His first contact with a humane agency was at 16 when he decided to volunteer.  Within a year his ideas on housing and care, operations and fundraising were recognized by being asked to sit on the Board of Directors as an honorary member at 17 years old.

He is seen as unique in the humane field by recognizing that it is not only important to make the pet's life as humane and positive as possible, but balancing the environment with their human counterparts. "It's not all about the pet, it's about the pet AND the human" he is quick to say.

Mr. Werner is also a pioneer in humane training of companion animals and has written numerous papers and booklets on the subject (a book is planned "when time permits, whenever that will be!").  His training techniques are widely used and considered by many to be the best, and most humane, in the industry.

Today his is called "the hardest working man in the pet industry" by his employees, also a friendly poke at his love for the musician James Brown.  He is as likely to be called up by the IT department for advice on the company network as he is to be called into a financial planning meeting.  He is actively involved with every aspect of the APA and has personally interviewed, or met with, each of the APA's employees.  In addition he has visited over half of our associated Humane Agencies.

He has been with his wife for more than 20 years and they just celebrated their 15th anniversary.  Mr. Werner is a Coast Guard Certified Captain, they are both PSIA Certified Ski Instructors and PADI Certified DIVEMASTER scuba divers with over 2000 dives together.  Their love for the ocean has made them both very interested in reef preservation projects.

They have 2 beloved dogs, Pete, the Dalmatian and Cole a Bull Mastiff/Shepherd mix, and a DSH cat named Kiki.  Both dogs were abused and abandoned prior to becoming a part of the Werner's family and are now great examples of positive, humane rehabilitation.

Read the letter about his beloved dog Jesse from 1999 here.

Copyright © 1996 American Pet Association
Last modified: June 15, 2005