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Quebec
>> Kelley Task Force meeting - Created
almost two years ago, this task force was
given the mandate to look at the companion animal situation in the province which
includes the need for the development and
implementation of a new regulation to help
support the province’s animal protection
legislation.
At the October 29th meeting the government announced its intention to publish its
draft regulation in the Gazette Officielle du
Québec before the end of the year. With this
publication comes an opportunity for public
consultation. Depending on the comments
PIJAC Canada’s
received, the intent is for this regulation to
come into effect in the fall of 2011. Once
the regulation is published, we will conduct a
member consultation exercise and take that
feedback to the government for review.
Ontario
>> Bill 125 – The Exotic Wildlife in Captivity
Act – PIJAC Canada is presently monitoring
Bill 125 – The Exotic Wildlife in Captivity
Act. This is a Private Member’s Bill introduced by MPP Dave Levac. The Bill will give
the Ministry of Natural Resources the ability
to regulate the ownership and acquisition of
exotic wildlife by private citizens. Mr. Levac
feels that this will not be a concern for those
who own pets that are not native to Ontario.
“This Bill is not aimed at responsible pet
owners who have a snake, for example,” said
Levac, “It is aimed at those who abuse and
exploit their animals, and at animals that
pose a threat to public safety should they
escape. The Bill gives the Ministry the power
to make a list of animals that would be subject to these provisions, and I am sure the
Ministry will engage in wide public consultations when determining which animals should
be included.”
At press time, this Bill has received first
reading in the Ontario Legislature. PIJAC
Canada will keep its members informed of
all developments regarding this Bill, watching out for any issues that could negatively
impact our members.
MUNICIPAL
Richmond and Langley BC
>> Banning the sale of dogs in pet stores –
Since our last report, a decision was made
by Richmond City Council to approve an
amendment to its existing pet store regulation. This amendment bans the sale of dogs
and puppies in Richmond pet stores. This
bylaw received final approval at the November 8th council meeting. It is scheduled to
come into effect on April 30th 2011.
As a result PIJAC Canada has decided to
challenge this by-law in court on the grounds
it discriminates against pet retail businesses.
We feel that prohibiting pet specialty shops
from carrying out an already well established, well regulated practice, while allowing
their competition (shelters and kennels) to
continue to carry out the same activity is
unjust and does not address the council’s
other concerns about substandard breeders
and impulse purchasing. The public has a
right to access as many reliable sources as
possible. Reputable pet stores are a reliable
source. We will provide updates as the case
progresses.
Initiatives for 2010
PIJAC Canada has over 20 years of experience in working with government agencies at all
levels. Each item below involves countless hours of phones calls, emails, letter writing, meetings and travel in order to make sure your industry voice is heard, your rights as a business are
protected and your company can continue to thrive. Throughout the last two decades the association has been your voice on hundreds of industry specific initiatives and proudly continues to
do so. It is with the thoughtful support of businesses like yours that we are able to accomplish
what we do on your behalf.
Our greatest challenge yet
Across Canada a storm has begun.
In Richmond BC, they have banned
the sale of dogs in stores effective
April 2011. Make no mistake, this
not just about puppies in stores,
this is about selling all pets in
stores. Now is the moment this
membership needs to band together. This issue is being looked at in
Langley and Coquitlam, as well as,
Toronto and Ottawa. It is
coming across the country.
Each and every membership adds
strength to the association. It is
not just about membership
dollars, it is about standing
together to fortify our industry.
The 2011 PIJAC Canada
membership drive is currently
under way. Your support matters.
Check out the Executive Level
Benefits which provides you with
even more value-added benefits.
Top 12 Initiatives for 2010
1. Conducted a National Survey on Puppy Sales in Canada
2. Appeared as guest speakers at the International Summit on Urban Animals Strategies
Worked with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on:
3. National Aquatic Animal Health Program
4. Pet Food Importation Regulation
5. Permit Issues to import feeder insects
Invited by four provinces to help craft new animal legislation
6. Manitoba - Animal Care Amendment Act
7. New Brunswick - Regulation of all pet establishments
8. Newfoundland - Animal Protection Act
9. Quebec - Member of Kelley Task Force to develop standards for pet establishments
10. Researched the challenges faced by Canadian pet retailers
11. Provided new statistics and demographics on Canadian pet market
12. Challenging the ban on the sale of pets in retail stores
Renew today!
Toll Free: 1-800-667-7452
Website: www.pijaccanada.com
Email: memberservices@pijaccanada.com
While you’re busy taking care of your business...
who is l king out for you?
Your 2010 membership ends December 31st
Renew today!
The Voice of the Canadian Pet Industry
2495 Lancaster Road, Suite 202
Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5
Telephone: (613) 730-8111
Toll Free: (800) 667-7452
Fax: (613) 730-9111
E-mail: information@pijaccanada.com
www.pijaccanada.com
PIJAC Canada The Voice of the Canadian Pet Industry 3
The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies
(continued from page 1)
some, it not only lowered the proverbial bar of resistance that has long been raised amongst
the different industry sectors ... it removed the obstacle completely.
