A must-read Today’s pet parents want to be active participants in decisions about their pets’ health, not passive recipients of one-time services. Chewy Health’s Mita Malhotra asserts that practices that prioritize long-term partnership over episodic service often see stronger patient health outcomes, deeper trust and greater lifetime loyalty from clients. Nearly 82 … [Read more...]
USDA seeks public input on updating dog welfare regulations; Comment period extended to April 20, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments, scientific dat, and stakeholder input to help determine whether updates are needed to federal regulations governing the humane care of dogs. These standards, which apply to licensed breeders and other regulated entities under the Animal Welfare Act, have not had a major … [Read more...]
Personal responsibility
Finger pointing has gotten out of hand – from, “my parents didn’t love me” to, “the dog ate my homework.” It is time to shoulder the blame and forgive yourself. Source: AXIOS, March 5, 2026. Link. Article PDF. Hans Nichols shares the authors’ self-help acronym from the book From Mistakes to Meaning to confront and conquer your mistakes: DUET (disclose, unpack, empathize, and … [Read more...]
7 signs your executive team lacks leadership maturity
When maturity is missing at the executive level, the consequences ripple through the entire organization. Marlene Chism shares seven signs your executive team may be struggling with leadership maturity. Executive maturity isn’t about being perfect. It’s the discipline to face reality, regulate reactions and engage in the conversations that move the organization … [Read more...]
The power of introverts
Introverts are a third to a half of the population. Yet, in a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. Still relevant, Susan Cain’s passionate talk asserts that introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated. Source: TED2012, February … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 6, 2026
This week’s Fast Bites welcomes 22 new provider members. Congratulations! Welcome aboard! Source: IBPSA, April 6, 2026. Link. Related: The PACCC Insider, Spring 2026 Edition. Link. Updates from the pet care industry, highlights of certified professionals, and tools to advance your career. Is boarding still worth it for veterinary practices? AAHA Trends, … [Read more...]
Despite being engaged at work, nearly half of employees plan to quit
Commentary Reports like this deserve consideration. It is easy to dismiss such results as not applying to “my” situation. However, the results Michael Popke shares here likely parallel animal health industry articles of the last several years. According to Firstup’s 2026 State of Employee Engagement Report for North America, nearly half of self-proclaimed “engaged” U.S. … [Read more...]
What is an emotional support animal?
ESAs have grown in popularity in the past few years, but the rights and regulations surrounding them remain hazy. Michelle K. explains that in order for a dog (or any animal) to legally be considered an emotional support animal, it must be prescribed by a registered doctor or mental health professional as a means of treatment for a diagnosed mental illness. ESAs and Service … [Read more...]
An update on fleas, flea-borne diseases, and flea control
Despite decades of effective ectoparasite control for cats and dogs, fleas on cats continue to be a major issue in veterinary medicine, writes Brian Herrin DVM, PhD. He provides an excellent review in this article that supports year-round adherence with highly effective flea control methods. Year-round adherence is key to preventing home infestations, reducing flea allergy … [Read more...]
Second skunk rabies case confirmed in Missouri
Rabies cases are always a good reason to communicate with clients about wild animal safety and basic pet vaccination. Wild animals are often found under sheds, farm buildings and junk piles. Pet owners who play with or exercise their pets in parks and forests can encounter rabies-spreading animals near brush and rock piles. Working with local media can be an effective way to … [Read more...]
10 common causes of sudden death in cats (and which ones are preventable)
Sudden death in cats is one of those topics that feels too heavy to think about proactively, but understanding the real causes is one of the more useful things cat owners can do for their cats. There’s little doubt veterinary teams will agree with Dan Seymour’s assertion and quickly reference the limited time they have available to educate even their best feline … [Read more...]
De-exaggerate extreme features in popular dog breeds
To preserve the breeds we love, we need to ‘de-exaggerate’ extreme features by only breeding individuals with healthy and robust features, and petition kennel clubs to update the breed standards to match, according to Karyn Kanowski, BVSc, MRCVS. Referencing health challenges in breeds like the French Bulldog, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund and Shar-pei, Kanowski advocates for … [Read more...]
Acquisition of cats with extreme conformations: a ticking time bomb
Cats Protection’s Madison Rogers is pushing for cat breeding to be regulated across the United Kingdom. Citing increasing interest and acquisition of purebred cats with extreme features, the organization wants to address welfare concerns proactively. Its research found extreme conformations variously associated with musculoskeletal abnormalities, ocular, dental and respiratory … [Read more...]
Universal ethogram created to help standardize equine social behavior
A relatively new universal ethogram represents a significant step forward in equine behavior science. By standardizing definitions and supplementing them with video clarity*, it enables consistent cross-study comparisons and deeper insights into equine welfare. For veterinary professionals, it offers a practical framework to better assess, interpret and optimize management … [Read more...]
