Understanding why some pet owners do not seek veterinary care can provide useful insight into where opportunities exist to reinforce the value of preventive care and regular checkups. It can also reveal how they view the role of the veterinarian. Data from the 2025 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook demonstrates a large percentage of pet owners’ animals did not … [Read more...]
New AVMA CE series puts veterinary technicians in focus
A new AVMA initiative starting this month will support broader integration of veterinary technicians by bringing top-level learning to everyone on the care team, at no charge through the end of 2026. AVMA Axon® will begin releasing a series of new webinars designed for veterinary technicians and the professionals who work alongside them. The webinars will be released every … [Read more...]
Board of Pharmacy Specialties creates veterinary specialty
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties announced veterinary pharmacy as its 17th specialty certification program in a July 21 press release. The pathway recognizes that veterinary pharmacy requires specialized knowledge that extends beyond general pharmacy education and traditional human medicine. BPS is now calling for qualified veterinary pharmacists to serve on the inaugural … [Read more...]
AVMA’s Jennifer Quammen, DVM, shares veterinary challenges with Steve Dale
Complimentary New AVMA president Jennifer Quammen, DVM, tackles some of the biggest issues facing pet owners and veterinary professionals today in this conversation with Steve Dale. They discuss why veterinary care costs continue to rise, whether corporate ownership and Wall Street are reshaping the profession and how credentialed vet techs can be used more … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 6, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 30, 2026. Link. Most read posts from July 30th, 2026 AHD Bulletin – U.S. states grapple with workplace noncompetes. Link. NARMS Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. Link. Malone, Little leadership. Link. IBPSA Fast Bites – July 26, 2026. Link. Keeping small ruminants cool especially during the … [Read more...]
The power of questions
There is so much focus on the probing process, we are missing the opportunity for enormously powerful follow-up questions that demonstrate our genuine concern for our customers. Source: Veterinary Advantage, December 2022. Link. Leaders are naturally inquisitive, and your customers will appreciate your genuine interest in helping them solve a problem or capture an … [Read more...]
Handling the unruly patient
Commentary David Burger’s article reviews an apparent increase in fractious pets that increase injury risks for veterinary teams and pet owners alike. While “do more training” is advocated, it is clear that beyond veterinary teams adjusting their approach with problem pets, getting modern pet owners to establish basic behavior boundaries is difficult. Similarly, groomers … [Read more...]
A history of veterinary medicine as America celebrates its 250th anniversary
This evolution of the veterinary profession is a good read to accompany the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration this year. Julie A. Jacob shares resources from the American Veterinary Medical History Society that show great support for the profession from our country’s founding to current times. Source: AVMA, June 1, 2026. Link. Our country's founding fathers … [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...]
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...]
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...]