A new national survey from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) finds that 98% of pet owners report experiencing health benefits from pet ownership, while 74% of Americans say they own at least one pet. The findings also suggest that stronger human-animal bonds are associated with greater engagement in veterinary preventive care, pet nutrition and overall pet wellness.
Feline veterinary visits increased 2.7% in the third quarter of 2026, extending a three-year growth streak even as overall clinical visits declined 1.9%, according to a new CATalyst Council report. The findings highlight the growing importance of feline care to veterinary practices as declining puppy visits reshape the companion animal market.
AI use among veterinary professionals has more than doubled since 2024, reaching 83.7%, according to a new Digitail and AAHA study. The findings suggest practices with more mature AI strategies, governance and workflow integration are seeing substantially greater business benefits.
GuardianVets has surpassed 2.5 million after-hours veterinary cases handled through its support service for veterinary practices. The company uses U.S.-based credentialed veterinary technicians to triage cases, follow practice protocols, route urgent patients and schedule follow-up care.
Nationwide has expanded its VetHelpline program to offer veterinary telemedicine services through a partnership with FirstVet. Eligible pet insurance policyholders in 11 states and Washington, D.C., can now schedule virtual visits with veterinarians who can diagnose certain conditions and prescribe medications when appropriate.
Elanco Animal Health says expanding parasite and allergy seasons, combined with demand for newer products, are supporting growth across its U.S. and international pet health businesses. The company reaffirmed expectations for high-single-digit to low-double-digit U.S. Pet Health growth in the second half of 2026.
Cat ownership reached 53 million U.S. households in 2025, according to new American Pet Products Association data. APPA’s latest research also points to growth in multi-cat households, Gen Z ownership and male cat ownership, alongside increased spending on food.
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute has released a new Pet-Inclusive Housing Report outlining approaches and resources intended to help animal health, housing and animal welfare stakeholders expand access to pet-inclusive rental housing.
A joint 2026 survey from AAHA and Pawlicy Advisor found 85% of responding veterinary professionals see clients decline recommended care at costs of $1,000 or less. The findings also point to frequent treatment-plan changes tied to affordability and a gap between veterinary professionals’ views of pet insurance and how often practices proactively discuss it.
CATalyst Council has released a new practice resource aimed at keeping cats connected to veterinary care beyond their initial kitten visits, citing data showing 62% of cats enter homes through informal channels and informally acquired cats are less likely to visit a veterinarian.
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