The 2010 Summit ‘Retailer’
“This was my first Summit and it was terrific!” says Brissette. “Although I really didn’t know
what to expect, I felt that it would be a wonderful -- and rare -- opportunity to present the
Award Recipient
pet retailers’ side of the animal homing story. All of the attendees were very open minded and
for the two days after our presentation I had different people coming up to me to acknowlPIJAC Canada is pleased to announce
edge that they had no idea how dedicated we were to finding reputable puppy breeders and
that Lisa Nitkin of Pets West, Victoria,
how we work to ensure the animals we home do not become a burden to the animal welfare
British Columbia, was the recipient of
system.”
the first Summit Retailer Award. Nitkin,
who opened her pet store 21 years ago,
was recognized for her efforts in commuTHE FUTURE: Open Spaces, Frank Discussions, And Positive Action
nity education and collaboration.
This year’s Summit also introduced a new forum for discussion and delegate interaction
“Being nominated for the Summit Recalled ‘Open Space’. The day-long exercise was lead by certified executive coach and leadertailer Award was an honor,” says Nitkin.
ship development facilitator, Karen Dawson, Create Now Inc.
“It was recognition of the fact that we
Dawson encouraged delegates to identify issues that needed further discussion, commitment
engage in responsible practices. Someand action, and invited everyone to break off into groups to address each topic. Subjects of
times ‘doing things right’ may not always
intense discussion included everything from increasing the intrinsic value of cats in our socibe the most profitable – as far as animal
ety, to developing National Codes of Conduct, encouraging responsible pet ownership through
sales – but we try to set an example becompliance, high volume spay/neuter programs and much more.
cause we want to be part of the solution,
Unlike in Las Vegas -- where ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!’ -- conversations that
not the problem.”
started at the 2010 Summit are continuing in communities across Canada. Committees have
Nitkin says that she attended the Sumbeen established and an Internet-based discussion board called ‘Open Space’ has been
mit “with no expectations” and was
launched on the PetLynx wiki. In the coming months, Open Space will help to facilitate the
positively blown away by the experience.
development of new programs, improvements in protocols and, most importantly, on-going
“Seeing so many people engaged in
collaboration across the entire companion animal industry in eight key areas:
meaningful and open conversations
about companion animal industry chal•National Codes of Conduct
lenges made me realize that there is no
•Breeder Codes of Conduct
need to get discouraged operating one
•Identifying all Dogs and Cats in Canada
store in my small corner of the world”
•Creating Proactive Pet Families
explained Nitkin. “I was inspired to keep
trying … and reminded that if one at•2011 The Year of the Cat
tempt at change does not succeed, then
•Network of Training Resources
I should just approach that challenge
•Highway of Hope
from a new angle. I may not be able to
change the whole world but I can take
•Reforming Legislation for Companion Animals
baby steps in my own community!”
Lisa Nitkin of Pets West receiving the
“Initiatives being undertaken by Summit alumni through
first Summit Retailer Award.
Nitkin adds that, as a result of conversaOpen Space will create ‘The New Pet Industry’,” believes
tions at the Summit, she and her staff
Evans. “The New Pet Industry is a collaborative, open, honest, sharing and interdependent
are now inspired to put more effort into
industry that speaks with a voice that best serves the common good of people and pets in our
including legislative and bylaw services
communities; it facilitates compliance and empowers the prosumer [those who (help) produce
in their programs. “Most pet stores try
what they consume]; and finally, it is an online presence that provides recognition of our
to work with the local SPCA but don’t
industry champions and gives them a platform to change the world of companion animals.”
consider the opportunities presented
Learn more about the International and Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies.
by working with animal legislative and
enforcement,” she adds.
Terri Perrin is a freelance writer with a special interest in companion animals.
Solid Performance: PIJAC Canada’s Trade Shows
After a rocky economic year, Canada’s pet
trade shows turned in a solid performance
proving once again that pets are a staple in
Canadian homes.
The National Pet Industry Trade Show experienced a nice jump in outlets represented this
year in part due to the first time participation
of buyers from a number of mass merchandise companies. A total of 1653 attendees
representing 3662 pet stores, pet supply
outlets and other companies attended the
two day event. Companies took advantage of
a special Euromonitor International presentation entitled, “The State of Global Pet Care
Industry: Challenges and Opportunities for
4 PIJAC Canada The Voice of the Canadian Pet Industry
Future Growth”, as well as targeted pet husbandry seminars taught by well known veterinarian, Dr. Donald Benoit. One hundred and
ninety two exhibitors filled the hall to display
the latest in pet products and technology
available to the Canadian pet market.
With over 6.6 million pet owning households
in Canada, retailers have to make sure they
deliver the best in quality pet products to
their clientele. Leading up to PIJAC Canada’s National show were the regional shows
in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.
“Although smaller in stature, these shows are
no less important as they cater specifically to
the unique tastes presented by each of these
markets.”, says Louis McCann, Executive
Director of PIJAC Canada.
