During PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, thousands of local shelters and rescues will bring adoptable pets, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and often even small pets and reptiles, into nearly every PetSmart store across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Potential adopters can spend time with pets and ask staff and volunteers questions to feel confident in finding the … [Read more...]
The Animal Health Supplement Act needs your support
If you supply, sell, recommend, give pets animal health supplements or plan to, now is the time to act. The National Animal Supplement Council is preparing to introduce legislation called The Animal Health Supplement Act, which would create a permanent legal category for animal health supplements. Source: Pet Age, October 19, 2026. Link. Every manufacturer, supplier, … [Read more...]
Healthy weight conversations for dogs still shaped by landmark Purina Life Span study
Commercial, Complimentary Pet Age authors share findings from the 14-year Purina Life Span Study that continue to shape how veterinary professionals think about healthy weight and longevity in dogs. The study found that Labrador Retrievers maintained in lean body condition from puppyhood throughout life, lived a median of 1.8 years longer than heavier matched littermates and … [Read more...]
Review: Veterinary drugs with human health hazards
A number of approved prescription and over-the-counter medications with labeled indications for veterinary patients pose a health hazard to humans. Elaine Blythe, PharmD, shares many in the veterinary profession are unfamiliar with the human hazards these medications may pose—both to themselves and to others. This article is important for pet services personnel as well as … [Read more...]
Emerging concerns in canine and feline parasitology: A preview of the 2026 AAHA One Health Guidelines
The 2026 AAHA One Health Guidelines: Emerging Concerns in Canine and Feline Parasitology will launch on October 29th. In this article, members of the guidelines task force share what you can expect from these guidelines, what might surprise you,and what aspects of them they’re most anxious to see out in the world. The guidelines call for a One Health approach to monitoring, … [Read more...]
A Q&A with Dr. John Madigan, author of Awakening at Birth
Complimentary Best known as the inventor of the Madigan Squeeze, John Madigan, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACAW, has released a new book, Awakening at Birth: What the Newborn Foal Revealed About Birth, Consciousness, and Neurodevelopment. With a foreword by animal behaviorist Temple Grandin, PhD, Awakening at Birth tells a medical mystery story that extends well beyond veterinary … [Read more...]
FDA approves Zoetis’ Convenia RTU®, expanding injectable antibiotic options for dogs
Zoetis Inc. received FDA approval for Convenia® RTU for Dogs (cefovecin injectable suspension) for the treatment of susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs. It can provide up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment of susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs in a single injection by a veterinary professional reducing injection volume and making treatment more practical … [Read more...]
AAHA encourages veterinary practices to champion veterinary technician title protection
Protecting the veterinary technician title is about more than professional recognition. Title protection remains inconsistent across states creating confusion about professional qualifications, their education and broad responsibilities. Source: AAHA, LinkedIn, October 21, 2026. Link. Establishing clear standards for education, credentialing, and title use can help … [Read more...]
Study: The State of AI in Veterinary Medicine
Complimentary Digitail and the American Animal Hospital Association recently released their 2026 Veterinary AI Study <Press release> finding that AI use among veterinary professionals has more than doubled since 2024. More revealing is that many clinics have yet to establish strategies and safeguards needed to realize its potential. A maturity model used in the study … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites – October 12, 2026
In this member news edition: Learning platform update: Courses temporarily unavailable; new platform delays 2026 Pet Care Business Excellence Award winners. CONGRATULATIONS! Cybersecurity awareness: recent text and QR scams currently circulating IBPSA Education Committee is seeking about 10 members to help choose the topics and speakers for the 2027 Conference … [Read more...]
Fear Free for felines introductory course for members
Cats have unique needs when it comes to veterinary visits, and understanding how they communicate and respond to handling can make all the difference. October’s member-exclusive course, Fear Free for Felines, introduces considerate handling, touch gradients, rewards, gentle control and practical strategies to help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in feline patients. Details … [Read more...]
AMODIP® (amlodipine besylate tablets) for control of systemic hypertension in cats now available in the U.S.
While off-label use of generic human amlodipine products has been the standard antihypertensive therapy for cats for many years, these medications were not developed with feline patients in mind. Veterinarians and feline caregivers in the U.S. now have a new tool to help manage systemic hypertension in cats. AMODIP® (amlodipine besylate tablets), the first FDA‑approved … [Read more...]
2026 Canine Care Report from Tractor Supply
Many pet owners are taking a closer look at their pet’s health and wellness but recent data from Tractor Supply confirms that dog parents don’t always follow vet recommendations for food, dental care and other treatments. Here are some of the notable findings: Dog parents are drawn to ingredient-purity buzzwords far more than vets: “free from artificial additives” appeals … [Read more...]
Diabetes care looks different in cats and dogs
Diabetes management can look very different in cats and dogs. The new 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines highlight that feline diabetes more closely resembles type 2 diabetes, while canine diabetes is characterized by permanent insulin deficiency. Monitoring also differs, with continuous glucose monitors preferred for cats and glucose curves still appropriate for dogs. … [Read more...]
Early lameness intervention changes everything
Complimentary commercial content By the time lameness becomes obvious, the biological and economic consequences are already underway. More than one in five U.S. dairy cows are estimated to be limping at any given time. The earliest stages of lameness represent the greatest opportunity for intervention. Transitioning from periodic human observation to a continuous AI … [Read more...]
New research reveals barriers to pet adoption
Pet adoption often comes with challenges that make would-be adopters hesitate. A global survey by Mars identifies reasons most likely to hold people back from adopting a pet. Survey: more than 26,000 people across 14 countries surveyed 58 percent of current pet parents did not adopt their pet 28 percent* might adopt in the future, given the right guidance and … [Read more...]
