Geoff Bennett sets the stage for this content, saying, “As veterinary care prices rise, attention is turning to a major shift in the industry: private equity firms and large corporations buying up veterinary practices across the country.” Commentary The dialogue here is yet another public-facing discussion of price, ownership and practice objectives that animal owners are … [Read more...]
Minimum wage rate increases took effect July 1st: Interactive location tracker
A wave of minimum wage increases took effect July 1, raising base pay across multiple states, cities and counties. Attorneys advise employers to verify the rate for each work location, not the company headquarters, since local ordinances govern where the work is performed. The tipped-wage complexity deserves a second look for the same reason. Source: HR Executive, July 6, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from July 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Choose thriving. Link. Pet owners seeking help sooner; telehealth becoming the first step. Link. A new framework for assessing dog bite risk. Link. Behavior and health problems during short-distance transport. Link. Pet vaccine … [Read more...]
Pet vaccine compliance important to groomers
Groomers aren’t just haircutters. We care for dogs. We are paid to be professional with the pets we care for, which makes vaccination compliance an important detail of any grooming business, asserts Jennifer Bishop Jenkins. She references legal and insurance considerations, specifically noting zoonotic risks from rabies and leptospirosis. Source: Groomer to Groomer, July … [Read more...]
SSDD does not produce different results
Commentary Same strategy different decade does not remove the barriers that undermine purpose <Link>. This theme supports the recent assertions from Gershon Alaluf DVM, MBA, DBA, about challenges in veterinary medicine <Link>, who says, “Veterinary medicine takes the most fit among us and makes them feel like the misfits.” Over the next few weeks, Alaluf … [Read more...]
Florida’s new veterinary prescription law takes effect July 1st. Here’s what you need to do.
A new Florida state law requires veterinarians to formally inform clients of their right to fill prescriptions at a pharmacy of their choosing rather than purchasing medication directly from the clinic. The law creates specific disclosure, documentation and signage requirements that every Florida practice must have in place before the effective date. Source: Vet Candy, June … [Read more...]
Review: Common ectoparasites of backyard chickens
Olivia A. Petritz, DVM, DACZM, reviews the most common ectoparasites of backyard hens and treatment options in the U.S., noting laws regarding the treatment of food animals vary from country to country. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 18, 2026. Link. Clinicians who treat chickens in the United States are strongly encouraged to review rules and regulations for … [Read more...]
Iowa officials moves decisively to contain 1st pseudorabies case in more than 20 years
Pseudorabies, a herpes virus, was officially eradicated in 2004 in commercial herds but remains endemic in feral swine populations. An April 30th detection in Iowa involved five boars in a small commercial herd with fewer than 100 animals. A direct trace-back shows the five positive boars were part of a shipment received several months ago from an outdoor “transitional” herd in … [Read more...]
Champions of Animal Health is theme for upcoming KC Animal Health Summit
Mark your calendars and register for the 2026 KC Animal Health Summit. The Summit features a robust lineup of sessions, panels and networking opportunities where top industry voices speak on the forces redefining animal health while competing early-stage companies take the stage in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Event details Date: August 31 to September … [Read more...]
NASC proposes Animal Health Supplement Act for regulatory clarity
The National Animal Supplement Council has proposed a federal law that would establish a statutory category for animal health supplements. Named the Animal Health Supplement Act it would formally define animal health supplements as products intended for structure/function use only; meaning disease claims would remain prohibited. Source: PETFOOD Industry, May 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 30, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 23, 2026. Link. Miss something? Here’s a link to all of April 2026 AHD posts. Link. ========================== The hardest-working staff at the airport? These two good boys. Source: The Washington Post, April 26, 2026. Link. Five days a week, and sometimes weekends, the herding dogs punch the clock … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 13, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet industry surveys from a) Australia , b) Canada, and c) United Kingdom Legislative updates from a) New York, b) New Jersey, and c) Iowa Source: IBPSA, April 13, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9th. Link. Personal responsibility, leadership maturity, the power of introverts, emotional support animals, and … [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...]
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...]
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...]
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties seeks public comments on specialty certification for veterinary pharmacists
Participation from animal health pros at all levels is important. Please participate. Simply skimming the petition is educational. The Board of Pharmacy Specialties received a petition to recognize Veterinary Pharmacy as a BPS specialty certification. The public comment period is at this link <Link> and will close at 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2026. Source: Board of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 9, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Opt in for the Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. Link. IBPSA's official work days Legislative news from New Hampshire and New York Source: IBPSA, March 9, 2026. Link. From the blog: Grooming services: Achieve the best people and profit potential without the headaches, October 15, 2025. Link. Also see: Animal Health … [Read more...]
