integrated solutions, incorporating a broad selection of live animals from Seg-rest/Sun Pet and retail fixtures from Casco Pet, supported by the Aqueon, Zilla and Kaytee brands. The result will be best in class “retail theater” merchandising and category management that elevates the in-store experience to drive category excitement and growth, officials said.
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) honored six of its members as standouts in the North American responsible pet trade at its annual meeting, held to coincide with the Global Pet Expo which was held in Orlando, Fla., in March. The awards recognize efforts in advocacy, communications and leadership, and were given out for the first time in several years.
Louis McCann, who, in February, announced his retirement as president of PIJAC Canada, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 40 years advocating on behalf of companion animals and pet owners. This year’s award has been renamed in memory of former PIJAC director of industry and media relations Nancy Knutson. Knutson passed away in February 2016 after more than 25 years of service with PIJAC.
PIJAC’s Ambassador of the Year award went to Zoo Med Laboratories’ senior director of sales David Dieter. Dieter’s advocacy on behalf of PIJAC played a significant role in Zoo Med becoming a PIJAC member in 2017. He was also a critical part of some of PIJAC’s social media and public awareness campaigns in 2017 and serves on PIJAC’s Herptile Committee.
The PIJAC Chair’s Award of Excellence went to aquatic committee co-chair Chris Buerner. Buerner is president of Quality Marine, and was a key organizer and panelist at PIJAC’s 2017 Aquatic Experience town hall. He has been a dedicated and persuasive voice in the fight to prevent the closure of the marine trade in Hawaii.
The Pet Industry Leader of the Year was BEAK, the Bird Enjoyment & Advantage Koalition. Founded in 2016 to provide a more secure future for avian hobbyists and professionals through greater bird ownership in America, BEAK made great strides in 2017. One highlight was the launch of the MyRightBird website and quiz, which helps match people to the right bird for them. The site also offers a bird locator and an avian vet locator.
Chris Foschini, owner of the Pet N’ Pals pet store in Virginia, won PIJAC’s Advocate of the Year award. In both 2017 and 2018, Foschini led a pet store coalition to success with Virginia lawmakers. Foschini’s leadership improved relationships with lawmakers, was key in negotiating important amendments in several bills, and helped block several bills that would have harmed both stores and their customers.
The final PIJAC award, for Excellence in Communications, went to Zoetis for its Pet Effect campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the benefits of companion animal ownership and the human-an-imal bond and included commercials, a website and a partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).
facilities and keep pets healthy.
The Heroes for Healthy Pets Infectious Disease Management Certification Program consists of two free educational modules taught by three veterinary experts in infectious disease: Understanding Infectious Diseases led by Dr. Jason Stull and Dr. Michelle Evason, and Effective Infectious Disease Control led by Dr. Melissa Bourgeois.
The Heroes for Healthy Pets certification is free and open to all veterinary and pet professionals. To become certified, participants must complete both educational modules and pass the certification exam. The certification provides two hours of Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) approved continuing education credits for veterinary professionals. Individual pet professionals and veterinary and pet care facilities can also apply for certification.
In addition to the certification, the Heroes for Healthy Pets program also supplies veterinary and pet businesses with educational podcasts, an infectious disease handbook and promotional materials for pet businesses.
Australia’s Tru Blu K9000, a do-it-yourself dog-wash station manufacturer, has opened its U.S. headquarters in Wilmington, N.C., to better serve North America’s pet industry, said company officials.
Today’s market demand for the K9000 is driving the company’s U.S. launch, officials added.
Pet owners are busier and have less space at home to bathe their dogs, and the K9000 DIY dog-washing stations aim to meet that need, according to the company.
The K9000 builds traffic and new revenue for pet stores, groomers, kennels, doggie day care businesses and veterinary practices, officials said.
With its sturdy stainless steel construction and high-security features, businesses can place the K9000 indoors or outdoors. The K9000 is designed to function unattended—indoors during normal business hours or outdoors for a 24-hour revenue stream that can extend customer service and attract new customers well beyond typical hours of operation, officials added.
At a minimum of two washes per day, the K9000 turns a profit; at fewer than 12 washes per week, the K9000 is breaking even, according to company officials.
“When one does the math, and considers our reputation and reliability, it’s easy to see the profit potential the K9000 offers,” said Paul Baron, the company’s U.S. CEO.