Vaccination scenarios: 1) Overdue pets, 2) Minimum interval for giving different vaccines
Vaccine label instructions have traditionally described ideal, textbook scenarios, but they are getting much less specific. While it provides room for flexibility and gets away from rigorous, dogmatic approaches, it doesn’t necessarily help someone know what to do instead, writes Scott Weese, DVM, DACIVM. Veterinary vaccination guidelines can be useful and have helped … [Read more...]
How well should you know others’ strengths?
Gallup research across more than 11,000 teams found that strengths awareness has roughly twice the influence on team performance as the team’s mix of strengths. But strengths awareness doesn’t mean you have to know every colleague’s full Clifton Strengths profile from the company’s strength-based development tool. In today’s expanding workplace team environments, Gallup … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites, September 28, 2026
In this edition: IBPSA offices will close from October 7th – 9th for staff to attend the CANIS Conference Save your records before the migration to GZLearn; learning management system Cybersecurity awareness: a quick refresher on what email scams are currently circulating and how to protect yourself Thank you to the sponsors who are generously underwriting this … [Read more...]
Scientists want your photos of wildlife eating lunch
Feedback tells us you enjoy the photos of the year contest results we post <Link>. Here is a chance to contribute your own photos.weerwe A citizen science project called Who Eats Whom is using crowdsourcing to grow a repository of wildlife photos. Ideally, they will inform conservation efforts in species interactions and adaptation. With a platform like Who Eats Whom, … [Read more...]
Planning for the inevitables. Review swine farm risk management plans now.
The question is not, “What will the market do?” It is, “Are we prepared for what the market could do?” Doug Groth, DVM, and Kim King from Carthage Systems discuss the importance of preparing for myriad variables in the pork business beyond a producer’s reach with the elements of a risk management plan. Source: Carthage Veterinary Service, Link. Risk management is not … [Read more...]
CareCredit and Vetspire modernize veterinary payments with AI-enabled practice solutions
CareCredit’s embedded financing, combined with Vetspire’s AI-enabled practice technology, helps veterinary teams streamline operations, improve client engagement and support timely pet care. Source: Synchrony, September 30, 2026. Link. Key Highlights: Embedded financing from CareCredit: Real-time financing offers now integrated directly into the Vetspire workflow. … [Read more...]
New Age Pet partners with Dr. Jan Pol on collection of dog, cat, bird products
Complimentary New Age Pet has partnered with the Dr. Pol brand to develop and launch new innovative pet products that combine the trusted veterinary expertise with thoughtful, pet-centric design. Five new products were developed with Dr. Jan Pol’s practical, no-nonsense approach to animal care and New Age Pet’s commitment to safe, durable and stylish products for … [Read more...]
Roark: Candid. Revealing. Reflecting and unabashed (as usual)
This post departs from our normal neutral format. Commercial references aside, Andy Roark, DVM, lifts his scrubs as he reflects on engaging the veterinary community, conference objectives, post-conference intentions and learning what it takes to keep pace in today’s veterinary medicine and animal-owning society. His statements that follow are to encourage you to read his … [Read more...]
World Rabies Day theme is: Stronger Together
September 28th is World Rabies Day for 2026. It reinforces the importance of a One Health approach, recognizing the connection between human, animal, and environmental health. Rabies elimination strategies rely heavily on working together for dog vaccination campaigns, community education, and rapid response to potential exposures. Source: World Health Organization, … [Read more...]
Free webinar: The Emotional Side of Behavior
Complimentary Join PACCC on Tuesday, September 29th, for The Emotional Side of Behavior with Jamie Engerdahl, CPACP, FFCP, owner of Kinder Canine Coaching and former PACCC board member. She will explore how understanding a dog's emotions can help pet care professionals respond with care and build trust. Get a practical look at recognizing fear, stress and anxiety, and how we … [Read more...]
FFA: Growing the future
Modern FFA programs are framing agriculture in familiar urban and suburban environments, writes Kristy Meyer. Students learn that agricultural careers can exist in stadiums, parks, school districts, golf courses, universities and professional sports facilities, in addition to traditional farm and ranch settings. Source: AgriLife, October 2026. Link. Leadership in FFA does … [Read more...]
Names in the news
IDEXX Laboratories has acquired veterinary AI software company CoVet. Link. Patterson Veterinary launches Atlas AI assistant for practices. Link. Girl Scouts of the USA adds Patch Pals™ for dogs to cookie lineup. Link. The Farmer's Dog® becomes the NFL’s first Official Pet Food Partner. Link. Instinct Science announces Attending, a first-of-its-kind clinical AI … [Read more...]
Credentials got you into the room. Will they get you through the next 90 seconds?
In his latest dive into what are innate challenges in veterinary medicine, Gershon L Alaluf, DVM, DBA, MBA shares more, much more, to consider when interacting with today’s digitally enabled clients. Now, be honest with yourself, “Don’t you check the internet when pricing a new car, widescreen TV, car repair or vacation rental?” In August, a survey of 15,428 adults across … [Read more...]
CatsOnly clinic opens in Aurora, Colorado to positive reviews, expectations
Congratulations and kudos to the CatsOnly.vet team who, over the past months have built anticipation, interest and curiosity. Of all the various posts we reviewed, Ken Lambrecht, DVM, captured the excitement of the event admirably along with expectations for success. “Founders Craig S. Wallace, Scott Maloney, Kristin Wuhrman, Jason Epstein and Alex Emerson have done their … [Read more...]