Weekly Companion Animal News: May 5, 2025

IDEXX reports 5% Q1 organic revenue growth

IDEXX reported Q1 2025 revenue growth of 4% as reported and 5% organic, supported by Companion Animal Group (CAG) Diagnostics recurring revenue growth of 3% as reported and 4.5% organic. VetLab consumables generated 9% reported and 10% organic growth; reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services generated flat reported and 1% organic growth; and rapid assay products revenues declined 3% as reported and declined 2% organic, with volumes impacted from the launch of the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test.

AmacaThera, Merck Animal Health to collaborate on drug delivery

AmacaThera, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in drug delivery, announced it has signed a binding evaluation and option agreement with Merck Animal Health to develop long-acting formulations for use in animal health. Built upon a hydrogel platform technology, products developed by AmacaThera are designed to enhance the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents with a single injection.

Vets Pets unifies North Carolina emergency hospitals

Vets Pets, a North Carolina-based cooperative network of veterinary hospitals, has renamed the Pet Emergency Clinic of Pitt County to Points East Veterinary Emergency Hospital of Greenville (Points East Greenville). The update reflects the hospital’s longstanding connection with two sister facilities: Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Wilson and Points East Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Fayetteville. The hospitals will operate under a shared identity as the Points East Veterinary Group.

Feline veterinary care is industry growth driver: CATalyst Council report

Feline clinical visits grew year-over-year in 2023 and 2024 as overall visits to veterinary practices in the U.S. declined, according to the first volume of the CATalyst Council’s 2025 CATalyst Feline Market Insights Report. The quarterly report reveals opportunities to address unmet needs in feline care, particularly around caregiver engagement, preventive care and practice-level service models.

Does your practice need a pet insurance specialist?

With more than two dozen pet insurance companies in North America, few veterinarians have the bandwidth to walk clients through all the options, reports the American Animal Hospital Association. Designating a team member as “pet insurance specialist” can help clients sort through insurance plans and offer team members an opportunity to advance in their careers.

Boehringer Ingelheim, Greater Good Charities celebrate 4th ‘Save a Heart’ initiative

In recognition of Heartworm Awareness Month, Greater Good Charities and Boehringer Ingelheim celebrated the fourth anniversary of transporting at-risk shelter pets from areas of high need to new homes across the country. Of nearly 17,000 pets transported, more than 1,580 were asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs. To recognize the four-year milestone, a special transport of more than 75 shelter pets was to have taken place on April 29.

Instinct Science sponsors NOMV race to support veterinary mental health

Not One More Vet (NOMV), a nonprofit focused on mental health in veterinary medicine, was preparing to kick off its annual Race Around the World on May 1. The monthlong event brings together veterinary professionals and advocates from around the world to move—walk, run, bike, or however they choose—in support of mental health in the profession.

EMS announces investment in Pet Payments and Payment Nerds

Merchant services provider Electronic Merchant Systems announced an investment in Payment Nerds and Pet Payments, two new ventures from former PaymentCloud founder, Shawn Silver. Payment Nerds is a vertically integrated payment platform that caters to low and medium-risk industries. Pet Payments serves veterinary practices, mobile clinics and pet grooming verticals.