The Bird Bath
Welcome to The Bird Bath, a weekly news podcast. Join our host, Ryan Leech, as he highlights the latest news and trends in the evolving world of pet health. Stay tuned!
Rood & Riddle Goes Belgian, Instinct's Attending, Cat Dads
Third week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
Rood & Riddle partners with Equine Care GroupInstinct launches AttendingOpenVet launches OpenAnimalAPPA's 2026 Cat Report: Gen Z and Cat DadsHelpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataThe Bird Bath SubstackHappyDoc - The World's Most Accurate Veterinary AI Scribe and Insights EngineLeap’s Cohort, Pawlicy x AAHA Report, LMU v AVMA Dismissed
Second week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
Leap Venture Studio’s newest CohortPawlicy Advisor and AAHA State of the IndustryAVMA COE gets dismissal against LMUHelpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataThe Bird Bath SubstackAHNTI US 2026COE out of AVMA?, BiomEdit x Folium, UK Vets Narked
First week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
Will the COE be forced out of the AVMA?BiomEdit buys CRISPR businessUK vet org mad at CMAHelpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataThe Bird Bath SubstackAHNTI US 2026Roo launches Free CE, Musical Chair Deans, Screwworm, Zoetis, ASPCA, and Drones
Last week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
Roo launches massive Free CEVet College Deans are shuffling all aroundNew World Screwworm, Zoetis, ASPCA, and DronesHelpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataThe Bird Bath SubstackRoo - Continuing Education at the Top of its ClassWVC Nashville, Vetspire Acquired, PetVet365 Earns Autism Certification, Nom Nom Scoops
Third week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
Live from WVC NashvilleVetspire acquired by Battery VenturesPetVet365 Earns Certified Autism Center DesignationNom Nom comes frozen and scoopablePawsibile Ventures opens next CohortHelpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataThe Bird Bath SubstackFarmer’s Dog x Woof, Zoetis Numbers, NVA Leaders, Mission on VPA, Vets in Japan
Second week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
The Farmer’s Dog acquires WoofZoetis Q2 figures and new leadersNVA promotes from withinMission Pet weighs in on VPAVet life in JapanHelpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataThe Bird Bath SubstackZoetis AI Suit, Acquisition Multiples, Golden Boy at Golden Child, Adequan Recall
First week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
Zoetis in AI LawsuitUpdates on Practice MultiplesNew CEO for Golden ChildAdequan RecallHelpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataThe Bird Bath SubstackTractor Supply Woes, Next AI Survey, VetHub RX Discounts, ‘26 Schedule
Last week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
Tractor Supply closes 75 PetSensesDigitail and AAHA open new AI SurveyBuzz Health and VetHubRxConferences to round out 2026Helpful links:
Explore The Bird Bath Terminal’s live veterinary market dataDigitail & AAHA: 2026 AI in Veterinary Medicine SurveyThe Bird Bath Substack3 Years, Zoetis Acquires VitalRads, Fear Free’s New CVMO, NM New Grads
Third week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
Celebrating our 3 year anniversaryZoetis set to acquire VitalRadsFear Free names new CVMOVetnCare adds Holistic medNew Mexico looks to attract new DVMsHelpful links:
Save 100+ hours, eliminate errors and elevate patient care with ScoutThe Bird Bath substackThe Bird Bath TerminalBond Vet x Small Door, Wonderdog At Home, Petsmart + Vetster, S&P500
Second week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
Bond Vet and Small Door MergerWonderdog brings blood tests homePetsmart deepens partnership with VetsterPet food versus S&P500Helpful links:
The Bird Bath substackThe Bird Bath TerminalTelehealth Data, New CEOs, Open PIMS, and Lakefield Fund
First week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
whiskerDocs Releases StatsDr. Cherice Roth to Vetlen CEOOpen Source PIMS is LiveLakefield launches Care Beyond Limits FundHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI US 2026 - Connecting Innovation Across the Value ChainThe Bird Bath TerminalLovet and NAPHIA Reports, JAB’s Doubtless, Dogtopia and Woof Gang Wins
Last week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Lovet Checkup ReportNAPHIA State of ReportJAB launches DoubtlessGreat Hill invests in Woof GangDogtopia tops ChartsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI US 2026 - Connecting Innovation Across the Value ChainThe Bird Bath TerminalMega VC Round Up, Heart+Paw Plans, Royal Canin Calls for Healthspan
Fourth week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Anterra Capital closes $100M Fund IIIElanco launches VC armMerck backs Rejuvenate BioRoyal Canin researchers call for actionHeart+Paw Personalized Care PlansPayPal Ventures closes shopHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPasspaw - Pet Travel Compliance Tools For Veterinary PracticesThe Bird Bath TerminalMedivet exits Spain, Florida’s Rx Law, Zoetis Leadership, Colleges Abort
