Funding & Investment
Tombot Closes $7M Series A3 to Expand Companion Robotics Product Line
FUNDING
Tombot, a leader in health and wellness robotic companion animals, has successfully closed a **$7 million Series A3** financing round. The round includes investment from Caduceus Capital, among others, and will be used to expand the company's companion robotics product line. Tombot's AI-powered robotic animals are designed to provide emotional support and therapeutic benefits for seniors and individuals with cognitive conditions.
Pet Age — 2026-06-26
Plant-Based Pet Food Brand Omni Secures £11M Series A Funding
FUNDING
UK-based plant-based pet food brand Omni has secured **£11 million in Series A funding**. The capital will be deployed to expand its product range and enter new markets, reinforcing the growing investor appetite for alternative and sustainable pet nutrition brands.
Pet Gazette — 2026-06-22
Pets at Home Launches £50M Share Buyback Programme
EARNINGS
UK pet retail giant Pets at Home has launched a **£50 million share buyback scheme** in partnership with Deutsche Bank. The retailer has begun the first **£25 million tranche** of its capital return programme, signaling confidence in its financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Pet Gazette — 2026-06-25
Product Launches & Innovation
Multiple Cat Product Launches Signal Surging Investment in Feline Category
LAUNCH
Several brands unveiled new feline-focused products this week, reflecting accelerating investment in the cat category. **Lazy Dog Cookie Co.** introduced its first-ever cat treat line, 'Cool Cat Kitty Meow-velous Morsels,' marking a major expansion for the two-decade-old celebration-treat brand. **My Perfect Pet** unveiled a refreshed cat food line featuring a modernized look and upgraded nutrition profiles. Meanwhile, **Encore** launched new cat bone broth toppers to meet growing consumer demand for pet hydration products. Separately, **Merrick Purrfect Bistro** announced the 'Purrfect Choice Awards,' a virtual community engagement event hosted by creator Wendy Ly.
Pet Age — 2026-06-25
Trinkety Paws Launches Waterproof BioThane Pet Accessories Range
LAUNCH
Trinkety Paws has launched a new waterproof pet accessories range built on **BioThane** material, featuring hands-free training leads, long lines, waterproof leads, and limited-edition collars. The line targets active pet owners seeking durable, weather-resistant gear for outdoor use.
Pet Gazette — 2026-06-24
Partnerships & Acquisitions
PetVivo Holdings to Acquire PiezoBioMembrane to Build Functional Biomaterials Platform
ACQUISITION
PetVivo Holdings, operating through its wholly-owned subsidiaries — Cosmeta Corp, PetVivo Animal Health, and PetVivo AI — has announced plans to acquire PiezoBioMembrane. The deal is intended to establish a functional biomaterials platform, furthering PetVivo's mission as a provider of medical devices and biomedical therapeutics for equines and companion animals.
Pet Age — 2026-06-26
The Farmer's Dog Partners with University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
PARTNERSHIP
The Farmer's Dog, a leader in gently-cooked, human-grade dog food, has announced a strategic partnership with the **University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine**. The collaboration is funded through a gift supporting a Small Animal clinical program, deepening ties between the fresh pet food sector and academic veterinary research.
Pet Age — 2026-06-25
Bray Animal Care Partners with StreetVet to Support Homeless Pet Owners
PARTNERSHIP
Healthcare manufacturer Bray Animal Care has partnered with StreetVet, a nonprofit providing veterinary care to pets of homeless individuals. Under the agreement, Bray Animal Care will supply **wound-care products** to StreetVet's nationwide outreach teams, expanding access to essential animal health resources for underserved pet owners across the UK.
Pet Gazette — 2026-06-25
Industry Trends & Data
Purina Institute Global Summit Gathers Veterinary Experts from 100+ Countries on Preventive Care
DATA
The Purina Institute Global Summit 2026, held in May, convened veterinary professionals from **more than 100 countries** with a shared focus on translating the latest science into practical preventive care strategies. The summit reinforces Purina's positioning as a science-led organization driving evidence-based standards across the global veterinary community.
Pet Age — 2026-06-25
'Protection Gap' Identified as Pet Insurance Adoption Rises in U.S. and Canada
DATA
A new industry report reveals that while pet insurance adoption is increasing across the U.S. and Canada, a significant **'protection gap'** persists between the total pet population and insured animals. The findings highlight substantial underinsurance relative to overall pet ownership levels, presenting a continued growth opportunity for insurers and distributors in both markets.
