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...]
Adopters love their shelter pets, but 78 percent of dog owners report behavior challenges
Conclusions from a landmark new study indicate high satisfaction ratings, while more than three-fourths of adopters faced behavioral or care challenges. These findings suggest that general satisfaction measures may obscure important challenges as animals settle into their new homes. Species-specific counselling, proactive veterinary engagement, and further microchip … [Read more...]
World’s oldest horse supported by superior care, nutrition, devotion
When Paige Blumer, hospital manager for an animal dentist and oral surgeon in Leesburg, Virginia, got her first horse, Fancy, at age 5, she had no idea it would become a lifelong friendship. Today, they are still side by side. Now 37, Fancy was recognized by Guinness World Records as the World’s Oldest Horse and her 38th birthday (and Blumer’s) is April 1. Blumer credits expert … [Read more...]
Scoring system reveals impact of parasites on equine skin and coat condition
A recent study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science marks an advancement in understanding the relationship between parasites and horse health and a scoring system projected to improve welfare outcomes in equine populations. Researchers evaluated the parasitic loads of horses at the University of Connecticut while simultaneously applying the new skin and coat … [Read more...]
KCAHC seeks innovators in companion animal, ag tech and food animal sectors
The KC Animal Health Corridor is now accepting Emerging Company applications for the 2026 Animal Health Summit, taking place August 31st to September 1st. The Summit provides a global platform for early-stage companies in companion animal health, ag tech and food animal production to present their technologies and business plans to investors, strategic partners and industry … [Read more...]
FDA approves Merck Animal Health’s NUMELVI™ (atinvicitinib tablets) for dogs
NUMELVI™ (atinvicitinib tablets) is the first and only second-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs six months of age and older. The product is expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide in spring 2026. Source: Merck Animal Health, February 27, 2026. … [Read more...]
2026 YTD Dechra approvals
Dechra’s recent approvals reflect their commitment to the sustainable improvement of local animal health and welfare and veterinarians. Sources: Dechra Announces Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC®) acceptance of VETRADENT® Dental Wipes for Dogs, recognizing proven tartar control performance, February 26, 2026. Link. Dechra Announces FDA approval of Zygolide® … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 5, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 26, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Most common Gen Z, Gen Alpha terms now circulating in workplaces. Link. Is staffing eroding customer experience? Link. Designing the visit before the patient arrives. Link. Decision goals. Link. Start NOW to reduce … [Read more...]
Cats grow to 25 percent of visits, signals $34 billion market opportunity
According to new data from the CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume V, the overall companion-animal veterinary market continued to contract throughout 2025. But feline clinical visits grew in every quarter of the year, extending an outperformance streak to 12 consecutive quarters and fundamentally reshaping the veterinary landscape. The report, … [Read more...]
Client satisfaction stays strong according to AVMA data
Data from the AVMA’s 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook offer reassuring and actionable insights into how U.S. pet owners feel about their regular veterinary practice. Kudos to the teams working hard to deliver every day. Source: AVMA, February 19, 2026. Link. Small, incremental changes—paired with intentional communication—can reinforce client satisfaction, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 23, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: How to be a good listener, TED Talk. Link. [11:42] Listening experts unpack the four different ways to listen, sharing a practical framework that could change how you respond, build trust and get results — starting with just one simple question. Social media posts are telling hackers everything. Link. What can Southwest Airlines teach us … [Read more...]
Avian flu outbreak crisis in Pennsylvania; snow geese blamed, bovine spillover concerns
Top ag officials in Pennsylvania are calling the current avian flu outbreak unprecedented and “a crisis.” More than 7 million birds from 11 commercial flocks and nine backyard flocks have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, since early February. Wild birds, including snow geese that are overwintering in the area, are believed to be the source of … [Read more...]
