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...]
FDA approves new generics for cattle; a BRD treatment and a dewormer
The Food & Drug Administration announced approvals of two veterinary treatments targeted at cattle health issues on January 22nd: Dewormer: Defendazole (fenbendazole) oral suspension, by Norbrook Laboratories Ltd. (ANADA 200-831) contains same active ingredient as Safe-Guard (NADA 128-620). BRD treatment: nixiFLOR (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) injectable … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, pet owners under systemic strain, PetSmart Charities–Gallup study #2
Commentary By now, you’ve probably read plenty of industry takes on the results of part two of the PetSmart Charities–Gallup State of Pet Care Study <Link>. Or, you’ve seen articles in mainstream media emphasizing affordability of care for pets. Press releases and articles may sensationalize the findings below, but the study reveals much more than recalcitrant … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 26, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA Compliance reminders New Jersey legislative update Free three part symposium: Pet End-of-Life Legal & Emotional Guidance presented by the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Animals and the Law Upcoming member webinar: The Modern Reservation Strategy: Turning Online Inquiries into High-Trust, High-Value … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 19, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA compliance reminders: display rules, posting period, submission dates and video tutorials included Legislative updates from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Oklahoma and Alabama And the January 15th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. <Link> Source: IBPSA, January 19, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t get caught at TSA! NEW carry-on rules for 2026
Airport security is changing fast! As our industry’s convention season approaches, new TSA rules will affect how we fly. In the video here, learn about carry-on size and weight changes, what to do with electronics, how to avoid security stops and tougher guidelines around personal bags and briefcases. Real ID requirements and penalties, plus changes to shoe and liquid rules … [Read more...]
Pet playbook: Four pillars redefining the future of pet
The future of pet care, as seen at Pet Connect 2025, is about connection over competition, shares Jeff Mard. Sharing insights from the 8th annual Pet Connect conference, he says industry leaders crystallized the massive shifts underway in animal health and commerce. The prevailing consensus is that the era of fragmented, reactive care is ending, replaced by an ecosystem built … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 8, 2025
"Reading the room" webinar planned featuring Certified Canine Behavior Consultant Lisa Large, Tiny Paws Booking keeping member benefit, Carmen’s book recommendations, legislative updates, latest from Animal Health Digest and more . . . Stronger bonds, changing expectations and new technologies, Today’s Veterinary Business, December 1, 2025. Link. EU lawmakers approve … [Read more...]
ACVB seeks collaboration with AVMA after shock collar comments stir controversy
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists’ president Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, posted a response to recent statements made by American Veterinary Medical Association leadership regarding the use of shock collars to train dogs. She says the peer-reviewed literature is clear; shock collars increase fear, stress and aggression—and they are no more effective than reward-based … [Read more...]
The 2025 year end legislative review
The final Table Talk episode of 2025 brought together laughter, real-time challenges and a powerful legislative deep dive that sets the stage for the year ahead. The Animal Policy Group discussed the legislative dynamics involving more than 2,000 bills impacting veterinary medicine this year they’ve tracked, and shared the trends for every veterinary professional to keep in … [Read more...]
Support the KCAHC workforce initiative
When holiday groups gather, there are often discussions about graduating early, careers, job changes and opportunities for self-advancement. The animal health industry has opportunities for all types of people. That is the objective for the “What is Animal Health” workforce recruitment initiative. The “What is Animal Health” handout makes it easy to share the scale and impact … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 10, 2025
From the blog: Protect your pet care business with key cybersecurity measures. Link. Member benefits: Build an app with Doxieworks. 15 percent member discount Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 6, 2025. Link. NASC seal extended to treats, gratitude, delegation, feline behaviors, “They Ate What?” and more! Legislative update: New Jersey S4804; … [Read more...]