Welcome to our exciting
hub of constant activity. Most know us
for our trade shows but there is loads of other things going on behind the
scenes. At every Board Meeting a Summary
is written listing activities and accomplishment to date that year. The list is really quite nifty because it
offers a snapshot of what happens in the industry and how PIJAC Canada helps to
shape the Canadian pet industry. So like
the title says, “Snakes, Daycare and Animal Welfare” we have an interesting
list to share.
RESOURCES - Call us Mastercraft, we love to build tools!
We are
completely excited about what we have recently set in motion.
·
Development of
Best Management Practices for pet retail operations – you asked for it, the
government asked for it, the humane and veterinary sector asked for it and now
it’s here. After three years of work we will be publishing an easy to use
reference manual to help pet stores manage & improve operations.
·
Relaunch of our Habitattitude (invasive species) website
– this great little Canadian gem launched in 2005 to help businesses and
consumers identify invasive species and how to safely dispose of them has just
been updated. www.habitattitude.ca
·
Re-launch of the Certified Companion Animal
Specialist Program – user friendly, affordable, pet care training for Canadian
pet professionals
ADVOCACY - The Heavy
Lifting
We call this the heavy
lifting portion of our jobs because next to the shows it is the biggest part of
what we do. We engage colleagues,
legislators and even the opposition from around the world and around the
country in conversation about industry and animal well being. Here’s how we’ve been representing the
industry
Were you aware these issues happened in 2014?
NATIONAL
·
Proposed changes to the government’s pet food import
policy
·
Funding opportunities for Canadian exporting companies
·
Possible salmonella contamination from pet reptiles
and feeder rodents
PIJAC Canada worked with
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(AAFC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to ensure the interests of
impacted pet businesses were represented and issues resolved all the while
keeping them informed of critical changes that would significantly affect their
businesses.
For all you
reptile lovers, we are also presently working with the Public Health Agency of
Canada at proper messaging to address the issue of salmonellosis associated
with pet reptiles and feeder rodents with a focus on awareness and safe
handling.
Snakes, Daycare and
Animal Welfare
PROVINCIAL
·
Quebec
– The regulation amending the safety and welfare of dogs
and cats regulation came into effect in late 2013 and PIJAC Canada maintains
its involvement with the provincial animal welfare group and sits on the
provisional Board of the newly created Animal Welfare Foundation (Fondation
BEA).
·
Ontario
- We have been
working with the Ontario Ministry of Community Affairs and Correctional
Services as part of their team working Ontario’s exotic animal regulation
review exercise.
·
We are part of a task force to help establish
guidelines for pets in day nurseries. PIJAC Canada will working with a variety
of stakeholders under the direction of the Ministry of Ontario Health and Long
Term Care.
·
Atlantic
Canada – Government officials from all four Atlantic Provinces
have called for a review of their exotic animal regulations. PIJAC Canada met with the New Brunswick
Exotic Animal Review Task Force in late November to answer their questions and
offer our assistance on this very important issue.
MUNICIPAL
PIJAC Canada has been involved in a number of
municipal exercises, mostly dealing with a review of the responsible pet
ownership bylaws. These can be some of the most contentious engagements we encounter
due to the passion from all sides. Our
approach is simple: support, educate and collaborate. Working at the grass root level is essential
in engaging the community and making decision makers aware of all the facts on
this very important issue.
Here are some of the municipalities we worked
with in 2014:
Welland Oshawa Ottawa Kitchener-Waterloo Rigaud Quebec City Gatineau Calgary Richmond Hill Montreal
Flexing Canada’s muscle
on the world stage
INTERNATIONAL
·
Interzoo
– Germany While hosting the Canadian Trade Pavilion at the
world’s largest industry show PIJAC Canada met with other international pet
industry associations (IPAC) to take the lead on the development of a global
resource sharing system.
·
Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Montreal We participated in a working group reporting
to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to showcase what the pet
industry is doing internationally to address the issue of alien invasive
species. (join effort with PIJAC USA and the Ornamental Aquatic Trade
Association UK)
·
Top
2 Top – USA PIJAC Canada attended the 3rd annual Top 2
Top Conference (hosted by PIJAC USA) in April to compare notes on issues we
share with our American neighbors and participate in training to stay on top of
the latest industry intel.
INFORMATION - Doing our homework
PIJAC Canada has been
co-chairing a cross sector working group to investigate ways we can work
together at promoting the incredible experience linked to pet ownership. With
numerous studies about positive physical, mental and social impact pets have
there is a wealth of support for the inclusion of animals in health programs.
PIJAC Canada is leading the charge at identifying what constitutes a positive
pet experience and equally what are the barriers to this experience by offering
the results of our national survey free of charge. A well matched pet and person make the world
a better place and it’s our focus to help ensure positive and sustainable pet
experiences.
Last but certainly not least we have jumped into
our new strategic plan for the association building on what you’ve seen above,
with the addition of some upcoming technological and traditional resources all
aimed to helping your business succeed and improving the lives of pets. Give us a call any time!
