Weekly Companion Animal News: March 24, 2025

ELIAS Animal Health receives USDA approval for canine osteosarcoma therapy

Animal cancer therapeutics company ELIAS Animal Health announced its adoptive cell therapy – ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI) – has received full approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics. Large and giant breed dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Greyhounds, Labradors and German Shepherds, are said to be at higher risk of developing this cancer.

PSC, Retail.pet to recognize sustainability at Global Pet Expo

The Pet Sustainability Coalition and Retail.pet will host an award ceremony at Global Pet Expo 2025, on Wednesday, March 26, in Orlando. The event will honor PSC-accredited brands for their commitment to sustainable business practices and recognize top-performing retailers and sales representatives engaging with these brands through Retail.pet’s training platform.

Colorado VPA bill and regs spark debate

Advocates argue that a bill establishing implementation procedures for the newly created veterinary professional associate position includes provisions that contradict the intent of what Colorado voters approved in Proposition 129 in November.

California bill would require cities to include pets in emergency plans

Proposed legislation in California calls for local jurisdictions to include a process in their emergency plans to retrieve animals left behind during mandatory evacuations, including establishing an emergency rescue hotline to help evacuees get assistance. Individual counties or cities would determine specifics, for example, allowing pet owners to be escorted into evacuated areas by emergency service personnel or designated groups.

Drug for humans found effective against canine oral cancer

Cornell researchers reported that trametinib – an FDA-approved drug used for the treatment of melanoma in humans – can be effective in treating oral epithelial malignancy in dogs. Senior author Santiago Peralta, associate professor of dentistry and oral surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine, said he doesn’t expect trametinib to cure the oral cancers completely, but that it could be used to shrink them before surgery.

Industry observes first World Parasite Awareness Day

The veterinary industry launched the first World Parasite Awareness Day on March 20. As the climate shifts, travel increases and animals move more freely, parasites can spread to new areas, putting pets and people at risk if left unprotected, according to organizers. For instance, Europe has seen an expansion in heartworm in recent years, while in North America, heartworm is moving north into regions with historically low prevalence.

What are tariffs and how do they affect prices?

CFO Brew magazine has compiled its tariff coverage in one e-book titled “Tariffs: Understanding the Impact.” The e-book attempts to answer questions such as, Who pays for tariffs? How and why do companies need to adapt operationally and strategically? From rising costs and price hikes to changes in legal and logistical processes, experts emphasize the need for effective risk management and foresight.

Low-cost pet clinic opens in Tucson

A nonprofit clinic for pets adopted through Pima Animal Care Center is now open in Midtown Tucson (Arizona) following seven months of planning. The clinic is open to anyone who adopted pets from PACC after Jan. 1, 2025, along with families receiving assistance from the county’s Pet Support Center program for pet owners in crisis, and families on public assistance needing spay and neuter services.