Chewy Adds Insurance to Its Product Catalog
Online retailer Chewy plans to enter the pet health insurance space in the spring of 2022 through a partnership with one of the industry’s oldest and largest companies, Trupanion.
Chewy will sell preventive care and comprehensive insurance policies under the Chewy Health brand. Claims will be processed using software similar to Trupanion Express, a proprietary platform designed to pay veterinarians directly and eliminate time-consuming claim forms.
“Through our partnership, we have the opportunity to grow the category by introducing the concept of high-quality medical insurance to Chewy’s customer base of over 20 million pet parents,” said Trupanion’s co-president, Margi Tooth.
Trupanion’s involvement also will include answering questions from Chewy policyholders after their enrollment, a spokesperson said.
“The launch of customized care plans specifically designed for our customers is an important enhancement to the Chewy Health ecosystem, advancing our mission to make pet health care more affordable and accessible for all pet parents,” said Mita Malhotra, the vice president of Chewy Health.
PetsApp Receives $4.4 Million in Financing
PetsApp, a U.K.-based client engagement platform, has raised $4.4 million to support product updates and fund expansion into the United States. The latest round was led by Point Nine Capital.
Launched in January 2020, PetsApp supports telehealth consultations between the veterinary team and clients as well as digital payments and appointment scheduling.
According to the company, PetsApp has “helped over 200,000 pets, with over 650,000-plus virtual care interactions” and “processed over $5 million in veterinary clinic payments.”
The co-founders are veterinarian Dr. Thom Jenkins and software developer Will Monk.
VMAE Selects AVMA’s Hochstadt as CEO
Adrian Hochstadt, JD, CAE, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s deputy CEO, has been named CEO of the Veterinary Medical Association Executives. He will replace Ralph Johnson, who is retiring, in February 2022.
The Veterinary Medical Association Executives provides professional development training and networking opportunities to CEOs and executive staff members from veterinary associations and organizations nationwide.
“Under Ralph’s leadership, VMAE has seen tremendous growth in many areas, including its standing within the veterinary profession, the resources available to VMAE members and with its strategic initiative partners,” said VMAE President Randy Wheeler, DVM.
Hochstadt joined the AVMA staff in 2005 and has served as deputy CEO since 2016.
Xoran Gets Exotic With New CBCT System
Xoran Technologies’ newest imaging system, VetCAT IQ, has been installed at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, the first use in an exotics-only practice.
The mobile 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system offers both bone and tissue imaging capabilities needed for avian and exotic patients.
“Currently, VetCAT IQ is being used by veterinary dental specialists and ophthalmologists to view head, teeth, sinus, eye and brain anatomy,” the Ann Arbor, Michigan, company reported.
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