Veterinary Practice News — 2026-06-24
Global Survey Reveals Fatigue Burden on Vets and Owners Treating Canine Allergic Skin Disease
DATA
A global survey on canine allergic skin disease has found that **both dog owners and veterinarians** report significant fatigue and burden associated with managing the condition, with a notable negative impact on their own quality of life. The findings underscore the need for more effective, streamlined treatment protocols and may signal commercial opportunities for next-generation dermatology therapeutics in the veterinary space.
Veterinary Practice News — 2026-06-23
Microplastics Found in 84% of Pet Food Brands, Study Warns
DATA
Research from the **Universities of Sussex and Exeter** has found that **84% of commercial pet food brands** tested contained microplastics, identifying pet food as a significant and previously overlooked source of plastic pollution. The study raises fresh questions about ingredient sourcing and packaging standards across the pet food industry and may prompt regulatory scrutiny.
Pet Gazette — 2026-06-19
Regulatory & Policy
RCVS and Digital Practice Launch Consultation on AI Use in Veterinary Care
REGULATION
The **Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)** and Digital Practice have launched a formal consultation to develop a framework for the safe adoption of AI in veterinary care. The initiative aims to establish governance standards as AI tools become increasingly integrated into diagnostics, clinical decision-making, and practice management across the veterinary sector.
Pet Gazette — 2026-06-24
Pet Food Institute Issues Statement on Senate Farm Bill Draft; PIF Launches Supplement Marketing Screening Tool
REGULATION
Pet Food Institute (PFI) President and CEO **Elise Fennig** issued a formal statement responding to the Senate Farm Draft Bill, which includes provisions relevant to the pet food industry. Separately, the **Pet Industry Federation (PIF)** unveiled a new screening tool and advisory framework to help businesses assess advertising compliance risks for **pet supplement marketing**, reflecting growing scrutiny around supplement claims and label accuracy.
Pet Age — 2026-06-25
California Rescue Facility Investigated for Alleged Animal Abuse; Excavation Ordered
REGULATION
On **June 23, 2026**, investigators served a second search warrant at **Miranda's Rescue**, a California animal rescue facility under investigation for alleged animal abuse and cruelty. The warrant authorizes **excavation of the property** to locate deceased animals believed to be buried on-site, following reports of a large number of animals remaining unaccounted for. The case raises broader questions about oversight and accountability standards for rescue organizations.
Veterinary Practice News — 2026-06-23
Senate Farm Bill Draft Includes Expanded Animal Health Funding and NPIP Codification
REGULATION
Senator Boozman has released the Senate farm bill draft text, which includes **expanded animal health funding**, codification of the **National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)**, and provisions to make the **Strengthening the Heartland through Innovation and Progress (SHIP)** program permanent. The bill has direct implications for animal health infrastructure funding across livestock and companion animal sectors.
Feedstuffs — 2026-06-23
Notable Moves & Leadership
Dechra Opens Global Headquarters in Boston with $60K Community Investment
EXPANSION
Dechra, a global leader in veterinary specialty care, has officially opened its new **global headquarters in Boston**, celebrating with a **$60,000 investment** in local community partnerships. The move marks a significant milestone for the company's North American footprint and underscores its commitment to embedding in the broader Boston life sciences and veterinary ecosystem.
Pet Age — 2026-06-25
Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Celebrates 62nd Graduation of Veterinary Professionals
LEADERSHIP
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) hosted its **62nd graduation ceremony**, celebrating **over 50 interns and residents** at Rockefeller University in New York on June 24. The annual event highlights the pipeline of veterinary talent entering the profession and AMC's continued role as a premier training institution for companion animal specialists.
Pet Age — 2026-06-25
Amazin' Mets Foundation Introduces Future Service Dog Honoring Broadcaster Howie Rose
PARTNERSHIP
**America's VetDogs**, a national nonprofit providing trained service dogs to veterans and first responders, has partnered with the **Amazin' Mets Foundation** to introduce a future service dog named in honor of longtime Mets broadcaster **Howie Rose**. The initiative highlights growing cross-sector partnerships between sports organizations and animal-assisted service nonprofits.
Pet Age — 2026-06-25