The brand refresh, announced at SuperZoo last week, is intended to better align with the needs of retailers.
As part of the refresh, the WPA logo has been redesigned to reflect WPA’s role a a progressive and caring steward of pets and the pet industry. The organization’s vision and mission statements were also revised to better reflect its values.
“Nurturing a healthier, more productive and collaborative pet industry that enriches both pet and human life.”
— WPA vision statement
The WPA also indicated that they would be refocusing their efforts around four key pillars:
Producing world class trade and consumer shows and events
Providing industry action and leadership
Supporting retail with business services and value-added resources
“It’s about the association’s leadership evaluating what the industry and our members need in order to grow and thrive in a competitive, ever-changing marketplace. As a result of this effort, WPA will bring its members new service offerings and a library of retailer tools that will allow the association to serve as a year-round resource. These offerings will include data-driven reports, customized information, online education, one-on-one consulting and more that will allow retailers to be agile and strategic as they plan their marketing and sales efforts.”
— Jacinthe Moreau, President, World Pet Association
The video, a send-up of the television program “Cheaters,” depicts a dog who suspects his owner has been spending time with another dog behind his back. Viewers follow the exploits of an investigative team dispatched to surveil the owner in an attempt to catch them in the act.
“We’ve received such a tremendous reaction to the “Caught” video in just a few weeks and it’s continuing to garner views, comments, and shares. Whether you’re familiar with the ‘Cheaters’ TV series or not, this is a fun and entertaining video with a good message capturing the attention of the entire pet-loving community.”
— Steve King, CEO, the American Pet Products Association
Founded by APPA, PAL is a nonprofit campaign dedicated to sharing information about how pet ownership benefits animals and people alike. PAL’s mission is to increase awareness of the bonds and other rewards associated with pets of all types. Primarily through social media with videos, contests and engaging content, PAL spreads the joys of pets and aims to deliver key messages about the human-animal bond, responsible pet ownership, pet acquisition, and health benefits of pets.
Idaho recently unveiled a new license plate design for motorists who want to put their pet-friendliness on display — and on their vehicles.
The new plate design was made available following the passage of Idaho House Bill 105. The bill, a pet project of former Idaho state representative Hy Kloc, had been in development for several years before its recent passage. The bill stipulates that all proceed from the sale of the new plates will go into a fund for use by local shelters to provide spay and neutering services.
“I stayed involved with this project when I left the legislature because there’s a serious lack of funding for low-cost spay and neutering. After so many years of work, it’s so rewarding to see this legislation finally take effect. All of the money will go to help the animals who need it the most. That money will make a huge impact in how we deal with increasing animal populations in Idaho. I am so lucky that this bill was the product of a bipartisan effort. I feel very fortunate to have worked with these and other representatives on this project.”
— Hy Kloc, Former Idaho State Representative
For more information about the new pet-friendly plate, including how you can reserve one for yourself, head to the Idaho Transportation Department.
The results of a new survey suggest that 77% of pet-owning vacationers are planning pet-friendly road trips this summer.
The survey of 2,000 pet-owning travelers, conducted by Orbitz, found that top activities for vacationers include taking selfies at tourist attractions (21%) and visiting dog parks (20% of respondents). The survey also found that pet-owning travelers are willing to spend up to $500 extra to accommodate their pets. Orbitz reports that use of its pet-friendly search filter has increased 40% over last year.
“There’s a road trip for every kind of dog and dog owner. Routes with off-leash parks, hiking trails and open play areas are great for active dogs. More passive dogs might enjoy an urban adventure with dog-friendly hotels and minimal walking.”
— Dan Schachner, Animal Planet On-Air Personality
In response to the survey’s findings, Orbitz has released a series dog-friendly road trip maps featuring routes all across the United States.