Third week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Medivet Divests Spain to VetPartnersMidwestern pulls plug on new collegeZoetis ExecutivesFlorida opens up RxSuperZoo welcomes VetsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPasspaw - Pet Travel Compliance Tools For Veterinary PracticesThe Bird Bath TerminalScrewworms in US, Hill’s New CVMO, 701x Funding, More Mobile Moves
Second week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Screwworms have crossed the borderDr. Karen Shenoy is Hill’s new Global CVO701x oversubscribed Series BReadiVet joins BlueSkyCornell’s new DeanHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPasspaw - Pet Travel Compliance Tools For Veterinary PracticesThe Bird Bath TerminalTractor Supply and VIP Petcare, Mission’s RE Sale, Mentorship Benefits, Just Food for Dogs
First week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Tractor Supply acquires VIP PetcareMission Pet Health sells off real estateReady, Vet, Go Mentorship StudyJust Food for Dogs new LeaderHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPasspaw - Pet Travel Compliance Tools For Veterinary PracticesThe Bird Bath TerminalMerck Ads vs. Elanco, Freshpet’s Whole Story, BI puts numbers to Vet Experience
Last week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
Merck’s Bravetco Quatum Ads under FireFreshpet authorized $150M Share buybackBoehringer Ingelheim’s Going Beyond SurveyHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackThe Bird Bath TerminalElanco Settlement, Dogs’ Fear and Anxiety, Papaya Closure, Finally F1
Third week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
Elanco Settles Antitrust Case84% of Dog exhibit fear and anxietyPapaya Vet Care closesF1 collabs with VetreskaHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackIGNITE Veterinary Learning – Kit Club: Your Veterinary Practice's Best Team MeetingThe Bird Bath TerminalTX VCPR Moves, New COOs, VetSnap’s Locker, Zoetis and IDEXX
Second week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
Texas VCPR makes MovesTwo new COOsVetSnap launches Smart LockerA tale of Two Quarters: ZTS and IDXXHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackIGNITE Veterinary Learning – Kit Club: Your Veterinary Practice's Best Team MeetingThe Bird Bath TerminalTrupanion Up, Homeward Out, College Changes, Colorado Win
First week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
Trupanion has big Q1HomewardVets Closes UpColorado Bans Puppy MillsUC Davis’ Big FundingOkState’s New DeanHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramThe Bird Bath TerminalPetMeds Expands, Fear Free Validiation, NVA adds to IPO Team
Last week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
World Veterinary DayPetMeds partners up with Rural KingFear Free makes safer PracticesNVA adds new CFOHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramThe Bird Bath TerminalVeterinarian of the YearTerminal Vet Database, Zoetis Drone Delivery, Heartland’s new CEO, Nordhealth Up, and Best Friends Success
Fourth week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
The Bird Bath Terminal: 37,000 practices liveZoetis and Zipline bring meds to KenyaHeartland announces new CEONordhealth sees 47% Growth in US Vet2 out of 3 shelter are No-KillHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramThe Bird Bath TerminalChewy and Modern Animal, Bond Vet, Ceva’s new co-Leader, Dutch’s Report
Third week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
Chewy and Modern Animal UpdatesBond Vet jumps on MembershipsCeva’s new Deputy CEOAt-home testing’s new entrantDutch’s Pet Care Gap ReportHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramVeterinary AI Bracket ChallengeAI Scribing Hits Majority Mark, Spot Pet Insurance Highlights Cost, March Madness
Second week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
Jon Ayers and Adam Wysocki drop more AI Scribing DataCoVet Clients Happiest, ScribbleVet largest playerSpot Pet Insurance cost impact dataOtto Takes Home the ChampionshipHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramVeterinary AI Bracket ChallengeUK CMA Latest, Chewy’s Big Q4, Tractive Acquires, Title Protection
First week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
UK’s New Rules for Vet PracticesChewy’s Big Q4 NumbersTractive Acquired by Bending SpoonsNAVTA Scope of Practice ReportHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramVeterinary AI Bracket ChallengeAVMA State of Profession, IVC Eyes IPO, Zoetis and Petsmart Charities
Last week of March, what’d you miss in vet med?
OpenVet launches VetClawIVC Evidensia eyeing multibillion-pound London IPOAVMA Economic Report: heavy debt, strong labor marketPetSmart Charities awards $3M in shelter grantsZoetis Foundation gives out $2.25M in scholarshipsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramVeterinary AI Bracket ChallengeWorkforce Updates, Dechra HQ, Hill’s Shelter Report, Cats worth $21B
Third week of March, what'd you miss in vet med?
VPAs, Arizona's OJT pathway, distance ed guardrailsDechra moves global HQ to BostonHill's 2026 Shelter Report$21B untapped feline patientsPawsible Venture IncubatorHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramHill's 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption ReportNew JAK City, PE Exit Struggles, CBD for Dogs Inches Forward, PetcoLove 4M
Second week of March, what'd you miss in vet med?
