Royal Canin Launches First Fresh Therapeutic Diet Line for Dogs
Royal Canin has launched Fresh Veterinary Diets, its first fully cooked, fresh therapeutic diet portfolio, available exclusively through veterinarians. The three-formula line targets gastrointestinal issues, food sensitivities, and appetite stimulation in dogs. The company positions the launch alongside growing veterinary interest in dietary management for conditions like chronic inflammatory enteropathy.
New Feline-Only Veterinary Group Launches
CatsOnly Veterinary Services will open its first feline-only hospital this fall at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, Colorado, with a second Denver-area location planned for early 2027. The organization will operate under Cat Friendly Practice Gold, Fear Free, and Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy certifications, guided by a feline medicine advisory board.
VetRec Launches AI Receptionist
VetRec has launched AI Receptionist, an AI-powered front-desk tool that answers calls, books appointments, and routes urgent cases around the clock. According to the company, the product integrates with clinics’ existing practice management systems and is available standalone or paired with VetRec’s Scribe platform.
CATalyst Council Releases New Visit Data, Confirms Forecast
CATalyst Council released the second edition of its “Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, and the Expectations Reset” report, including an updated forecast that incorporated second-quarter clinical visit data and the 2026 State of the Cat household survey. The report projects U.S. veterinary visits declining approximately 1.29% annually through 2035, with puppy visits falling roughly 10.5% year-over-year, and kitten visits increasing about 1.3%.
Zoetis to Acquire VitalRADS
Zoetis has agreed to acquire VitalRADS, a veterinary teleradiology platform offering 24/7 specialist review or imaging across more than 25 species, plus mobile ultrasound and cloud image storage. The deal builds on a 2025 partnership and expands Zoetis’ Virtual Reference Laboratory and AI-diagnostics offerings. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2026.
Doubtless Names New Leaders Across Pets Best, Spot, HR
Doubtless, parent of Pets Best and Spot pet insurance brands, has announced three North American leadership appointments, including May Pelz as president of Pets Best; Raj Patel as senior vice president, head of human resources; and Steven Gilliam as general manager of Spot.
PetMeds Launches Co-Branded Online Pharmacy With Rural King
PetMeds has launched a co-branded online pet pharmacy for Rural King customers, offering prescription medications, food, and preventives through the Rural King website. The partnership marks PetMeds’ first large-scale white-label pharmacy program and aims to expand access to pet healthcare in rural communities.
FDA Approves First Generic Methimazole Tablets for Feline Hyperthyroidism
Felixvet has launched Methimazole Coated Tablets, the first FDA-approved generic version of methimazole for treating feline hyperthyroidism, available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg strengths.
Boehringer Ingelheim Earns Human Animal Bond Certification
NAVC and HABRI have announced that Boehringer Ingelheim has become a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, joining organizations supporting human-animal bond research and education. The 7.5-hour RACE-approved certification course, created by NAVC and HABRI, has certified over 1,280 veterinary professionals since launching in 2018.
