Watch out Chewy! Walmart Expands Pet Care Offerings with New Service Locations, Online Vet Access, Prescription Delivery, and More!

沃尔玛 announced key expansions to its core pet care offerings, widening access to affordable in-person and virtual veterinary care, pet prescription delivery, grooming services, pet food and supplies, all in one convenient experience for pet owners.

The pet category continues to be one of the most dynamic in retail, with a projected annual spending growth of 7% by 2030 and household expenses expected to reach $1,445 per pet by 20261. Veterinary services are now the second largest pet spending category after consumables and is expected to see continued growth as pet owners prioritize their pets’ wellbeing. Read more

Governor Polis Backs Prop 129

In November, Colorado voters can expect a ballot measure ?that supporters say will help with the state's veterinarian shortage. However, those opposed to the measure believe it will put pets at risk more than it would help.?

Colorado Governor Jared Polis recently endorsed Proposition 129, a measure aimed at addressing Colorado's veterinary care shortage, especially in rural areas. The proposal, backed by the Vet Care Coalition, seeks to create a new role, the Veterinary Professional Associate (Vet PA), which would expand access to veterinary services across the state. Vet PAs would be credentialed by the state veterinary board, hold a two-year master's degree, and work under licensed veterinarians.

Governor Polis expressed his support for the initiative, noting its potential to both alleviate strain on veterinary practices and reduce costs for pet owners. He emphasized the benefits for rural communities, where the veterinary shortage is particularly acute. These areas, classified as "vet care deserts," face challenges such as long travel times and high costs for accessing veterinary care, with 20% of Colorado's population affected.

While Governor Polis and supporters of Proposition 129 highlight its potential to improve access to veterinary care and reduce costs, the measure remains a topic of debate as voters consider the best ways to address the veterinary shortage in Colorado. Read more

USDA Imposes New Import Restrictions on Japan Due to Avian Influenza Outbreak

The @U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA ) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced new import restrictions on avian commodities from Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture, effective October 17, 2024. These restrictions follow the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds in the region.

Under the new regulations, APHIS prohibits the importation of poultry, commercial birds, ratites, and avian hatching eggs originating from or passing through Hokkaido. Importation of pet birds, zoo birds, and Columbiformes is still allowed but only with a health certificate and an APHIS-issued import permit. These birds must enter the U.S. through either John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York or Miami International Airport, where they will undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine, including testing. Read more

Veterinary Workforce Crisis: Why New Study Doesn't Match Reality

A recent report from the Brakke Veterinary Workforce Forecast project suggests that by 2035, the U.S. could see a surplus of veterinarians, with the supply outpacing demand. However, this optimistic projection doesn’t reflect the current reality of veterinary medicine today, especially in states like Kentucky, where the shortage of veterinarians is reaching critical levels.

Across Kentucky, there are over 2 million head of cattle, hundreds of thousands of horses, and thousands of household pets needing veterinary attention. Despite the overwhelming demand, there are only 2,571 active, licensed veterinarians in the state, and as of May 2022, only 1,160 were actively employed and working in the commonwealth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even more alarming, as of November 2022, only 54 full-time veterinarians were focused on food or large animal care, which is critical for farm animals raised for food production, according to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Read more

Women Leading the Charge: Mars Petcare Appoints Female Powerhouses to Top Leadership Roles

Mars Petcare is making strides toward greater diversity in leadership by announcing two groundbreaking appointments that highlight the positive impact of female leaders in the veterinary industry—a sector where women are still underrepresented in executive roles. Nefertiti Greene and Katie Devine have been appointed to lead key divisions within Mars Petcare’s $30B+ business, marking a pivotal moment for female leadership in veterinary medicine.

Starting in December, Nefertiti Greene will step into the role of Global President of Mars Veterinary Health, overseeing a network of 70,000 Associates and more than 3,000 veterinary hospitals and clinics worldwide. Greene’s new role follows a successful tenure as President of Mars Science & Diagnostics, where she built a comprehensive diagnostics portfolio and led the division’s growth. With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare and services, Greene is poised to make a significant impact on the veterinary health sector, utilizing her expertise to support the profession and enhance the quality of care for pets globally. Read more

New Jersey's First Veterinary School Opens: How Rowan University is Shaping the Future of Animal Care

Exciting news for aspiring veterinarians! The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University , the first veterinary school in New Jersey, is now accepting applications for its inaugural class, set to begin in fall 2025.

This milestone comes after receiving a crucial "Letter of Reasonable Assurance" from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) 's Council on Education, marking a significant step in the school's multi-stage accreditation process.Dr. Matthew Edson, the founding dean of the Shreiber School, explained that this letter allows the school to move forward with admissions and provisional accreditation, enabling students to complete their studies and qualify for the National Veterinary Licensing Examination upon graduation.

Prospective students can now apply for the first class of 70 students through a Rowan-specific portal on the school’s website, with applications open until December 31. Read more

Three Quarters of Working Pet Parents Have Missed Work to Take Care of Their Pets

Working pet parents face significant challenges balancing their professional responsibilities with pet care needs, according to a new survey from Wagmo , the leading provider of employer-based pet wellness plans. The survey, which polled over 1,000 full-time employees who own pets in the United States, highlights the impact of pet care on employee attendance and productivity, as well as the importance of pet-related benefits for companies looking to attract and retain top talent.

The survey finds that 75% of working pet owners have missed at least one day of work in the past year due to pet care issues, with over a quarter (26%) missing six or more days. Furthermore, when their pets are sick or injured, 65% report being extremely (38%) or very (27%) distracted at work.

Pet insurance alone does not alleviate this anxiety–and in fact, respondents who only have pet insurance are more distracted at work when their pet is unwell: 66% report being extremely distracted. But among respondents who have both pet insurance and pet wellness, the percentage drops to 29%. Read more

Game-Changing Partnership: Zoetis and Danone Team Up to Revolutionize Sustainable Dairy Farming Through Genetics

Zoetis and Danone have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing sustainability in dairy farming through genetic innovation. By combining Danone's commitment to environmental sustainability with Zoetis' expertise in animal genetics, the collaboration seeks to enhance the dairy industry’s approach to breeding healthier, more resilient cows.

This initiative will enable Danone to leverage Zoetis' advanced genetic technologies globally, focusing on integrating sustainability into dairy genetics and selection. The partnership emphasizes improving animal well-being, reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming, and promoting long-term resilience.

“Collaborative partnerships allow us to harmonize genetic innovation with sustainable practices. Through our partnership with Danone, we intend to leverage our respective expertise to set new benchmarks for healthier herds that contribute to a sustainable future for the dairy industry,” said Wafaa Mamilli , EVP, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Zoetis. Read more

New Hampshire’s Bold Move: Conditional Licenses for Foreign-Trained Vets to Combat U.S. Veterinary Shortage

As the U.S. veterinary shortage reaches critical levels, New Hampshire has introduced a solution by offering conditional licenses to foreign-trained veterinarians. This innovative approach aims to reduce the pressure on the veterinary industry by allowing veterinarians already in the U.S. to begin practicing while completing their licensure requirements.

Veterinarians in the U.S. are typically required to graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited school or earn an AVMA equivalency certificate. However, the post-pandemic surge in licensure applications has created a backlog, delaying the entry of many qualified veterinarians into the workforce.

Dr. Claire Lindo, facing staffing challenges at her clinic, spearheaded the initiative by advocating for a bill that would allow veterinarians who have completed three out of the four parts of the AVMA’s Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program to receive a conditional license. These veterinarians must practice under the supervision of a licensed vet while completing the final part of their certification, a rigorous three-day exam, within two years (with an optional two-year extension). Read more

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