Vaccination time: spring check-ups for horses
While a standard vaccination program for all horses does not exist, spring vaccinations are an important component of ensuring horses’ immune systems are optimized during the highest risk period for disease exposure. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners vaccination guidelines, the five core vaccinations that all horses need include: West Nile virus, … [Read more...]
New betamethasone study quantifies detection time for IM use
According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, betamethasone, a corticosteroid, remains detectable above thresholds published by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for 23 days after administration of 12 mg IM. The study also found that IM betamethasone use suppressed the horse’s cortisol levels for 360 hours, or 15 days. … [Read more...]
Recent FDA approvals include first oral treatment for canine lymphoma
The FDA granted full approval for the first oral treatment for canine lymphoma, plus three conditionally approved animal drugs and cleared new generics for cats, horses and cattle. Source: AVMA News, March 5, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 2, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Participation sought for Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. Link. Request to update any job postings in member portal Legislative news from Virginia Source: IBPSA, March 2, 2026. Link. Also see: Do you have a minors policy for your pet business?, Pets+, December 17, 2024. Link. Readers share whether they do or not and … [Read more...]
Petland showcases transparency, collaboration with responsible USDA-licensed breeders
Petland, a specialty pet retail franchise company, is highlighting a cornerstone of its mission: unprecedented transparency and direct collaboration with responsible, USDA-licensed breeders who are committed to raising behaviorally appropriate, healthy pets. Source: Pet Age, February 27, 2026. Link. Petland sources puppies exclusively from responsible hobby breeders and … [Read more...]
FDA issues emergency use authorizations for drugs to treat New World Screwworm in dogs and cats
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued two Emergency Use Authorizations: one for NexGard (afoxolaner) chewable tablets for the treatment of New World screwworm infestations (myiasis) in dogs, and the second for NexGard COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) for the treatment of NWS myiasis in cats. These EUAs will be effective until they are … [Read more...]
Building a robust, diverse innovation ecosystem in the animal health industry
Complimentary Delivering cutting-edge innovations continues to be a strong driver of sales in the animal health industry. While this need remains constant, the model for delivering it is fundamentally changing. Amanda McDavid shares insights from the Brakke Consulting 2026 Annual Animal Health Industry Overview here. Source: Brakke Consulting, Animal Health Jobs blog, … [Read more...]
AVMA’s new resource strengthens biosecurity practices, advances One Health
AVMA’s new biosecurity webpage brings together trusted guidance and tools to help prevent and control infectious diseases across a range of animal species and settings. The newly launched webpage <Link> was developed in direct response to AVMA member requests. Source: AVMA, February 4, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Well done! The webpage provides foundational information … [Read more...]
CattleCon 2026 breaks attendance record, NCBA sets policy priorities
A record of more than 9,400 cattle producers and industry stakeholders attended CattleCon 2026, the annual cattle industry convention and trade show, last week in Nashville, Tennessee. During the event, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced its 2026 policy priorities. Source: NCBA, February 2, 2026. Link. The organization will advance regulatory reform, animal … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 9, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Association received positive note from customer of K9 Resorts Brookfield, Wisconsin Seats still open for Pet End-of-Life Legal and Emotional Guidance symposium Legislative news from: Rhode Island; Iowa; Austin, Texas The Modern Reservation Strategy member webinar: February 18th at 1:00 p.m CST. Reservation Link. Source: IBPSA, … [Read more...]
BIVI secures emergency use authorization for Ivomec (ivermectin) 1% for NWS
Under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization, IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection is authorized for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae (myiasis) when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or at the appearance of a wound in cattle, except for female dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption and calves … [Read more...]
Software integration is key to greater veterinary AI adoption
Commentary Destined to become a clarifying pivot point in veterinary technology development, we’re sharing a new paper, Companion Animal Veterinary Software: Part I, Navigating Practice Challenges with Support of Technology and AI, authored by Jon Ayers, Jeff Dixon, Dr. Adam Little, and Adam Wysocki, with contributions from Andrew Luna. As might be expected given this … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 2, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA compliance period has begun From diagnosis to life after loss (FREE Symposium) – session schedule continues Member webinar, February 18th: Modern reservation strategy. Link. US Department of Labor compliance toolkit providing resources to help employers understand their basic responsibilities under federal labor laws. Link. Most … [Read more...]