Weekly Companion Animal News: June 30, 2025

Study to look at burnout among relief veterinarians

Veterinarians who practice relief either exclusively or occasionally are invited to participate in an online survey to investigate burnout among relief (locum) veterinarians. Serenity Vet, a veterinary relief management platform, has launched the survey in collaboration with Talkatoo, a provider of voice-to-text and AI productivity products, and Dr. Ivan Zak, CEO of Galaxy Vets. All responses to the survey are anonymous.

FDA approves generic cefovecin sodium injection for skin infections

The FDA approved Cefovecin Sodium for Injection for the treatment of skin infections, such as abscesses and wounds caused by certain bacterial strains in dogs and cats. The product contains the same active ingredient (cefovecin sodium) as the approved brand name product, Convenia, which was first approved in April 2008. Cefovecin Sodium for Injection is an antimicrobial drug and only available via prescription.

Pet insurance perks for employee benefits programs on the rise

Job openings advertising pet insurance as a benefit have surged since 2022, more than doubling from approximately 109,000 postings in June 2022 to 294,000 so far in June 2025, according to data from job-matching platform Adzuna provided to The Playbook. Younger employees seem to value pet insurance more than health insurance, according to Joshua Lavine, CEO at Capital Benefits LLC.

Sterilization/obesity connection varies by timing, breed and size

A six-year study of dogs treated at Banfield Pet Hospital found the relationship between sterilization timing and obesity in dogs varies significantly by breed and size. Among toy/small breeds, gonadectomy (sterilization) at three to six months (prepubertal) had relative risks lower than gonadectomy at one year or older. Among large dogs, overweight or obesity associated with prepubertal gonadectomy varied by breed.

Vetigenics completes study on combination therapy for dogs with solid tumors

Philadelphia-based Vetigenics announced dosing of the first patient in its CHECKMATE K9 pilot clinical study at the University of Wisconsin. The multisite evaluation will assess safety and preliminary signals of efficacy for VGS 001 (anti-cCTLA-4 monoclonal antibody) in combination with VGS 002 (anti-cPD-1 monoclonal antibody) in dogs with a variety of solid tumors.

FDA issues warning to companies selling unapproved CBD products

The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine issued warning letters April 7 to three pet companies accused of selling products that the FDA has not approved as safe and effective for their intended use – Bailey’s Wellness, Holista and House of Alchemy-Hamet & Love. The letters addressed marketing for oils, chews and pellets that suggest unproven benefits across websites and social media.

Synchrony announces partnership with Sploot Veterinary Care

Consumer financial services firm Synchrony announced a partnership with Sploot Veterinary Care in which Sploot will offer Synchrony’s Care Credit credit card as its clients’ first financing solution. Sploot, a FearFree practice, provides primary, urgent, emergency and specialty care in clinics in Denver, Chicago and Colorado Springs.

APPA releases pet owner insights from its 2025 Dog & Cat Report

In its second pet owner insights report this year, the American Pet Products Association quantifies the rise in cat ownership, the trend by dog owners to incorporate their pets into daily routines that support health, the wellness-focused approach to pet nutrition, and the growing demand for vitamins and supplements. “Consumers are embracing more personalized, intentional care for their pets,” said APPA’s VP of Research and Insights Ingrid Chu.