Ownership trends and issues
John Dommers
Abstract
Research projects and surveys identify trends. Trens help identify issues of concern that often result in serious probelms for animals and problems for people. Knowledge of trends can be very helpful when we work to refocus and refine our programs to meet the needs of those whom we serve. Working to prevent problems and to deal with the consequences of the problems that trends help us to identify is a challenge to all animal rescue, sheltering, care and management personnel. This session will identify some contemporary trends related to pet ownership and will provide suggestions for using the information to capitalise on the current and advance knowledge we receive.
About the author
John J. Dommers
Director/Coordinator
Animal Care Expos
5810 Soledad Mountain Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Ph: (619) 459 6131
Fx: (619) 459 7706
John J. Dommers graduated from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso,
Indiana with a degree in Biology.
He was employed by the New Haven (Connecticut) public schools
from 1966-1972 as a special assistant to the Supervisor of Science.
He was based at the city's West Rock Nature Recreation Center
and developed the country's first full-scale park-school environmental
education program for elementary level students.
In 1972 John went to work for The Humane Society of the United
States as the Director of Education for the New England Regional
Office, covering a six state area. He later became the Society's
National Director of Education and he headed the National Association
for the Advancement of Humane Education, now called the National
Association for Humane and Environmental Education. Later he
became the New England Regional Director for the Society. In
1991 John became the Director of Animal Care Expo, the world's
first full-scale trade show designed for animal rescue, sheltering,
care and control personnel. The show holds the record for the
largest gathering of animal sheltering and care professionals
and volunteers in the world, averaging well over 1300 participants
per year in its seven years of operation.
Before moving to San Diego, California from Madison, Connecticut
in 1989, John taught a graduate course for teachers, Environmental
Education 404, at Connecticut College in New London, CT.
John wrote and photographed a four colour book series for young
people titled Focus on Pollution that was published by
Xerox Education Publications. He has also written and photographed
articles for the national Wildlife Federations' Ranger Rick nature
magazine and several professional teacher magazines.
John's wife, Gail, is a full-time middle school teacher in La
Jolla, CA. Their four sons all reside in the San Diego area.