Brakke Consulting and Trone Create Joint Venture
Trone Research and Consulting and Brakke Consulting have combined their market research businesses under the Trone name. “The two companies have more than 50 combined years of animal health consulting and market research expertise,” Brakke Consulting President Bob Jones and Trone Research and Consulting CEO Doug Barton said in a joint statement. “The decision to align was driven by a shared commitment to strengthen existing capabilities, expand into new market research areas, and enhance client engagement and satisfaction.” According to the companies, Brakke Consulting will continue to offer consulting, transactions and recruiting services.
Vetcelerator Continues MWI Partnership
Vetcelerator, a veterinary marketing agency and group purchasing organization serving independent practices, has renewed its strategic partnership with MWI Animal Health. Under the agreement, Vetcelerator members receive discounts on pharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment distributed by MWI.
Bull-Fighting Dog Wins 2025 Hambone Award
A Belgian Malinois who “bravely leapt in to protect his humans from a loose angry bull” has earned Nationwide Pet Insurance’s 2025 Hambone Award. The courageous canine suffered a dislodged tooth during the Northern California encounter. The 10 finalists in the contest, which recognized the most unusual pet insurance claim, are profiled at bit.ly/3JqrBtN.
Plug and Play Topeka Selects 13 Startup Businesses
The business accelerator Plug and Play Topeka has selected 13 animal health startups for its ninth cohort. According to the organizer, “The 18-week program will include pitch opportunities, an introduction to mentors and corporate entities, a series of business development workshops, and cohort collaboration.” Among the new participants are Arterra Pet Science of Austin, Texas; Branvine of Gardena, California; Hoomanely of Palo Alto, California; Testblu Diagnostics of Berlin; and New York City-based Treat.
CityVet Schedules Expansion Into Florida
CityVet, a network of 65 veterinarian-owned practices, plans to enter the Florida market this fall with a clinic in Orlando’s Lake Nona master-planned community. Each CityVet location offers comprehensive services, including preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, and dental care.
Roo Helps Veterinary Students Find Externships
The veterinarian relief company Roo has launched Roo Uni, a platform where veterinary students can search and apply for externships. According to the company, Roo Uni aggregates externships at corporate and private hospitals “into a single, searchable platform that’s free for students, universities and hospitals.” More than 800 animal hospitals across 47 states are represented. Details are at bit.ly/4lL3Xp0.
Register Now for Hill’s Global Symposium
Hill’s Pet Nutrition will hold the virtual Hill’s Global Symposium on Oct. 27 and 28. “This year’s theme is Strong Science, Long Lives, where we will dive deep into the science that extends not just the lives of senior pets, but the quality of them,” according to the company. Participants may earn up to nine hours of RACE-approved CE credits. Registration for the free two-day event is underway at bit.ly/4n687sZ.