Pet insurance trends in Q3 2024

States with the highest average pet insurance claim costs in Q3 were Washington, D.C., at $520; California at $513; and Washington at $503, with Arizona jumping to fourth place at $494, reports Embrace Pet Insurance. The quarter also saw substantial rises in claims for serious conditions including Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in cats and Lupoid Onychodystrophy in dogs. Warmer weather and heightened outdoor activity led to increases in claims for insect stings and pruritus (itching) in dogs.

Support sought for innovation award in memory of Kelly Clay

Friends and colleagues of the late Kelly Clay are seeking contributions to a GoFundMe campaign to establish an innovation award in her memory. The recipient will receive industry benefits and mentorship, ensuring they have the community and resources to drive forward new ideas, just as Kelly championed. The inaugural award will be presented to the 2025 VMX Startup Pitch winner in January.

Shreiber School takes veterinary services on the road in New Jersey

The soon-to-be-opened Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University in New Jersey has launched a shelter medicine and community outreach program on a bus. “If we can help communities and populations of people that are great pet families but need help with healthcare, that’ll keep more pets out of shelters and with their families,” said Kirsten White, DVM, a clinical assistant professor of shelter medicine and community engagement.

Americans turning to pet technology to reduce vet visits

Ninety-six percent of U.S. pet owners embrace technology as an essential component of pet care, according to a survey by HostingAdvice.com. Eighty-seven percent credit digital solutions for improved pet monitoring abilities. Instead of scheduling routine vet visits, 81% turn to tech alternatives for regular health checks and activity tracking.

Madison veterinary hospital is first to offer “dialysis for pets” in Wisconsin

A Madison, Wisconsin-based veterinary hospital is the only one in the state to offer extracorporeal therapy, also known as “dialysis for pets.” The first patient, a four-year-old mini Irish Doodle named Ridley who is battling an immune mediated disease, underwent therapy on Nov. 11.

CodaPet launches in-home pet euthanasia in New Mexico

CodaPet has launched its in-home pet euthanasia service in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The company provides the service in over 80 cities through a network of licensed veterinarians. The price of in-home euthanasia starts at $300 in Las Cruces. Aftercare and cremation begins at $75 and varies depending on driving distance, the pet’s size, and the option for private or communal cremation, etc.

IDEXX announces CFO transition

IDEXX Laboratories Inc. announced that Andrew Emerson, currently senior vice president, Corporate and Companion Animal Group Finance, will succeed Brian McKeon as IDEXX’s executive vice president, CFO and treasurer, effective March 1, 2025. McKeon has decided to retire from the company effective June 1, 2025.

Pieper Veterinary partners with Norwichtown Veterinary Hospital

Pieper Veterinary, a network of 170 primary, specialty, and emergency veterinarians in nine Northeast locations, announced a partnership with Norwichtown Veterinary Hospital, a provider of small and large animal care in Norwich, Connecticut. With a staff of 900, Pieper has locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Maine.

Weekly Companion Animal News: November 25, 2024