The Grand Canyon is one of the United States’ most popular attractions for human tourists — now, thanks to a company that specializes in pet-friendly tour packages, it has become a hit with dogs as well. Happy Tails Canine Adventure Tours, a tour company that offers adventure experiences tailored to dogs and their owners, recently added a Southwestern United States package to its range of offerings. The eight-day package, known as The Coyote, offers human and canine travelers unique experiences built around:
The Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon National Park
Lake Powell
Monument Valley Tribal Park
Valley of the Gods
Arches National Park
Moab, Utah
Capital Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion National Park
Las Vegas, Nevada
Several optional components are available to travelers, including a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, Colorado River rafting, and a horseback ride.
While all of Happy Tails’ tours are designed with dogs in mind, you don’t need to be a dog owner to appreciate them. Travelers without dogs can partake in the tours alongside others’ dogs in lieu of their own.
For more information about the new package — including tons of photos of dogs enjoying the scenic views — check out the full post here.
Mars Petcare recently unveiled its “Pet-Friendly Workplace of the Future” — including dog parks outfitted with Wi-Fi access.
The new facility, located in Franklin, Tennessee, boasts a wide assortment of amenities intended to benefits both people and their pets. The Wi-Fi enabled dog parks feature ample play space as well as seating so that both dogs and humans can stretch their legs while remaining in the loop. The dog parks are part of over 60 acres of green space featured at the new headquarters.
Along with high tech dog parks, the new complex also boasts coffee bars on every floor, each with automated “slurp stations” to ensure that both humans and animals are well-supplied with refreshments. Plenty of pet bed and toy storage is placed throughout the facility as well. Even the upholstery of the furniture featured throughout the space was selected to be pet-friendly.
The pet-friendliness of the new complex is intended to bring greater satisfaction to employees as well as to serve as an example for other companies who want to explore pet-friendlier amenities and policies.
“When you welcome pets to the workplace, everyone wins – they make going to work more enjoyable, and it means our pets spend less time alone at home. Since pets naturally help us socialize, there is no better way to meet new colleagues, which in turn leads to improved communication. It’s no wonder pet-friendly workplaces are an important perk for job seekers”
— Dave Bradey, Vice President, People & Organization, Mars Petcare
The city of Plano, Texas, recently upped its pet-friendliness with the introduction of new and updated park facilities.
Plano’s new — and appropriately named — facility at Bob Woodruff Park boasts five separate enclosures spread over six acres devoted to small, large, and senior dogs. The new dog park components will benefit from a central shade structure and rinse stations for pups to clean up and cool off.
A second facility tailored specifically for dogs is is scheduled to be constructed at the new Windhaven Meadows Park on the city’s west side. This five acre facility will be integrated with the surrounding landscape, offering dogs a space with natural granite pathways and shade structures. The new facility will feature hydration stations as well as pet waste receptacles.
Both of the new facilities will join the existing Jack Carter Park as local favorites for pups and their owners.
An Albuquerque resort recently announced that it would begin offering its employees bereavement leave for the death of pets.
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya’s new pet bereavement leave for employees is the latest pet-friendly offering from the resort. Previously, it introduced a “Pawternity” leave option for employees who recently adopted a new pet.
The resort says both benefits are extensions of its overall pet-friendly philosophy.
The President and CEO of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) recently called the Trump administration’s recent tariff actions “not pet-friendly.”
The statement came during Bober’s testimony on June 17 at a United States Trade Representativehearing on the Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariff increase on products imported from China. According to Bober, the proposed tariff actions would result in higher costs for most textile and plastic-based pet supplies, such as toys and bowls.
“Many of the toys and products included in the newest list of proposed tariffs are very important to the health and well-being of pets. They provide enrichment and activity, training and comfort.”
— Mike Bober, President & CEO, PIJAC
For more information about the hearing and about the potential effects of tariff increases on the pet industry, check out the full article.
RMK Management, one of the Midwest’s largest apartment management companies, recently announced that three of its recently acquired apartment communities would be receiving pet-friendly upgrades as part of a series of major improvements.
