Pet Ownership Numbers Are on the Rise
The percentage of U.S. households with at least one dog jumped from 38% to 45% from 2016 to 2020 but leveled off by 2022, according to preliminary results from the 2022 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. Households with at least one cat rose from 25% in 2016 to 29% in 2022. Meanwhile, the mean cost of an annual wellness visit for a dog and cat was, respectively, $168 and $141 in 2016, $195 and $133 in 2020, and $192 and $169 in 2022. The results were released during the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary Economic and Business Forum. Learn more at bit.ly/3fkrtxd.
Petco to Promote Nationwide Pet Insurance
Pet health insurer Nationwide is partnering with retail giant Petco on insurance and wellness options. “Pet protection and insurance capabilities will be at the center of the comprehensive programs expected to be available in 2023,” the companies announced. The offerings will be fulfilled through Petco’s pharmacy and in-store veterinary clinics.
CVP Finds Mentors for New Veterinarians
Community Veterinary Partners kicked off its Catapult mentorship program in Nashville, Tennessee. Designed for newly graduated veterinarians, Catapult pairs doctors with mentors for personal and professional support and development. “During the three-day Nashville experience, new doctors received personal wellness and financial coaching along with communication and delegation training,” the Philadelphia company reported. “They also participated in grand rounds delivered by passionate (and fun) community mentors.”
Cornell Hosts Hybrid Veterinary Conference
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine drew more than 1,200 registrants, about half online, to the 2022 New York State Veterinary Conference. “Hosting continuing education lectures online and onsite simultaneously, while livestreaming those same lectures to an interactive virtual audience, is no easy feat,” said Nahla Minges, a Cornell event manager. “After almost a year of preparing and organizing, our team is happy to report that the event was a huge success.” The New York State Veterinary Medical Society co-hosted the conference.
Veterinary Giving Tree Aims to Raise $10,000
The Veterinary Giving Tree, founded in 2020 to support veterinary professionals in financial need, is trying to raise $10,000 and help 50 families. “To date, VIGT has not had to turn away anyone for holiday assistance, but this year’s fundraising is especially challenging,” the nonprofit organization reported. Learn more at veterinarygivingtree.com.
Royal Canin Backs National Recycling Drive
Royal Canin is partnering with the recycling company TerraCycle to encourage veterinary practices, pet supply retailers and schools to become drop-off locations for unrecyclable pet food packaging. “Once collected, the waste will be sent to TerraCycle, where it will be cleaned and melted into hard plastic and remolded into new recycled products, ensuring the waste is diverted from landfills and given a second life,” a spokesperson said. More information is at bit.ly/3DsrHdo.
BioZyme Products Earn NASC Endorsement
Supplements manufactured by BioZyme Inc. in the equine and companion animal markets will carry the National Animal Supplement Council’s Quality Seal. BioZyme reported meeting “all the criteria to become an approved member of the NASC and provide superior supplements for horses, dogs and cats under the Vitalize, Hyaluronex and Trixsyn brands.”
Thrive Expands in New Jersey and Tennessee
Thrive Pet Healthcare, a network of more than 350 veterinary clinics, opened its newest locations in Sicklerville, New Jersey, and the Nashville, Tennessee, neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston. An open house held Oct. 28 in Sicklerville included the opportunity to win a one-year Thrive Plus Membership. The New Jersey clinic has four exam rooms compared with nine in Nashville.