Weekly Companion Animal News: October 28, 2024
Tractor Supply Company to acquire Allivet
Brentwood, Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Company signed an agreement to acquire Allivet, a privately held online pet pharmacy. According to Tractor Supply, the acquisition will allow it to introduce a pet and animal pharmacy solution for its 37 million Neighbor’s Club members. For the last several years, Allivet’s PetRx platform has been a partner with Tractor Supply to offer digital pet pharmacy service under the Tractor Supply brand.
Walmart launches same-day pharmacy delivery
Walmart announced it is integrating prescription medications and general merchandise into one single order for delivery in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin. By the end of January 2025, the service is expected to be available in 49 states.
Amazon to end same-day delivery program with retailers
Amazon is shutting down a same-day delivery program that picked up orders from retailers’ local stores. The program, called Amazon Today, will offer delivery and in-store pickup services with select retail partners until Jan. 24. The majority of products available on Amazon Today will continue to be available through other same-day and next-day delivery methods.
California city ordinance bans breeding of some pets
A new ordinance in Ojai, California, bans the breeding of French bulldogs, English bulldogs, pugs, boxers and Boston terriers, as well as Persian cats, i.e., pets with skin folds and certain snout length. (The Pet Advocacy Network is speaking out against the law, characterizing it as an attempt to ban purebred dogs in general.)
Maine and Georgia saw a 20% surge in vet care pricing in a year
Maine experienced a 21% rise in veterinary costs between 2023 and 2024, followed by Georgia at 20% and New Mexico at 18%, according to 2024 data from Miami-based pet insurance company Spot Pet. Other states grappling with vet care pricing inflation include Utah (17%), Connecticut and Massachusetts (16% each), Maryland, Montana and Pennsylvania (15% each) and Michigan (14%).
Mobile Veterinary Specialists seeking franchisees
Mobile Veterinary Specialists, a network of over 35 board-certified mobile veterinary specialists operating in 21 states, announced new growth opportunities, including franchise options. Founded in 2018, the firm provides concierge level specialty surgery, cardiology, and internal medicine care to general practice veterinary hospitals.
Pet Food Institute Announces 2025-2026 Board
The Pet Food Institute, which represents U.S. makers of dog and cat food and treats, announced its 2025-2026 board officers. The new chair is Simmons Pet Food President Scott Salmon, who takes over from Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO and president of Nestle Purina PetCare. Other board members are: Reed Howlett, CEO of Wellness Pet Company; Yvonne Hsu, U.S. president and general manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition U.S.; Frank Ziacik, commercial director, NA pet food of Cargill; and Scott Morris, president and CEO of Freshpet.
Animal Dermatology Group acquires four practices
Newport Beach, California-based Animal Dermatology Group, Inc. announced it has acquired four dermatology specialty practices – Long Green Animal Dermatology of Baldwin, Maryland;, Nashville Veterinary Dermatology of Nashville, Tennessee;, Animal Dermatology & Allergy of Estero, Florida; and Dermatology & Allergy Clinic for Animals of Santa Barbara, California.