The improvements, funded by the properties’ new owners and totaling $3.5 million, will include new pet park facilities and pet-friendly outdoor areas as well as new grilling stations, play areas, tennis courts, and social clubhouses featuring cyber cafés and other amenities. The upgrades are intended to benefit the residents of the 407 units the three communities comprise.
“The extensive improvements to the property’s apartments and grounds will make these rental communities even more desirable to individuals and families looking for maintenance-free living and a comfortable place to call home.”
— Anthony Rossi, Sr., CEO, RMK Management Corporation
WPA Announces Brand Refresh
The World Pet Association (WPA) recently announced that their brand has been given an overhaul.
The brand refresh, announced at SuperZoo last week, is intended to better align with the needs of retailers.
As part of the refresh, the WPA logo has been redesigned to reflect WPA’s role a a progressive and caring steward of pets and the pet industry. The organization’s vision and mission statements were also revised to better reflect its values.
The WPA also indicated that they would be refocusing their efforts around four key pillars:
Representatives of the WPA stated they they would strengthen partnerships with organizations like the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) to advance legislative efforts as well as the the promotion of responsible pet ownership and pet-friendly housing and workplaces.
Source: WPA Refreshes Brand
APPA’s New Pets Add Life Video Goes Viral
A new video from the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) Pets Add Life (PAL) campaign has gone viral, netting over one million views since its debut last month.
The video, a send-up of the television program “Cheaters,” depicts a dog who suspects his owner has been spending time with another dog behind his back. Viewers follow the exploits of an investigative team dispatched to surveil the owner in an attempt to catch them in the act.
Founded by APPA, PAL is a nonprofit campaign dedicated to sharing information about how pet ownership benefits animals and people alike. PAL’s mission is to increase awareness of the bonds and other rewards associated with pets of all types. Primarily through social media with videos, contests and engaging content, PAL spreads the joys of pets and aims to deliver key messages about the human-animal bond, responsible pet ownership, pet acquisition, and health benefits of pets.
Source: APPA’s Pets Add Life Video Goes Viral
Idahoans Can Now Get Pet-Friendly License Plates
Idaho recently unveiled a new license plate design for motorists who want to put their pet-friendliness on display — and on their vehicles.
The new plate design was made available following the passage of Idaho House Bill 105. The bill, a pet project of former Idaho state representative Hy Kloc, had been in development for several years before its recent passage. The bill stipulates that all proceed from the sale of the new plates will go into a fund for use by local shelters to provide spay and neutering services.
For more information about the new pet-friendly plate, including how you can reserve one for yourself, head to the Idaho Transportation Department.
Source: Pet friendly license plates now available in Idaho
New Survey: Most Vacationers Planning a Pet-Friendly Road Trip this Summer
The results of a new survey suggest that 77% of pet-owning vacationers are planning pet-friendly road trips this summer.
The survey of 2,000 pet-owning travelers, conducted by Orbitz, found that top activities for vacationers include taking selfies at tourist attractions (21%) and visiting dog parks (20% of respondents). The survey also found that pet-owning travelers are willing to spend up to $500 extra to accommodate their pets. Orbitz reports that use of its pet-friendly search filter has increased 40% over last year.
In response to the survey’s findings, Orbitz has released a series dog-friendly road trip maps featuring routes all across the United States.
For more insights from the survey, check out the full article on Yahoo! Finance.
Source: Orbitz Travel Survey Shows Three-in-Four Vacationers are Planning a Road Trip for Their Pets this Summer
Pet-Friendly Tour Company Now Offering Grand Canyon Package
The Grand Canyon is one of the United States’ most popular attractions for human tourists — now, thanks to a company that specializes in pet-friendly tour packages, it has become a hit with dogs as well.
Happy Tails Canine Adventure Tours, a tour company that offers adventure experiences tailored to dogs and their owners, recently added a Southwestern United States package to its range of offerings. The eight-day package, known as The Coyote, offers human and canine travelers unique experiences built around:
Several optional components are available to travelers, including a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, Colorado River rafting, and a horseback ride.