FDA approves Merck's NUMELVI — first second-gen JAK inhibitor for dogsPE firms struggling to exit pandemic-era vet deals (Encore, CareVet, and Blue River hit the market)InnoCan gets third FDA fee waiver for CBD pain injection in dogsPetSmart + Healthy Paws expand insurance partnershipPetco Love hits 4 million free vaccinesHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development Program2026 Animal Health Summit Emerging Company ApplicationTikTok - Is it Pet Smart or Pets Marks?Zoetis Buys Neogen Genomics, Mars, Bissell, and AKC Bring Funds, Bond to the Rescue
First week of March, what’d you miss in vet med?
Zoetis to acquire Neogen’s Genomics DivisionGallant partners with MWI and data with AAHAMars Impact FundDuffield and Bissell Fix the FutureAKC Humane FundCutting Horse launches $75M FundBond Vet partners with ACC of NYCHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramCovetrus x MWI, Cambridge Stays Open, Negotiating Relief, Spots hits 1M
Last week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Quick hit on Covetrus and MWI MergerUniversity of Cambridge keeps Vet School openSerenity Vet launches AI negotiation toolSpot hits 1M insured petsPetBux launches cashback marketplaceHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackfirst100Loyal’s $100M, Open Door Says Yes to Care, Hollywood Feed ready to Grow
Third week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Loyal brings in $100M Series COpen Door, myBalto, and Varidi launch Yes to CareHollywood Feed preps for expansionWeather and Dog BitesHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackfirst100Yes to Care – Helping Veterinary Hospitals Save More Pet LivesOllie for $600M, Shelter Data, Vet Salaries Revealed, and Biobanking
Second week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Ollie acquired for $600MKey Findings from the 2025 Shelter Animal CountRing expands Search PartyEarly career vet salariesColossal Biosciences' new BiobankHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackfirst100MWI+Covetrus?, Snout’s $110M, Rover’s Purrrchase, and DSM-Firmenich AHN potential
First week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Is Covetrus eyeing MWI?Snout brings in $110MRover acquires MeowtelCVC looking at dsm‑firmenich Animal Nutrition & HealthHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackInventory AllyIndeVets x Fear Free, NOMV Grants, AAVMC Scholarships, and Barnwell Bio Round
Last week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
IndeVets launches all Fear Free VetsAAVMC awards $160k in ScholarshipsNOMV Offers Support and GrantsIVP finally delistsBarnwell Bio Raises $6MHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformNOMV - Apply for a GrantPetSmart Charities Data, IDEXX and Mars Leaders, Acquisitions, and AI
Third week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
PetSmart Charities releases major ReportBrakke Session at VMXIDEXX’s new CEOMars Petcare’s new PresidentInstinct Acquires ScribbleVetVetGetRX unites uncommon partnersMixlab, Otto, and HT Vet roll out more AIVOTE for The Bird Bath on The Bridge ClubHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformThe Bridge Club - Vote For the USA's Brightest Mind TodayLive at VMX! One Question Across Vet Med
We asked thought leaders in vet med, “What’s one metric that everyone should be tracking?”
Practice leadersTech innovatorsChief Medical OfficersResearchersAnd more…Helpful links:
The Bird Bath substackThe Bridge Club - Vote For the USA's Brightest Mind TodayAVMA Responds, AAHA CEO, Cascadia Report, Vet AI Safety Charter
Second week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
Cascadia Capital releases Pet Industry OverviewAVMA Responds to DOJPurina Award WinnersAAHA New CEOOpenVet launches The Veterinary AI Safety CharterVOTE for The Bird Bath on The Bridge ClubHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformThe Bridge Club - Vote For the USA's Brightest Mind TodayFresh Food Fight, Paw Prospers, New Breeds, Pet Safety
First week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
Researchers dig into fresh food dataPaw Prosper Acquires CRICenter for Pet Safety approves VolvoAKC reveals new BreedsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI Platform2025 Post Mortem & Predicting 2026The Birdies: 2025’s Top Stories
The End of 2025, what’d you miss in vet med?
Most Downloaded StoryBig Move of the YearCorner Office Reset of the YearIn MemoriumNew Heavyweight of the YearShowdown of the YearHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformDOJ on AVMA v. LMU, Two Big Jobs, More on PETS, LifeLearn’s Acquistion
Fourth week of December, what’d you miss in vet med?
DOJ Releases Statement on LMU v. AVMA suitAnother offer for PetMedsInnovetive’s New COOTVB’s New Editor-in-ChiefPet Supply Plus and Wag N Wash break freeProsites Acquires Genius VetsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl AI: Veterinary AI Platform