Weekly Companion Animal News: October 7, 2024

Animal Health International to expand in Liberty, MO

Animal Health International (AHI), a subsidiary of Patterson Companies, Inc. announced it will expand its presence in Liberty, Missouri, from 95,000 square feet and 40 employees to 225,000 square feet and 65 employees over time. The new building, located a quarter mile away in the new Liberty Heartland Logistics Center, will allow AHI to merge its previous warehouse and storage space.

Pet healthcare costs up in past year

Owners of pets in Maine saw the largest increase in healthcare costs for their pets – 21% – from July 2023 to July 2024, according to a study by Miami, Florida-based Spot Pet Insurance. Pet owners in Michigan, meanwhile, paid 14% more. Some states, including Michigan, have seen an uptick in pet-related conditions like allergies, chronic illnesses, or injuries requiring expensive treatments, according to the study.

Gen Z pays out most for pets

A survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Talker Research for Newsweek showed that Gen Z (people born between 1997-2012) spend an average of $148.50 on their pets each month, the highest of all those surveyed. Millennials (people born between 1981-1996) have the second highest average, spending $136.20 per month, while the Silent Generation (people born between 1925-1945) had the lowest monthly spend, with $68.90.

Synchrony credit card selected by PSIvet

Consumer finance company Synchrony announced that its CareCredit health and wellness credit card was selected as the preferred financing solution for PSIvet, a group purchasing organization with more than 5,500 independent veterinary practices nationwide.

Pet-related laws signed in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills aimed at reforming the state’s pet insurance industry and enhancing veterinary services. The first mandates that pet insurers provide clear information regarding coverage options and premium changes that may occur based the pet’s age or geographical location. The second authorizes a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-volume spay and neuter certification program.

Mars unveils world’s largest pet owner study

With insights from over 20,000 dog and cat owners across 20 countries, the Mars Global Pet Parent Study showed that more than half of people are pet owners, with 47% being first-time owners; more than one-third of owners consider their pet the most important thing in their lives; and cat ownership is more common than dog ownership, with more men (52% male vs 48% female) being cat owners.

Morale is up, but so is turnover in ER and specialty hospitals

Morale and teamwork are up among emergency and specialty veterinary professionals, according to Instinct Science’s second annual State of Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Care Report. Patient volume and wait times have eased, and staffing shortages have decreased slightly, but turnover remains high, with 79% of practices experiencing turnover among veterinary technicians and nurses.

VETTY Awards nominations for marketing now open

Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 6 for the 8th annual VETTY Awards, recognizing excellence in advertising, digital, public relations, social, design, events, promotions, and educational materials created to support large and small animals, veterinarians, pet pharmaceuticals, foods, diagnostic equipment, professional associations, advocacy groups and more. Winners will be recognized at the annual Veterinary Meeting and Expo, VMX 2025, Jan. 25-29, 2025, in Orlando.