Virbac Achieves Human-Animal Bond Certification from NAVC and HABRI
DATA
The **North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)** and the **Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)** announced that **Virbac Corporation** has become a **Human-Animal Bond Certified** company. The certification underscores Virbac's commitment to the human-animal bond as a core element of its corporate mission and veterinary practice philosophy, reinforcing a growing industry trend of formally recognizing the emotional and wellness dimensions of pet ownership.
Pet Age — 2026-04-22
From Kibble to Community: The 50-Year Evolution of the Pet Specialty Industry
DATA
A new editorial analysis from Pet Age examines how the pet specialty industry has transformed over the past **50 years** — evolving from a simple cottage industry into one of the most dynamic commercial ecosystems in retail. The piece highlights how innovation, community-building, and shifting consumer values around pet humanization have redefined what it means to operate in the pet space, offering context for current trends in premiumization, specialty retail, and direct-to-consumer channels.
Pet Age — 2026-04-24
Smart Urban Infrastructure Trends Raise Opportunities and Challenges for Dog-Friendly Cities
DATA
A new analysis explores the rapid rise of dog-friendly urban environments across America, where dogs have become a fixture of everyday city life — from coffee shops to outdoor dining. While the trend signals robust growth in pet-adjacent urban commerce, the piece notes that smart city safety infrastructure has not kept pace with canine integration, flagging design and policy gaps that city planners and the pet industry will need to address as pet-inclusive urbanism accelerates.
Pet Age — 2026-04-23
Cardiovascular Disease in Zoological Companion Animals Highlighted in New Veterinary Education Session
DATA
A new veterinary education session presented by **Dr. Sarah Ozawa, DVM, DACZM**, addresses cardiovascular disease in zoological companion animal species including **rabbits, bearded dragons, and parrots**. Using a case-based format, the session covers disease types, etiology, and key anatomical differences compared to dogs and cats, along with diagnostic considerations and available treatment or preventive options — reflecting growing clinical interest in exotic and non-traditional companion animal medicine.
Veterinary Practice News — 2026-04-22