Taming aggressive rooster behavior
Never introduce a new rooster to a flock that already has a rooster, writes Rhonda Crank. Her timeless article shares rooster behaviors and ways to manage their natural aggression. She also addresses keeping the flock safe and how to avoid attacks on people. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 4, 2021. Link. In the rooster world, he who runs away, walks away, or hides is the … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire Modern Animal accelerating a fully integrated pet healthcare strategy
Chewy, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Modern Animal, Inc., a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics, 24/7 virtual care and a high-retention membership model. This acquisition represents an important strategic step in Chewy’s evolution into a fully integrated pet healthcare ecosystem, combining care, commerce and … [Read more...]
April’s national wildfire forecast. SCARY!
Every state in the West is expected to face an above-normal threat of wildfire this summer, according to the latest projections, released last week by the National Interagency Coordination Center. Citing an ongoing snow drought, rapid snowmelt and a recent unprecedented heat wave, the latest maps feature the red-colored risk areas spilling across the Southwest and into the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Local leadership, not logo on door, makes a vet clinics shine. Link. Defining the decision. Link. When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued? Link. ========================== Research on heartworm reveals older, complex … [Read more...]
Employees’ financial stress costs employers $1.1 trillion
The central finding of a new report from industry analyst firm Valoir, estimates that employees’ financial stress costs U.S. employers more than $1.1 trillion in lost productivity each year. We noted: The average worker spends 3.3 hours per week handling personal financial issues while on the clock, while about eight percent spend 10 or more work hours per week. Eighty … [Read more...]
Local leadership, not the logo on the door, makes a veterinary clinic shine
The corporate-versus-independent debate is getting stale, writes Bob Lester, DVM. He asserts it is time to stop pointing fingers and start focusing on what drives hospital success. The answer: strong, local, boots-on-the-ground leadership. Here are some of Lester’s thoughts to consider: Veterinary medicine is more complex than ever . . . leadership is the most crucial … [Read more...]
When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued?
We need this <liability> conversation to be MUCH MUCH louder, writes Michele Pfannenstiel, DVM. What follows is a thought-filled, researched treatise that raises concerns about what AI can do, how it is validated and who is responsible if AI can’t. Pfannenstiel is not anti-AI. She wants new tools to work. But wanting them to work is not the same as knowing they work, … [Read more...]
Global veterinary groups unite behind parasite prevention as risks expand worldwide
More than 40 veterinary and animal health organizations have signed a global “Prevention Pledge” emphasizing the importance of year-round parasite control as fleas, ticks and worms expand into new geographic regions. Organizers cited growing concern over shifting parasite distributions driven by climate change, increased pet travel and evolving wildlife populations. In the … [Read more...]
Defining the decision
If you cannot write the decision in one clear sentence, you are not ready to decide. Source: LinkedIn, February 21, 2026. Link. The moment you define the actual decision — one clear sentence, one real question — something shifts. The noise settles. The right considerations rise to the surface. You can finally think. Define the decision. Not the situation. Not the context. … [Read more...]
We keep rewarding burnout. How to stop.
Stress isn’t the price you pay for success; it’s the thief that steals it, asserts Amy Leneker. She shares three things leaders can start doing today to stop rewarding burnout. Source: HR Executive, March 27, 2026. Link. Rewarding stress and burnout fosters destructive patterns of overwork, self–doubt and relentless pressure to do more, prove more and be more. It’s … [Read more...]
Pet brands get embedded into hotels, apartments and stores as pet-friendly trends grow
Commentary Tim Wall’s article on partnerships that embed products into experiences is a good read for marketing and brand managers. It also emphasized tactics related to Rick Purnell’s article last week about local visibility, community engagement and the value of showing up where a need exists. <Link>. In many communities, seasonal events bring pets into town, such … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 30, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey deadline extended through April 6th. Link. Lucky Dog Mobile Groomers goes global. Link. Dog Aging Project, CBS. Link. Human-animal interactions are a win-win for all, Psychology Today. Link. Source: IBPSA, March 30, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26th. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t let OSHA changes take you by surprise
Includes Commercial references Compliance is not a place to cut corners, writes Jarden Mandeville. He emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with the changes to OSHA requirements, including MSDS sheets, personnel training, appointing a compliance officer and more. Source: INSIGHT, Patterson Vet, April 2025. Link. Practices risk financial penalties, reputational … [Read more...]
Global Pet Expo discoveries, booth-visit videos
Includes Commentary* The PETS+ team provides a sense of the Global Pet Expo in successive articles. The event aims to drive innovation, sustainability and digital transformation in the $151 billion pet industry. Key objectives include connecting brands with more than 6,000 buyers, showcasing new products and exploring AI/tech solutions, with a focus on sustainability, pet … [Read more...]
Shake wet laundry. Shave dryer time, energy use
Veterinary clinics, groomers and boarding establishments face loads of laundry as part of the normal routine. The shake method shared here is a simple way to help laundry items dry efficiently and reduce energy use. Source: The Spruce, February 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Viral coinfections potentially associated with feline chronic gingivostomatitis in FIP cats
The study, published in Viruses MDPI, and co-authored by Katrin Hartmann, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann and Andrea Spiri, looked at coinfections in cats with FIP. It provides detailed insight into viral coinfections potentially linked to FCGS in cats diagnosed with FIP. Coinfections were common, with FCV and FFV most frequently detected, and many cats harbored multiple viruses. … [Read more...]