Veterinary professionals have a new tool to help them learn about industry developments across the country during the coronavirus pandemic. VetWatch is a resource from NAVC (publisher of Veterinary Advantage) and several other groups, including Animalytix, Greenline Pet and Circa Healthcare.

The platform has four core components:

data on practice revenues and patient volumes from nearly 5,800 practices;
practice purchasing volumes for key therapeutic categories from more than 32,000 practices and shelters;
a survey that gathers responses from practices on factors affecting their businesses;
and a resource center for practice managers, including current information on COVID-19.

Data is divided into 236 geographic regions, so users can zero in on specific locations to get a clearer perspective.

Preliminary data from the beginning of the month found that about 82% of veterinary practices are doing only curbside care; 62% are no longer doing elective surgeries; and, based on purchasing behaviors, canine and feline core vaccinations and surgical suite procedures are on a steady decline.

“This is an unprecedented time in the veterinary profession as it is in every aspect of people’s lives,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill. “The data we collect and track during the coronavirus crisis will be essential in informing veterinary professionals about what’s happening around them and guiding them about what to do in their own practices.”

VetWatch offers important updates during COVID-19