While all of Happy Tails’ tours are designed with dogs in mind, you don’t need to be a dog owner to appreciate them. Travelers without dogs can partake in the tours alongside others’ dogs in lieu of their own.
For more information about the new package — including tons of photos of dogs enjoying the scenic views — check out the full post here.
Source: You can now take a tour of the Grand Canyon with your dog
Wi-Fi-enabled Dog Parks Among Perks of Mars Petcare’s New HQ
Mars Petcare recently unveiled its “Pet-Friendly Workplace of the Future” — including dog parks outfitted with Wi-Fi access.
The new facility, located in Franklin, Tennessee, boasts a wide assortment of amenities intended to benefits both people and their pets. The Wi-Fi enabled dog parks feature ample play space as well as seating so that both dogs and humans can stretch their legs while remaining in the loop. The dog parks are part of over 60 acres of green space featured at the new headquarters.
Along with high tech dog parks, the new complex also boasts coffee bars on every floor, each with automated “slurp stations” to ensure that both humans and animals are well-supplied with refreshments. Plenty of pet bed and toy storage is placed throughout the facility as well. Even the upholstery of the furniture featured throughout the space was selected to be pet-friendly.
The pet-friendliness of the new complex is intended to bring greater satisfaction to employees as well as to serve as an example for other companies who want to explore pet-friendlier amenities and policies.
Source: One pet company installed a Wi-Fi-enabled dog park at its new office
Plano Boosts Pet-Friendliness with New Dog Parks
The city of Plano, Texas, recently upped its pet-friendliness with the introduction of new and updated park facilities.
Plano’s new — and appropriately named — facility at Bob Woodruff Park boasts five separate enclosures spread over six acres devoted to small, large, and senior dogs. The new dog park components will benefit from a central shade structure and rinse stations for pups to clean up and cool off.
A second facility tailored specifically for dogs is is scheduled to be constructed at the new Windhaven Meadows Park on the city’s west side. This five acre facility will be integrated with the surrounding landscape, offering dogs a space with natural granite pathways and shade structures. The new facility will feature hydration stations as well as pet waste receptacles.
Both of the new facilities will join the existing Jack Carter Park as local favorites for pups and their owners.
Source: Plano is Getting A Little More Pup-Friendly
Albuquerque Resort Offering Pet Bereavement Leave for Employees
An Albuquerque resort recently announced that it would begin offering its employees bereavement leave for the death of pets.
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya’s new pet bereavement leave for employees is the latest pet-friendly offering from the resort. Previously, it introduced a “Pawternity” leave option for employees who recently adopted a new pet.
The resort says both benefits are extensions of its overall pet-friendly philosophy.
Source: Local resort offers employees bereavement leave for pets
PIJAC: Recent and Proposed Trade Tariffs not Pet-Friendly
The President and CEO of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) recently called the Trump administration’s recent tariff actions “not pet-friendly.”
The statement came during Bober’s testimony on June 17 at a United States Trade Representative hearing on the Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariff increase on products imported from China. According to Bober, the proposed tariff actions would result in higher costs for most textile and plastic-based pet supplies, such as toys and bowls.
For more information about the hearing and about the potential effects of tariff increases on the pet industry, check out the full article.
Source: US administration’s tariff actions not “pet-friendly”: industry association
Midwest Property Management Company to Improve the Pet-Friendliness of Three Apartment Communities
RMK Management, one of the Midwest’s largest apartment management companies, recently announced that three of its recently acquired apartment communities would be receiving pet-friendly upgrades as part of a series of major improvements.
The improvements, funded by the properties’ new owners and totaling $3.5 million, will include new pet park facilities and pet-friendly outdoor areas as well as new grilling stations, play areas, tennis courts, and social clubhouses featuring cyber cafés and other amenities. The upgrades are intended to benefit the residents of the 407 units the three communities comprise.
Source: RMK Management Adds Three New Midwest Apartment Communities to Its Management Portfolio