Weekly companion animal news: January 2, 2023

Under pressure from inflation, some owners have to give up their pets

While the pandemic seemed to lead to a boom in pet adoptions, welfare organizations say they’re now scrambling to help some pet owners provide for their cats and dogs as inflation pushes costs up. Thirty-five percent of pet owners in September said they were concerned about the expense of having a pet in the current economy, according to the American Pet Products Association. Of those, half said they may have to give up their pet. The overwhelming majority of pet owners who have fewer animals now than they did three months ago say it’s because one of their pets died, according to APPA. But 14% said they couldn’t afford to keep their pet. Veterinary and shelter officials say the trends show a troubling sign for the future of pet ownership: Middle- and upper-class households can afford to give their pets the best, but pet adoption is slipping out of reach for lower-income households, The Washington Post reports.

Congress passes One Health legislation

The final national spending bill of the year included a provision directing the development of a “One Health Framework” across the federal government. Now that the AVMA-supported legislation has been passed, Congress will direct federal agencies to develop and submit a One Health framework to collaboratively address zoonotic diseases and advance public health preparedness. One Health is the concept that human, animal and environmental health are all intertwined. According to the AVMA, the new framework will allow for improved coordination between federal agencies that study human and animal health and the environment. The association plans to work with Congress and federal agencies to implement the legislation.

How team-based care helps veterinarians and patients

The American Animal Hospital Association has named 2023 the Year of the Team: part of an effort to embrace team-based medicine rather than the traditional model of veterinarian-centered care. “Team-based medicine, where two or more health care professionals work collaboratively with patients and caregivers to accomplish shared goals, is better for patients and the teams that serve them,” Dr. Jessica Vogelsang writes for AAHA. The American College of Physicians notes that team practice increases efficiency, quality of care and positive patient outcomes. It also decreases workloads and clinician burnout. AAHA will take several steps this year to encourage team-based care, including by exploring psychological safety standards for clinics and offering professional development opportunities for all members of the veterinary care team.

To improve business, companies welcome pets to the office

Pets have become a bigger part of work life as of recent, particularly since the pandemic. Sixty percent of the 500 C-suite executives in a survey last year said they planned to give employees more flexibility with their pets when they returned to the office. Of 1,500 employees with pets surveyed, 57% said they’d be happiest returning to work if they could bring their pet. And it’s not just good for workers; company leaders say it helps business by creating a better work environment and attracting talent. “The business case is simply, by and large, people love having animals around,” Paul Huxley, chairman of Strategic Staffing Solutions, told USA Today. “It creates a happier work environment.”

The pet care industry is set to see sharp growth in the coming years

Global pet food sales reached an estimated $123.6 billion in 2022, up 45% since 2017, according to market research by Euromonitor International. In the United States, pet food and treat sales reached an estimated $45.4 billion, up 43% since 2017. This mirrors sharp growth in the pet care industry overall in recent years: In 2020, U.S. pet care sales surpassed $100 billion for the first time ever, according to the American Pet Products Association, followed by $123.6 billion in sales in 2021. Morgan Stanley analysts expect the U.S. pet industry to reach $275 billion by 2030, reflecting anticipated growth in the number of pet owners. Pet Food Processing reports.

Lincoln Memorial University students receive Community Veterinary Partners leadership award

Community Veterinary Partners has awarded two students from Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with the 2022 CVP-LMU Leadership Award, which includes $25,000 in tuition reimbursement. Victoria Homfeld and Sarah Mithani, both members of the class of 2023, received the awards. “As part of the criteria for selection, applicants must be committed to supporting the CVP mission of bringing joy to families by providing the best care possible to the pets they love, and both Sarah and Victoria have exemplified that during their time as clinical affiliates and student colleagues within the CVP community,” said CVP director of university relations Dr. Laura Strong.