Weekly companion animal news: March 4, 2024
73% of pet owners have made connections with others despite differences, thanks to their pets: Mars
Eighty-three percent of adult pet owners have communicated or interacted with people they otherwise wouldn’t have connected with because of their pet, according to a new report from Mars. According to the company, its new “Pets Connect Us” report leverages consumer insights “to shed light on the future of pet parenthood in the U.S. and Canada.” The report found that 73% of pet owners have connected with someone from a different generation, culture or racial/ethnic background through mutual affection for their pets. About 80% of pet owners meet neighbors through their pets, and more than seven in 10 have formed unexpected friendships as a result, the report said.
Joint human-animal health clinics could help homeless people and their pets, study finds
According to a recent study published in Human-Animal Interactions, one in 10 homeless people has a pet, and one-stop health clinics where both can get health care would be beneficial. The study found that joint people-pet clinics, free veterinary clinics and pet-friendly lodging are common ways homeless people and their pets can get help. The findings amplify an earlier study that focused on 44 homeless pet owners in Seattle. It found that 61% were interested in health care for their pets, compared to 43% for themselves. But nearly 9 in 10 indicated they would attend a joint veterinary/human health clinic. The study also revealed that they would be more likely to take advantage of these services if they are readily accessible, HealthDay reports.
Elanco plans restructuring, looks to cut 420 jobs
Elanco said it plans to restructure operations, which will result in the loss of 420 jobs, Indianapolis Business Journal reports. According to its website, it has about 9,000 employees worldwide. This appears to be Elanco’s largest downsizing since it cut 900 jobs across 40 countries in 2020 following its $6.9 billion acquisition of Bayer’s animal health division. The company said the restructuring is meant to shift resources from its farm animal operations to its pet health operations and “concentrate roles into strategic locations.” Reuters also reported on an attempt by activist investor Ancora to gain more seats on Elanco’s board and oust its CEO.
VVCA launches industry report on virtual veterinary care
The Veterinary Virtual Care Association announced the release of its inaugural “State of the Veterinary Virtual Care Industry Report.” The report focuses on the impact and utilization of veterinary virtual care in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, analyzing more than 2 million data points derived from over half a million virtual care interactions globally, according to the VVCA. It includes findings on how virtual care closes certain barriers to getting veterinary care, the future of veterinary practices given these new innovations, and the legislative landscape, among other things. More information is available on the VVCA’s website.
U.S. veterinarian shortages pose mental and public health risks, experts say
The longstanding shortage of veterinarians across the United States—caused in part by the high cost of entry, long hours and the stress of dealing with animal owners in life and death situations—has caused crises for some pet owners, contributed to mental health issues among veterinary staff and could leave the country at risk in terms of food safety and public health, according to experts. The warning comes as Not One More Vet, a veterinarian mental health charity, said it received reports of doctors facing cyberbullying from clients. The shortages are being felt most in rural areas and can lead to a risk to food safety and public health. Laura Molgaard, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, told The Guardian the shortage can be traced back over four decades.
Organizations expect to reach goal of helping 100,000 pets in Ukraine by the end of 2024
Since their collaboration began two years ago, animal protection charity Humane Society International and the Ukrainian Red Cross are expected to help 100,000 pets, as well as 40,000 pet owners, in war-torn Ukraine by the end of 2024, Humane Society International announced. The organizations have been working together to provide lifesaving aid such as pet food, veterinary care and supplies for pets and support for their owners internally displaced or otherwise affected by conflict in Ukraine. So far, the partnership has provided emergency relief in 14 regions across Ukraine, reaching over 19,000 pet owners and 40,000 pets and delivering over 205 tons of pet food. In addition, 48 tons of cat litter, 3,530 litter boxes, 2,500 pet carriers and 9,000 packages of flea and tick prevention have been distributed to help dogs and cats in need, the organization said.
Petco Love launches veterinary technician scholarship fund
Petco Love is launching the Petco Love Registered Veterinary Technician Scholarship Fund with Penn Foster, an online for-profit education provider. “This scholarship fund aims to address the growing concerns surrounding lack of access to care by increasing the number of registered veterinary technicians serving the most vulnerable pets,” including those at animal shelters and those whose owners are struggling financially, the announcement said. The scholarship will support approximately 100 candidates currently working in animal welfare organizations who aspire to become credentialed veterinary technicians.
American Kennel Club, AKC Canine Health Foundation launch canine sports medicine & rehabilitation residency program
The American Kennel Club, together with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, will launch the AKC/AKC CHF Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program. The program is designed to increase the number of specialists trained to meet the needs of athletic and working dogs, as well as all dogs in need of rehabilitation. Cutting-edge medicine and health research will benefit canine athletes such as AKC conformation and performance sport participants, detection dogs, military working dogs, police dogs and more, according to the announcement. CHF in February released the first call for applications from veterinary colleges with approved sports medicine and rehabilitation programs. Each proposal will be reviewed by a panel of CHF leadership and subject matter experts, and the chosen institution will receive $100,000 annually to support a three-year residency.
Online Global Chronic Pain Symposium to be held in April
Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an online education platform for caregivers and canine and veterinary professionals, is hosting an online global Chronic Pain Symposium on April 5-7. CAM is an award-winning, veterinarian-led initiative whose goal is the improved care of chronic pain suffering in dogs. Through the assistance of Elearning.Vet, CAM will host more than 35 global leaders in the field of pain management during the three-day online symposium. Attendees will be able to immerse themselves in knowledge-sharing, discussion and a tight network of clinicians and therapists where the primary goal is welfare through excellent pain management. For more information on speakers and topics to be covered, visit https://membership.elearning.v
