Nationwide Terminates 100,000 Pet Insurance Policies
Nationwide, the largest U.S. pet health insurance provider, will not renew about 100,000 policies, citing the escalating cost of veterinary care and the need “to maintain long-term viability and profitability.” The company said the actions are “being taken at a state level, comply with the law and our contracts, and are not associated with the pet’s age, breed or prior claims history.” The complete statement is at go.navc.com/4eC38g8.
Midwestern Wants to Open Another Veterinary School
Midwestern University, which graduated its inaugural veterinary class in 2018 in Glendale, Arizona, intends to launch a second DVM program. The new one would open in Downers Grove, Illinois, as soon as 2026 if accreditation is granted. Dr. Coretta Cosby Patterson was named dean of the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine — Illinois.
Heart + Paw Rejects Noncompete Clauses
Heart + Paw, which operates 28 veterinary hospitals across 10 states, has eliminated noncompete clauses from the employment agreements of non-owner doctors. “Acknowledging a growing sentiment that these clauses can adversely affect a doctor’s well-being, the company has decided to join a select few corporate practices in removing this restriction from their hiring process and lifting clauses from current team members,” Heart + Paw stated. The Federal Trade Commission’s vote in April to ban most noncompete agreements faces court challenges.
VerticalVet GPO Catalog Includes Vetigel
VerticalVet’s 1,800 group purchasing organization members may purchase Vetigel hemostatic gel through a preferred partnership agreement with manufacturer Cresilon Inc. Plant-based Vetigel comes in a pre-filled syringe and requires no preparation or special storage conditions.
Stokes Pharmacy Offers FIP Treatment
The drug compounder Stokes Pharmacy has agreed to an exclusive partnership with Bova Group to offer a U.S.-made oral treatment for feline infectious peritonitis. The compounded preparation is supported by a Bova drug formula utilized in clinical research studies. GS-441524 tablets are available in a quad-scored, 50-milligram tuna-flavored tablet.
Coming in April 2025: Compass Conference
The North American Veterinary Community, publisher of Today’s Veterinary Business, will team up with Michelson Found Animals Foundation to hold the inaugural Compass conference near Washington, D.C., on April 10 and 11, 2025. “The event will bring together industry leaders and mavericks from inside and outside the animal health and pet care universe, exchanging ideas and gaining inspiration from across the full global spectrum of innovation and opportunity,” the partners announced. More information is at compassanimal.com.
VECCS Recertifies Texas A&M Hospital
The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society has recertified the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital as a Level 2 location. According to Texas A&M, “VECCS certification is a measure of how well a veterinary care facility is able to treat small animal patients in emergencies, including the medications available, the number and full-time status of staff, and emergency room hours of operation.”
Shepherd Software Hires Director of Veterinary Medicine
Shepherd Veterinary Software has appointed Dr. Lauren Jones as the company’s director of veterinary medicine. “In her new role, Dr. Jones will spearhead the development of industry-leading solutions that empower veterinarians, streamline workflows and enhance patient care,” Shepherd stated.