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...]
Oral care at home helps pets stay healthy
Dental month resources expand every year as our industry works on preventive measures to keep pets’ mouths healthy. The dental care video here is a good tutorial and worth sharing with your clients. Still, for busy pet owners, getting pets into an oral care routine is often difficult, especially with rescued pets. Besides home and in-clinic care, some groomers occasionally … [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...]
Veterinary clinic certification program aims to encourage sustainability
The Veterinary Sustainability Alliance launched the Green Paw sustainability certification program for veterinary clinics in the U.S. and Canada. The program helps practices take practical steps to reduce their environmental impacts, mental impacts and is open to all clinics, including teaching hospitals. Source: AVMA, February 4, 2026. Link. Clinics earn Green Paw … [Read more...]
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Fever confirmed in North Carolina
The first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 in North Carolina has been confirmed in a domestic rabbit in Dare County. RHDV2 is typically a fatal disease affecting both domestic and wild rabbit populations. It is highly contagious, with mortality occurring within nine days after infection. While there have been isolated cases of RHDV2 in domestic rabbits in the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 22, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 15, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 15, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Feline veterinary care at pivotal point to drive future practice growth. Link. Benefits or features? Link. Understanding pet parents’ concerns about their pets. Link. Beyond the SEO algorithms, AI is changing “search”. … [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...]
AVMA Board updates telemedicine, guardianship policies
The AVMA Board of Directors updated policies addressing a range of issues during a meeting at association headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois. They include: Telehealth including telemedicine Ownership not guardianship Policy on "Pet Health Insurance" Revisions to the zoonotic infectious diseases policy defining effective surveillance Participation in the … [Read more...]
Reminder: For indoor cats, well-being requires more than physical safety
"Indoor-only cats are often assumed to be the safest, but it is more challenging to meet their needs, impacting their physical and emotional health and resulting in more caregiver concerns about behavior," said Dr. Ilona Rodan, chair of the FelineVMA’s Feline Welfare Committee. The FelineVMA asserts five pillars to support a healthy feline environment that can reduce … [Read more...]
CDC warns of rabies risks from feral cat colonies
A recent rabies outbreak in an urban, unmanaged cat colony in Maryland potentially exposed more than 300 persons to rabies. The incident is a stark reminder of the need to manage rabies risks in feral colonies. It should also be a reminder of risks in free-range barnyard cats as well. More than 90 percent of animal rabies cases occur among wild animals, such as raccoons, … [Read more...]
Beware the newer pet supplements
Sharing the potential fatal effects of pet supplements during the recent AAHA Convention, Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, indicated the Pet Poison Helpline has experienced more calls about toxic effects from the supplements now being marketed. She also shared details about what to look for in pets that ingest these supplements. Source: AVMA, October 8, 2025. Link. It's … [Read more...]
Honoring and celebrating veterinary technicians
Call them veterinary technicians, veterinary nurses or even “you there,” but call them and involve them fully in veterinary practice services. There’s a clear link between practice revenue, veterinarian satisfaction and the work of veterinary technicians. When deployed to the full extent of their knowledge and skills, clients’ experiences are enhanced and veterinary … [Read more...]
Understanding feline behavior for better diagnosis, stronger bonds
What a great statement, “The human animal bond is bilateral!” Christine Won shares some quotes from Dr. Carlo Siracusa’s presentation at the 2025 AVMA Convention explaining the importance of understanding feline behavior as a fundamental key to a more accurate diagnosis. He called for an integration of behavioral signs into the clinical reasoning process. Source: AVMA, … [Read more...]
AVMA elects new volunteer leaders for 2025-2026 term
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey was elected to serve as President of the AVMA at the 2025 AVMA Conference and is the first African American to serve in the role. Dr. Jennifer Quammen was selected as the president-elect by the AVMA board of delegates. Each individual brings considerable experience to their roles. Source: AVMA, July 21, 2025. Link. Veterinarians are vital to community … [Read more...]
WOAH urges investment in vaccines as defense against growing disease threats
Commentary Before you say, “well, duh” or “it’s a global issue” or “we diligently promote vaccination,” take a few moments to read this article and skim the World Organization for Animal Health report. You’ll likely find some convincing facts to share the next time you encounter vaccine hesitancy. It warns that infectious diseases are spreading into new territories, placing … [Read more...]
EIA outbreak is reminder to keep Coggins testing updated
The AVMA reported an EIA outbreak that killed 21 horses in the Southwest U.S. <Link>. The incidents are an important reminder of the importance of strict biosecurity protocols and proper training of individuals who work in equine veterinary clinics to help prevent the spread of disease through contaminated medical treatment or equipment. Given the summer season of … [Read more...]
