Chewy to Acquire Modern Animal
Chewy has announced an agreement to acquire Modern Animal, a membership-based veterinary platform comprising 29 clinics and 24/7 virtual care, increasing Chewy’s total practice count from 18 to 47 locations nationwide. According to Chewy, the acquisition is an important strategic step in the company’s “evolution into a fully integrated pet health care ecosystem, combining care, commerce, and services across the pet lifecycle.”
Amazon Launches Pet Adoption Tool
Add dogs and cats to the list of things you can find on Amazon. Developed in collaboration with pet product company PetArmor and Best Friends Animal Society, Amazon’s AI-powered matching tool helps would-be dog and cat owners find adoptable pets based on their lifestyle and preferences. The tool processes natural language queries — “I need a dog that can run with me” — and provides personalized pet recommendations from Best Friends centers nationwide.
New Mexico Vets to Receive Student Loan Debt Relief
The New Mexico Higher Education Department has announced a loan repayment incentive program designed to address the shortage of large animal veterinarians in rural parts of the state. Eight veterinarians across New Mexico will each receive up to $80,000 in debt relief in exchange for committing to provide livestock animal care for at least four years. Applications for the program will open this fall.
Marijuana Toxicity Claims on the Rise
Newly released data from pet medical insurer Trupanion has revealed a rising trend in marijuana toxicity in pets. Trupanion has processed 1,567 pet marijuana toxicity claims nationwide since 2020, with 335 of those occurring in 2025 alone. Thirty-one of the 2025 claims occurred in Florida, where recreational marijuana remains illegal.
Smart Glasses Coming to Veterinary Surgery
Vuzix, a maker of AI-powered smart glasses, has partnered with veterinary med-tech company Movora to distribute its M400 smart glasses to veterinary professionals across North America. Under the reseller agreement, Movora plans to offer remote support kits through its customer network, enabling veterinary surgeons to document procedures, share clinical insights, and conduct live training sessions. Movora specializes in orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and continuing education for veterinary professionals.
Canine-Sourced Probiotic Launches
IFF, a global ingredients and biosciences company, has launched PureStrong, a probiotic formulated specifically for canine digestive health. PureStrong uses a single strain of Limosilactobacillus reuteri sourced directly from the canine microbiome rather than repurposed human or livestock strains. In a controlled study, dogs receiving PureStrong during an abrupt diet change showed improved digestive markers and firmer stools.
Heartworm Cases Spreading
The American Heartworm Society’s latest triennial incidence survey has found that Texas leads the nation in heartworm cases for the first time, followed by Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The disease is creeping geographically, with newly elevated infection rates identified in southern California, southwest Colorado, western Virginia, and southern Maine — areas historically outside the heartworm belt.
Walmart, Sam’s Club Accept CareCredit
CareCredit has expanded its partnership with Walmart and Sam’s Club, allowing cardholders to use the credit card for pet health and wellness purchases in-store and online. The expansion covers specialized pet food, flea and tick preventives, and other pet wellness products. An estimated 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sam’s Club, and there are more than 12 million CareCredit cardholders.