Chewy launches CarePlus pet insurance
Online retailer Chewy expanded into pet health insurance with CarePlus, which is available in 31 states and is expected to roll out nationwide by the end of the year. CarePlus benefits, the company reported, “include 24/7 access to Chewy’s industry-leading customer service team for those seeking insurance education , the ability to instantly connect with licensed veterinarians through Chewy’s award-winning telehealth service, connect with a veterinarian. , and 100% of covered costs for eligible purchases of prescription drugs, supplements and food of Veterinary Diet at Chewy.com”. CarePlus preventive care plans start at $20 per month. The most robust insurance plans range from $20 to $100 per month.
VVCA updates telemedicine guidelines
The Veterinary Virtual Care Association published a model telemedicine regulation based on input from its advisory board and the cross-industry forums of the Veterinary Innovation Council. “The VVCA issues these model telemedicine standards to provide guidance to practitioners, associations, legislatures and state boards of veterinary medicine,” the organization reported. The details are a bit.ly/3p8rXYA.
Suveto exposes new graduates to practicing ownership
Suveto, which focuses on veterinary practice ownership and personal wellness, launched Graduate to Ownership, a program designed to give new graduates hands-on clinical experience. “Ten percent of GO participants’ paid work time is dedicated exclusively to their personal growth and education, consistent with NOMV’s mission to support,” the company stated. In other news, Suveto donated $11,805 to Not One More Vet, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide within the veterinary industry.
Terravet offers an investment fund
Terravet Real Estate Solutions presented the company’s first private real estate investment fund. “Terravet REIT Inc. will offer veterinary real estate owners the opportunity to diversify their real estate holdings by participating in a group that is expected to expand to several hundred large general practice facilities and specialty/emergency veterinary hospitals across the country,” the company stated. . Overseeing the trust is a board of directors that includes Neil Tauber, co-founder of VCA Animal Hospitals, and Terry O’Neil, partner in the Veterinary Services Group of Katz, Sapper & Miller.
Wedgewood is endorsed by the AAHA
The American Animal Hospital Association selected Wedgewood Pharmacy as a preferred vendor for compounding services. “Our members count on us to provide tools and resources that elevate their practices and provide direct value to their pet-owning clients and patients,” said Keith R. Chamberlain, AAHA’s chief value officer. “Adding Wedgewood Pharmacy to our network of Preferred Business Providers represents another example of the partnership providing great value to all we serve, both directly and through our members.”
AVMA Welcomes New President
Lori Teller, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline), became president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, replacing Jose Arce, DVM, who completed his one-year term at the Philadelphia convention in organization Dr. Teller is a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The AVMA House of Delegates elected Rena Carlson as 2023-2024 President. Dr. Carlson, a former practice owner in Idaho, now works as a relief veterinarian and general practice mentor for National Veterinary Associates.
The telehealth initiative has several partners
A wide range of veterinary industry organizations and companies formed the Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care in an effort to improve and expand veterinary telehealth. “Veterinary telemedicine is most effective and safe … when used to maintain a VCPR that has already been established through an in-person exam,” said Link Welborn, DVM, DABVP, who serves as CEO of the Veterinary Study Groups, founding member of the coalition. “We will be looking to coalition members to help develop and share resources that help veterinarians seamlessly integrate telehealth into their practices while recognizing the importance of VCPR.” More information at bit.ly/3zJPtjx.
Journey for Teams supports DEI efforts
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Executives of the Veterinary Medical Association launched Journey for Teams, an initiative designed to improve diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the veterinary profession. “The program builds on the original Journey program launched in July 2021 by the VMAE that provides executive directors and elected leaders of veterinary medical associations with tools and resources to advance DEI,” the two organizations reported. “The new Journey for Teams is designed for veterinary professionals and workplaces of all types, including private practices, animal hospitals, academia, industry and other settings.” AVMA’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Latonia Craig, Ed.D., will oversee the development and implementation of Journey for Teams.
Banfield experiences a change in leadership
Mony Iyer, MBA, MS, was named president of Banfield Pet Hospital, and Jeff Ellison was named chief operating officer. In addition, Past President Brian Garish assumed the role of President of Mars Veterinary Health International. Iyer served as Banfield’s chief operating officer for nearly two years, “during which he led the creation and deployment of new modes of care, drove a hospital-first culture to ensure the practice met and exceeded needs of hospital associates and customers, and led the transformation of the practice’s IT organization,” according to the company. Banfield operates more than 1,000 general veterinary hospitals in 42 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and Mexico .
Basepaws launches microbiome testing
Basepaws Inc. launched genetic and oral microbiome tests designed to help identify health risks in cats and dogs earlier. “Basepaws DNA sequencing provides more detailed and specific information than consumer-oriented methods,” the company reported. “The information can guide veterinarians and pet parents in selecting annual wellness programs, routine diagnostic tests and lifestyle changes based on an individual pet’s genetics.” MWI Animal Health is the exclusive distributor.
