AVMA: Clients Prefer In-Person Veterinary Care
Nearly 9 out of 10 pet owners agree that the best veterinary care occurs when a veterinarian physically examines a patient and talks to the client in person, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2023 Pet Owner Attitude Survey. “Some advocates have pushed for the creation of a new midlevel position and to eliminate the requirement for establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) in person prior to using telemedicine,” the AVMA reported. “The survey’s findings indicate that both would be met with heavy resistance from pet owners, who prefer and recognize the importance of an in-person relationship with a licensed, fully qualified veterinarian and who have a strong preference for veterinarian-led care as opposed to delegating responsibility for care decisions to non-veterinarians, including a proposed midlevel employee.” Additional findings are at bit.ly/3MD4nPO.
Price Sensitivity Is Impacting Business
A newly released report from market research firm Packaged Facts concludes that a lack of affordability is partly to blame for a drop in the use of veterinary services. The study found that the overall usage rate for veterinary services among dog- or cat-owning U.S. households is 71% in 2023. “Millennials and Gen Zers, who in combination account for nearly half of dog or cat owners, are under pressure from pet-keeping and pet health care expenses,” according to Packaged Facts.
Zoetis Stands Up for Shelter Pets
Adopt a Pet and Zoetis are teaming up for a second year to improve access to veterinary care for shelter pets. The partnership includes grants to animal shelters and rescues and custom product offerings for both shelters and adoptive pet owners, Adopt a Pet stated.
MinXRay Offers New Ultrasound Probes
MinXray Inc. has added a line of wireless handheld ultrasound probes to its veterinary product offerings. “The new line of MinXray probes equals or exceeds most laptop-based and many cart-based systems in image quality for high levels of diagnostic accuracy and patient safety,” the company reported.
How to Watch PRO Experts Forum
Royal Canin’s third PRO Experts Forum drew 4,000 online viewers from 80 countries in late October. Among the subjects were optimal breeding, reproduction, socialization, parental matches and monitored pregnancy. Video replays are available through Dec. 31 at bit.ly/47qrjd4.
Digital Assistant Speeds Prescription Reporting
VetSnap released a new software feature, PMP Digital Assistant, to automate state Prescription Monitoring Program reporting. The upgrade allows hospitals to create and upload state reports in under a minute, according to VetSnap.
Therapy Dog Is a Hero Again
A therapy dog named Maverick won the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. The 150-pound European Blue Great Dane and his handler, Kelly Brownfield, have brought “comfort and solace to our nation’s military heroes through the United Service Organizations, all while they both were facing their own internal battles against cancer,” said American Humane’s president and CEO, Dr. Robin Ganzert. The contest’s sponsors included the Lois Pope Life Foundation and Ethos Veterinary Health.
Chewy Unveils Student Scholarship Program
Chewy Health launched the Chewy Veterinary Leaders program in partnership with the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. “In our inaugural year, the program will provide $20,000 in financial aid to 15 (third-year) students from underserved groups and communities, supporting our shared goal of increasing representation within the veterinary field,” Chewy noted. Nominations may be made by Jan. 15, 2024, at awards.aavmc.org.
Cornell Launches Veterinary Podcasts
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine started a podcast series at bit.ly/40ylPKS. Among the topics are “Life Lessons from a Cornell Farm Veterinarian,” with Dr. Jess McArt, and “Using Diet to Defend Against Disease,” with Dr. John Loftus.
Wisconsin Clinic Goes Out of Business
All Creatures Animal Hospital shut down in Appleton, Wisconsin, after failing to find a buyer, according to WFRV-TV. “We tried to sell it, (but) there were no interested buyers,” Dr. Margaret Orzel said. “It’s hard to find new veterinarians.”
VEG Collects $1.2 Million for Charity
Veterinary Emergency Group raised over $1.2 million in October to support underserved pets and other worthy causes. The fundraiser took place at 60 locations. The money is split between each hospital’s VEG Cares account and employee-selected charities.