Weekly Companion Animal News: April 7, 2025
More pets are seeking allergy relief
Pet insurance company Trupanion reports that the number of allergy-related claims has increased by 7% nationwide and as much as 35% in some states over the last five years. States with the biggest increases are New York (up 35%), Massachusetts (up 35%) and Texas (up 34%). Cocker Spaniels, English Bulldogs and West Highland White Terriers have the most pet allergy claims.
NorthStar VETS to partner with Philadelphia Animal Specialty & Emergency
NorthStar VETS, a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital network in Mercer County, New Jersey, announced a partnership with Philadelphia Animal Specialty & Emergency (PASE), a veterinary hospital specializing in emergency and specialty services. The two will continue to operate independently, but will benefit from shared operational support and unified medical leadership, said Dr.. Adam Yoskowitz, partner, PASE.
IDEXX: US judge dismisses most of consumer lawsuit against the company
A U.S. judge in Maine has dismissed most of a consumer lawsuit against IDEXX Laboratories, accusing it of abusing its market power through exclusive and long-term contracts with veterinary practices across the country, causing pet owners to be overcharged. Chief U.S. District Judge Stacey Neumann said the pet owners in the proposed class action had not shown they have legal standing to pursue many of their state-law claims.
Fear Free and Sylvester.ai announce alliance to detect feline pain
Fear Free, a provider of education and certification programs focused on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, announced a strategic alliance with Sylvester.ai, a developer of AI-driven feline health technology. Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practices will receive 60 days of complimentary access to Sylvester.ai’s tools – Caregiver App and Clinic Portal – to help clients better understand and manage feline pain.
About 140 fired at FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine
Leadership and staff at the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine were among 140 people fired on March 31 as part of a larger reduction in force in the agency. USA TODAY quoted AVMA President Dr. Sandra Faeh saying the personnel cuts would limit the agency’s availability to oversee drug availability, antimicrobial resistance efforts, animal and human food safety, and disease control, including bird flu.
CP Vets opens new emergency facility in Pennsylvania
Central Pennsylvania Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services (CP Vets) of Centre County opened a new emergency clinic in State College, Pennsylvania, citing the fact that emergency situations at its existing facility have doubled since 2020.
Serenity Vet introduces production-based pay for relief vets
Veterinary relief platform Serenity Vet announced it has introduced a new option – production bonuses – allowing clinics to offer a flat rate with the opportunity to earn more from busy shifts. The model is especially well-suited to emergency and urgent care settings, where revenue can vary dramatically from day to day, according to the firm.