At the Calgary Pet Industry Trade Show
a total of 351 visitors representing 213
outlets attended the 5th installment of this
show. Held April 25th in downtown Calgary,
Alberta, the event featured 65 exhibiting
companies in 112 booths. “Visitors to this
show have a very practical side, but also
displayed a love of natural products”, reveals
show coordinator Roselyne Lévêque.
The Western Pet Expo, was held May 2-3 on
the edge of Vancouver in Richmond, British
Columbia. A total of 308 visitors (continued on page 5)
Training Opportunities
2011 TRADE SHOW DATES
PIJAC Canada Shows
Calgary Pet Industry Trade Show
Calgary AB; April 17, 2011
Western Pet Expo
Richmond BC; May 1-2, 2011
ExpoZoo
St-Hyacinthe QC; August 28-29, 2011
National Pet Industry Trade Show
Mississauga ON; September 18-19, 2011
Canadian Pavilions
Zoomark
MONCTON NB
Avian Certification Seminar
* January 29 or 30, 2011 * time to be determined
Small Animal Certification Seminar
* January 29 or 30, 2011 * time to be determined
Canine & Feline Food Allergies Workshop * January 29 or 30, 2011 * time to be determined
* see website for more information
Solid Performance: Trade Shows
(continued from page 4)
representing 204 outlets attended the
event. These visitors were on the hunt to
meet their client’s needs for “wellness”
and “green” products. In addition to solid
participation numbers the demand to exhibit
was clearly indicated by a 21% increase in
participating companies for a total of 68
manufacturers/distributors present.
Vive le Quebec! At PIJAC Canada’s second
May 12-15 2011
Bologna, Italy
www.zoomark.it/
Manufacturers interested in being
part of the Canadian Pavilion team can
contact the Events Coordinator at
tradeshows@pijaccanada.com or by
calling 1-800-667-7452. Some exhibiting
companies may be eligible for additional
funding through programs offered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Buyers are checking out the New Product section
at the 2010 National Pet Industry Trade Show.
Other Shows
5th India International Pet Trade
Fair
January 21-23, 2011 in New Delhi, India
www.iiptf.com/
Global Pet Expo March 16-18, 2011 in Orlando FL
www.globalpetexpo.org
H.H. Backer Spring ‘11 Show
April 13-15, 2011 in Atlantic City, NJ
www.hhbacker.com
All About Pets Show
April 22-24, 2011 in Mississauga ON
www.allaboutpetsshow.com
SuperZoo
September 13-15, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV
www.superzoo.org
H.H. Backer’s Christmas Trade
Show 2011
October 14-16, 2011 in Rosemont (Chicago) IL
www.hhbacker.com
largest show, a total of 1,085 visitors
attended the 12th anniversary edition of
ExpoZoo, held Aug. 29-30 in St-Hyacinthe,
Quebec. Buyers represented 1181 outlets
compared to 632 in 2009, a major increase
from last year. Again the impact came
in large part due to the addition of visiting chain store companies such as BMR le
Groupe and Metro. Ninety-seven manufacturers and distributors graced the show hall
and required an increase in exhibit space to
accommodate their diverse offerings. “From
the seat of Canadian fashion, ExpoZoo has
always been able to boast both style and
innovation in the products found there”,
comments Lévêque.
“We were extremely pleased with the
strength and growth of this year’s Canadian
show season and are ready to build on that
for 2011”, reports Mr. McCann.
For contact information on companies and
products appearing at the shows, copies of
the Buyer’s Guides can be found at
www.pijaccanada.com under the visitor section for each show.
New
Members
as of November 30 2010
Category A: retailers with animals, retailers supplies
only, groomers, trainers, pet sitters/walkers, veterinary
clinics/hospitals, non-profit organizations, gift stores
with a pet section
Animalerie Charlevoix
Aquarium Drummond Inc.
Centre de la Beauté Animal
Creatures Great and Small
Crystal’s Pet Shop Ltd
Ed’s World of Critters
Embro Country Feeds
Golden Paws Grooming Inc.
Le Jardin des Animaux
Paws Oasis
Pets 4 Life
Pets Unlimited - Amherst
Pets Unlimited - Kenmount
Tisol Industries Ltd
Burnaby - Market Crossing
QC
QC
QC
BC
SK
BC
ON
QC
QC
ON
ON
NS
NL
BC
Category B: breeders, livestock dealers
AQUALITY Tropical Fish Wholesale, Inc ON
Susanne Weinstein
ON
Category C: associate member
David Cohen
Category D: distributors, manufacturers
3 Eye Fish Company
Around the Hounds
Bird Toy Distributors, Inc.
Bowsers Pet Products
Eco Group / Poop Bags™
Istyle Originals
K9 Excel
Microphos
Moneris Solutions
Pacific Urns
Puppy Love Pet Products Inc.
R & W Technologies
Spectrum Feed Services
Taylor & Co.
The Groomers Friend
The Mutley Collection
Tomlyn Pet Products/Vetoquinol
US Pet Nutrition
ON
ON
ON
AB
ON
QC
ON
QC
QC
ON
BC
AB
AB
ON
ON
ON
ON
WI
ON
PIJAC Canada The Voice of the Canadian Pet Industry 5