The power of “I don’t know”
Commentary Thank you, Andrea Bedford for this article and its assertions. It should be a must-read for all animal health pros. She shares the power of a confident “I don’t know” statement. Veterinary medicine, particularly production medicine, is built on probability, not certainty. Complex herd systems rarely offer immediate clarity. And sometimes, the most professional … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 25, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 19, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 19, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Avoiding difficult conversations. Link. Yes, they really do make TV for cats and dogs. Link. Oral care at home helps pets stay healthy. Link. Command respect with your voice. Link. Most employees see their jobs as … [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...]
Lubbock Feeders set to close
Citing the restrictions on importing Mexican cattle because of potential New World Screwworm presence, Clint Peck shares the upcoming closing of Lubbock Feeders, a 50,000-head custom cattle feeding operation near Lubbock, Texas. Source: BEEF, February 22, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Most employees see their jobs as “situationships”
Commentary According to a Glassdoor Community poll, 93 percent of workers stay in jobs they do not love for stability, with 63 percent describing their relationship with work as "complicated" or "ready to break up," a concept the company calls "job situationships." While the term may be new, the profiles of employee tolerances are worth considering as management and teams … [Read more...]
World class VMX 2026 attendance, dates set for VMX 2027
Complimentary NAVC reports VMX 2026 saw more than 28,500 veterinarians, veterinary nurses/technicians, support staff, students, exhibitors and guests in attendance from 78 countries. During the five-day event, attendees could select from 1,200+ hours of continuing education credits, interact with over 720 exhibiting companies and attend nightly entertainment and network with … [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...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 16, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Anna Radle brings her experience and expertise to the IBPSA board A guide to changing your Professional Employment Organization Local legislative update for Austin, Texas February 12th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Link. Emotional marketing, drug testing, winter cat health, wildlife comedy, and more! Source: IBPSA, February 16, 2026. … [Read more...]
Yes, they really do make TV for cats and dogs
TV programs for dogs and cats are multiplying faster than feral cats have kittens. From YouTube, DOGTV, TVBINI and more, this first-person article presents a pet owner’s and her pets’ experiences with the viewing options. She also features links to studies that indicate what and how long cats and dogs like to watch – or not watch. Source: The New York Times, February 12, … [Read more...]
KBroVet® (potassium bromide chewable tablets) now fully approved for the control of seizures associated with idiopathic epilepsy in dogs
Pegasus Laboratories, Inc., announced that under its registered trademark PRN® Pharmacal, KBroVet® (potassium bromide chewable tablets) has received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the control of seizures associated with idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. The fully approved product labeling is expected to transition in the marketplace beginning … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 19, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 12, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 12, 2026 AHD Bulletin – 90% of cat owners make winter mistakes. Cats suffer unnoticed. Link. Waiting is not free. Link. How emotional marketing creates moral injury in vet med, pet care. Link. NEW resource strengthens biosecurity practices, … [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...]
Sterile fly dispersal facility completed in Texas
Noted as a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm, the USDA announced the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary. Source: USDA, February 9, 2026. Link. This sterile fly dispersal facility is … [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...]
Pet insurance data shows a surprising Valentine’s Day hazard for dogs
Insurance data can be very useful to veterinarians and pet owners alike, writes Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM. Around Valentine’s Day, it suggests that while chocolate remains a classic risk, jewelry ingestion may be an even more common cause of veterinary visits for dogs. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, February 11, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Comedy wildlife competition TedX video
Tom Sullam, cofounder of the annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, shares hilarious animal photos that dissolve the distance between humans and nature. The result? A fun comedy and informative video. ENJOY! Source: TEDNext 2025, November 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
New PRRS strain moving fast through Indiana, Ohio swine facilities
A new strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is plaguing pig farmers in Ohio and Indiana. PRRS 1-10-4 L1C.5.35 is moving fast through barns and is more aggressive than other strains. These pigs still get very sick very quickly and get very quiet when this PRRS strain hits, according to Bethany Heitkamp, DVM. The most unusual thing she is seeing is … [Read more...]