AAHA to Accredit South Korean Clinics
South Korean veterinary practices may seek American Animal Hospital Association accreditation through a licensing agreement with the Korean Veterinary Medical Association. “Our partnership is an opportunity to exchange knowledge, collaborate and create best practices that will shape the future of veterinary care in South Korea,” said AAHA’s CEO, Garth Jordan. Five Japanese veterinary hospitals earned accreditation this summer under a year-old program.
Arizona’s Inaugural Class Enters the Workforce
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine graduated its first class, awarding DVM degrees to 106 students who completed the three-year curriculum. According to the university, in-state employers of the graduates include Jackpot Veterinary Center in Tucson, Canyon Pet Hospital in Flagstaff and Yavapai Emergency Animal Hospital in Prescott Valley. Out-of-state employers include BluePearl in Georgia and Texas and VCA in California and Oregon.
Utah State DVM Program Gets Underway
Utah State University’s new College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed 32 first-year students. The Class of 2027, made up of 24 women and eight men, will spend two years in Logan, Utah, before heading to Washington State University for the final two years of training. Utah State expects to launch an on-campus four-year program in 2025.
Insured Cat Cost Embrace Nearly $23,000
Embrace Pet Insurance’s second-quarter report revealed the largest claims paid during the period: $22,976 for a cat with renal failure and $25,513 for a dog with pneumonia. The company also reported the quirky names for some insured pets, including Beef Burrito Devito, Spaghetti, Pantaloons, Al Pugacino, Chicken Butt, Ravioli and Sir Ernest Meowingway. The report is available at bit.ly/47HsFkB.
Penn Veterinary Supply Stocks Vetigel
Penn Veterinary Supply became a distributor of Vetigel, a plant-based hemostatic gel formulated to stop and control bleeding within seconds. “Vetigel has been used by thousands of veterinarians thus far and is proven to help patients heal and recover faster while helping veterinary clinics and animal hospitals save time, reduce operating costs and improve patient outcomes,” said Matt Lewis, the director of veterinary development and sales at manufacturer Cresilon.
CitiVet Expands Into Austin
CityVet, a Dallas-based network of 32 veterinarian-owned practices, opened its first Austin-area clinic Aug. 21. CityVet South Austin is led by Dr. Shannon VanDyke, a graduate of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Mississippi State Celebrates Larger Referral Hospital
The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine held a ribbon-cutting for its renovated and expanded Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Flowood, Mississippi. The 19,085-square-foot facility includes additional examination and treatment areas, expanded surgery suites, physical rehabilitation services and more client parking.
Petco Launches Additional Initiatives
National retailer Petco’s products are now available through DoorDash Marketplace as part of an expanded partnership with the DoorDash pickup and delivery company. Petco also announced an interest-free “Pay in 4” installment plan for customers in conjunction with the finance company Klarna.
No Vet School in West Virginia
The chances of opening a veterinary college in West Virginia took a hit when the state balked at an initial investment of $321 million, according to VIN News Service. “Once they looked at finances required, as well as the availability of staff to staff a vet school, it was clear that we couldn’t do it,” Dr. Danny Montgomery, president of the West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, told VIN.
Dômes Pharma Acquires SentrX
France-based Dômes Pharma acquired SentrX Animal Care, a Salt Lake City manufacturer of ophthalmology products. Terms were not disclosed. SentrX’s patented BioHAnce technology uses hyaluronic acid to enhance and accelerate healing, hydration and lubrication processes. “This acquisition marks an important step in Dômes Pharma’s ambitions in North America and confirms its positioning in veterinary ophthalmology,” the company reported.
Courtney Gruber Is AZPetVet’s New President
The 22-hospital AZPetVet network hired Courtney Gruber as president. Her most recent executive jobs included chief operating officer at Core Power Yoga and chief retail officer at Drybar. AZPetVet was acquired last year by The Aspen Group, a consumer health care company.