Weekly Companion Animal News: February 3, 2025

Program encourages students to believe they belong in veterinary medicine

Dozens of middle and high school students joined industry professionals in a day-long workshop at VMX 2025 in Orlando designed to encourage underrepresented students to pursue careers in veterinary medicine and provide support to get them started. The program was created by blendVET, which is supported by sponsorship from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health and VCA Animal Hospitals.

Women recognized for achievements in animal health industry

The Feather in Her Cap Association recognized the achievements of three women in the animal health industry: Laurie Hueneke Martens, associate VP of public policy & government relations at Merck Animal Health, received the 2025 Feather in Her Cap Award; Eve Hanks, CEO of MI:RNA Ltd, received the 2025 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award; and Chelsie Estey, vice president of US Pet Care at Parnell, was awarded the 2025 High Flyer Award.

Fear Free launches certification for emergency and urgent care

Fear Free, a provider of science and information to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in animals, launched an Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification program. The program is intended to offer veterinary teams the training and resources to implement Fear Free techniques in high-pressure environments, including specialized protocols for triage, treatment, client communication and staff workflows.

TDA Research launches Canine Decontamination Kit

TDA Research announced the launch of TDA’s Canine Decontamination Kit. Developed under sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Defense, the kit provides handlers with the tools to remove unwanted materials, including highly toxic chemical warfare agents, from a canine’s fur. Mantel Technologies will serve as the exclusive worldwide distributor.

ADM study demonstrates improvements in cat digestive health

ADM announced the publication of a study demonstrating that supplementing heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 with Fibersol-2 significantly improved the intestinal health of adult cats before and after a diet change. According to ADM, postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (PRIOME Gut Health) has been shown to enhance gut microbiota balance and strengthen the intestinal barrier, and Fibersol-2 (Pet Fibersol) increases beneficial bacteria levels and supports a low glycemic index, reduced body fat and improved adaptation to high-protein diets with better odor control.

Aurora Pharmaceutical names Stephanie Hastings director of marketing

Northfield, Minnesota-based Aurora Pharmaceutical, a veterinary pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing company, has named Stephanie Hastings its new director of marketing. Her professional background spans industries, including health and wellness and agriculture.

Henry Schein announces investment by KKR

Medical and dental distributor Henry Schein reported that global investment firm KKR willl make an additional $250 million investment in Henry Schein’s common stock to become a 12% common shareholder. Meanwhile, Henry Schein reported preliminary GAAP net income for Q4 of $94 million, resulting in full-year 2024 GAAP net income of $390 million.

VetnCare names Matthew J. Kirchner CEO

VetnCare, a community of veterinary hospitals based in Northern California, has appointed Matthew J. Kirchner as CEO. Kirchner brings with him experience in healthcare services, medical devices, biotech and pharmaceuticals. At the end of 2022, Great Point Partners, a private investment firm focused on the healthcare industry, partnered with VetnCare to support its planned expansion. Over the past two years, VetnCare has more than doubled its size.