AVMA develops New World screwworm resource for veterinarians
New World screwworm is a serious cause for concern. AVMA’s New World screwworm webpage delivers the key information veterinary teams need to stay ahead of this emerging threat. Veterinary teams will play a critical role in frontline defenses. The situation calls for vigilance and immediate response. Source: AVMA@Work, June 3, 3025. Link. … [Read more...]
Mass honey bee collapse may compromise US agriculture
More than half of the nation’s managed honey bee colonies have experienced mass die-offs. These losses, combined with honey bee die-off events during other times of the year, mean many beekeepers have seen 70 to 100 percent of their colonies collapse over the past 12 months. Source: AVMA, May 14, 2025. Link. The cause of the die-offs has not yet been identified. The usual … [Read more...]
Reminder: Beware of possible harmful algae bloom
As families seek recreation near water and the edges of ponds fill with that green slime, it’s a good time to revisit safety measures to avoid harmful algae. Harmful algae are found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are caused by a variety of toxin-producing microalgae, including prokaryotic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic … [Read more...]
Public comments sought on acupuncture, embryo transfer as veterinary specialties
The American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture and the American Embryo Transfer Association are seeking recognition as veterinary specialty organizations. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties has put out a call for public comment on these two proposed specialties. The AVMA is seeking comments on the proposals through August 12th <Link>. Source: AVMA, May 16, … [Read more...]
Large animal internship guidelines emphasize mentorship, supervision, outcomes
It’s a first! AVMA’s Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines and Veterinary Large Animal Ambulatory Internship Guidelines outline the structure of a successful large animal internship for both scenarios, accounting for issues specific to working in such practices. Source: AVMA, April 28, 2025. Link. The internship guidelines say that such programs should be a one-year … [Read more...]
Is it time to legalize horse slaughter in the U.S.?
Commentary Kudos to Sarah McNaughton-Peterson for addressing a volatile topic. As a horse owner, she is grounded in doing the best for her animals. Still she asserts, “there comes a time . . .” Her comment about culling practices is notable. With welfare issues top of mind, she reminds us that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 classifies horses as livestock, of … [Read more...]
AVMA updates report on veterinary use of cannabidiol
The AVMA’s newly updated report, Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine captures the latest evidence-based context, clinical developments and legal considerations as research and regulations continue to evolve. These include: Safety data and pharmacokinetics of CBD in dogs and cats Clinical trials exploring CBD-rich hemp products in dogs, cats, and horses Regulatory updates … [Read more...]
USDA develops resource to help veterinary professionals recognize, respond to screwworm
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are important in recognizing New World screwworm should an invasion of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, occur. To help in these efforts, the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program has developed the training module, Module 41: New World Screwworm: A 21st Century Perspective. It goes over signs of NWS, its life … [Read more...]
California lawmakers again consider banning cat declawing
A proposal to ban veterinarians from surgically removing claws from cats seems like it would be an easy sell for California lawmakers, several of whom lovingly describe their pets in their official biography pages. Five measures to ban cat declawing surgery have died in the California Legislature since 2018. The article notes that the AVMA discourages vets from performing … [Read more...]
AAHA releases guidelines for veterinary specialist referrals
The 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines provide a framework that fosters stronger partnerships between primary care teams and specialty care teams. Emphasizing the importance of a referral coordinator, the guidelines establish three referral collaboration models: General collaborative conversations Professional-to-professional consultations Hands-on referrals Source: … [Read more...]
U.S. releases first national One Health framework
The National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States represents a coordinated strategy by the federal government to confront diseases that spread between humans and animals and other One Health threats.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of … [Read more...]
Pet dental cleanings: What to expect (video)
Last week we asserted that client education was the main objective of National Pet Dental Month <Link>. Consider this video from the AVMA to support COHAT, help orient pet owners to the dental exam and treatment processes and reinforce the benefits of routine oral care in the home. Share it in social media posts or newsletters along with your own Dental Month message or … [Read more...]
Client education, the main objective of National Pet Dental Month
Commentary Sponsored by the AVMA, February is National Pet Dental Month. Our industry has presented and marketed dental care myriad ways over the past three decades. Foundationally, the dental market sought the "endorsement" of veterinary dental products <Link>. When the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Guidelines recommended pet dental care in 2017, … [Read more...]
Delegates approve, update new polices on biosecurity, license by endorsement and more
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) approved seven resolutions on January 11 during its regular winter session. Association policies were updated including those on biosecurity, pet ownership, velveting, and integrative veterinary medicine. The delegates deferred action on cellular agriculture policies. Source: AVMA, January 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]