G2Z 2017 Summit & Workshops - Getting Them Home, Keeping Them Home

Talking about the big picture, asking the big questions...

Those of us who work in the spaces occupied by pets (and their owners) that have fallen on hard times, are eagerly awaiting the upcoming 7^th National G2Z Summit & Workshops.

The event is delivered by leading national companion animal welfare and management program Getting 2 Zero and is taking place:

12 – 16 September on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

The theme for this year’s Summit is Getting Them Home, Keeping Them Home and concentrates on the largest population of incoming animals to any pound or shelter in Australia – those that are lost and stray.

Typically the delegate audience is made up of anyone and everyone involved in companion animal policy and practice - including those working in all levels of government, the not for profit welfare, shelter and rescue sector, the research, academic and veterinary professions and the pet industry. There are 3 days of conference and 2 days of separate, full day Workshops with the international speakers.

Summit - asking the big questions

A summit is a strategic conversation, convening the leaders of the sector, which brings different perspectives within a system together to talk about the big picture and big questions: 

How do lost pets behave?

What are the barriers to lost pets returning to their original home?

How can we keep people and their pets together?

What capacity is needed to be built in the community to reduce intake at pounds and shelters of lost and surrendered pets?

These, and many more questions relating to community welfare, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership will be discussed at this event which only comes around every two years. Industry and sector leaders from Australia and overseas will lead sessions to explore innovative solutions to guide Australia’s approach to the management of companion animals now and into the future while providing insights on how the challenges are being met elsewhere.

Building on the success of the past

This seventh Summit will attract more than 300 delegates from the Australasian region. Each Summit has built on the success of the previous meeting and is now an industry leading, unique and significant forum for the exchange of ideas and solutions to lead Australia’s approach to saving the lives of companion animals into the future. There is nothing else like it in Australia and it has been an important driving force in the progress of these issues locally.

The Summit provides a rare opportunity to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience these international experts are bringing to Australia. We will also hear from a great line up of local speakers presenting on a diverse array of issues. You can learn more about the event here and register to attend here.

International Speakers include...

• Dr Aleisha Swartz – Shelter Medicine expert and Outreach Veterinarian for the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program, USA
• Katenna Jones – Animal behaviour and training expert, Jones Animal Behavior, USA
• Amy Mills – Social Change maker and CEO Emancipet, USA
• Brigid Wasson – Animal management and welfare expert, President of Missing Pet Partnership, USA
• James Pirnay – Animal welfare expert and Head of Community Engagement, FOUR PAWS Companion Animals Programme, Belgium
• Barry Helem – Chair New Zealand Companion Animal Council and CEO SPCA Canterbury, New Zealand
• Megan Denize – Certified Pet Detective and Founder Inspector Spot, New Zealand

About Getting 2 Zero

Getting 2 Zero (G2Z) is a national program delivered by Animal Welfare League of Queensland and is focussed on assisting every community and municipality achieve zero euthanasia of all healthy and treatable cats and dogs (more than 90% of all incoming stray and surrendered cats and dogs) in whole communities.  The Getting to Zero Model details the principles, structures and strategies for achieving this and provides support and resources to those involved in companion animal management and welfare. G2Z is relevant to state governments, local government animal management departments, pounds, shelters, rescue groups, breed organisations, breeders, pet shops, animal trainers, groomers, wildlife organisations, veterinarians, and all community members who are concerned about better management and welfare of cats and dogs.

You can learn more at www.g2z.org.au and contact the Coordinator, Nell Thompson at info@g2z.org.au

You can also click here to visit the G2Z Page in the Vetanswers Business Directory